When you're doing every aspect of your brand yourself, sometimes it's hard to maintain a consistent look and things quickly start to get messy. I get it, it's a lot.
If you're reading this, you probably already have a logo, a colour palette & some fonts. But there's a big chance you are struggling to keep everything together (otherwise you wouldn't have clicked on this article!). That's totally understandable when you're doing everything yourself and you have a lot to think about: instagram posts, website pages, eventbrite banners, presentations... the list goes on!
One of the easiest way to make sure your brand has a consistent look and feel is to create a brand board and stick to it throughout all touchpoints. In this article, I'll share everything you need to know about brand boards and how to make the most of it.
What is a brand board, what's its purpose and why do I need one?
— What is a brand board?
A brand board is a visual document that combines all your brand’s elements in one place.
Think of it like a toolbox with all your brand's assets. It's a visual guide you refer back to any time you create a new marketing material: website page, instagram post, guidebook, etc! Remember, the most important part of brand design is consistency.
The elements typically found on a brand board are:
✴ Logo(s)
✴ Colour Palette
✴ Fonts
✴ Photography style
✴ Graphic Elements
As a brand designer, it's one part of my deliverables when I work on branding projects with my clients.
— Why use a brand board?
Not sure if you need a brand board?
Let's play a game. Does any of the following statements speak to you:
Are you wasting time questioning your design choices while creating marketing materials such as instagram posts?
Do you think your brand looks messy and you have a hard time staying consistent?
Are you in the process of rebranding and don’t know where to start?
If you answered yes to at least 2 of those questions, there's no doubt you need to make yourself a brand board. By doing this exercice you will:
Have a visual guide helping you maintain consistency across all platforms. Whenever you need to create a new marketing material, double check your brand board to make sure all your communications look the same. I won't repeat this enough: consistency is key.
Save some of your precious time. You don't have to question your design choices anymore, woohoo! Do this exercice once, make all the decisions, and STICK TO IT. Liberating, no?
Gain clarity on your business. A brand board will make you realise if your brand image is visually interesting; if your looks are aligned to your values in order to connect with your target audience. It will help you figure out if your brand identity needs to be developed, redesigned or if it’s perfect just the way it is!
— It's not rocket science but it WORKS.
Keep reading to learn how to make a brand board for yourself!
How to create a brand board?
The good news is that I made it easy by creating an editable Canva brand board template for you. Nice, right? I know!
— How to use the Brand Board template?
Log in to your Canva account. If you don't have an account yet,you can sign up for free on canva.com
Open the link to the template by clicking here → Click me!
Click on "Use template for new design" and swap all the brand elements to your own using design tools on the left.
Once you're done, download your brand board to your files and don't forget to check it every once in a while to make sure you don't get side-tracked. You can also print it and pin it above your workspace for an easy access!
That's it! I hope you found this article and template valuable and you got clarity while doing this exercice. Now you probably have a better idea of what brand identity is and maybe even see your business from a different angle. Exciting, right?
Need help with your branding and brand identity?
You don't have to do everything yourself. I'm here for you.
Whenever you are ready, here are some ways I can help you:
Free website review, for those of you who just need to talk things through. A free call to go through your website and give you feedback on your current brand identity and a list of easy tips to improve your overall look and feel in just a few clicks!
Branding consultancy, for those of you who like to do things on their own but need an design expert's guidance and support. An in-depth 90min call to discuss your brand strategy followed by a personalised game plan with clear action steps for you to work on your website.
Branding packages, for those of you who are ready to invest in your (re)branding. Let's talk about it! Book a (no obligation) discovery call. We'll take time to discuss where you are at in your entrepreneurial journey and I'll make up a personalised package that matches your needs.