What is a brand guide, and why do you need one?

Nothing truly breaks my heart more than seeing a beautiful brand get butchered by someone else. Like when you see someone sponsoring an event and their logo was changed or, worse, squished to fit the banner? or when someone decided to change the color of your logo just "cuz". Yikes!

This is why it's crucial to have brand standards.

Brand Standards are the rules to your visual identity. These are to help you as well as other people who may be working with your visuals. They should minimally include:

• Colors

• Type (fonts)

• Logo usage

Other brand standards can be a bit more comprehensive and include things like how to use patterns and image styles.

This guide is to help you keep your visuals consistent and to ensure your brand doesn't get botched by someone else as time goes on.

Whenever someone asks for your logo because you are sponsoring something, or you are getting t-shirts made, etc. Always pass the logo files with your brand standards. I would always recommend proofing things before they go to press to ensure your brand stays consistent.

If you're not sure what your visuals should include, read this blog here.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments.

xo naoma