Branding / Identity

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

Just as location is everything in real estate, image is everything in business. To convey your image accurately and well is the primary goal of any brand building process.

Branding

Branding is the sum total of all the parts of your company’s identity. It is about both the look of your business (its buildings, personnel, products, and services) as well as the feelings and associations that people have when they think of your business (sophisticated, playful, cutting-edge, laid back, professional, etc.).

The look of your brand is developed through the consistent application of your visual identity to all of your business materials. It should also be evident in employee demeanor, interactions and attire, and in the architectural details and decor of your buildings.

The feelings and associations people have about your brand are developed over time and through repeated exposure to the products, services, spaces, and people who work for you. These impression are also built and reinforced by implementing strategic marketing and public relations campaigns that communicate your company's values, educate your consumers, and keep critical core messages in the public eye.  

The look and feel of your brand should extend into ALL aspects of your business. This includes the style of your written and verbal communications, the appearance and concepts used in advertising and marketing campaigns, your online and in-person presence, and business activities such as website development and maintenance, paperwork and invoices, product packaging, email blasts, speaking events, social media posts, tradeshow displays, and more.

Successful branding has occurred when your company is easily recognized and your products and services have a quickly associated, positive appeal.

Identity

A well articulated visual or 'corporate' identity commonly starts with the creation of a unique mark (or logo). This mark is a symbolic representation of your business and it should be memorable. It should also convey important information about your organization or reflect the mood of the products or services that you provide. Most logos are derived from graphic elements (custom illustrations/photos), unique typography, or a combination of both.

Your identity is further defined by the careful selection and development of a color palette, complementary and expressive typefaces, unique visuals (graphic patterns, illustration styles, or specific image treatments) and the 'voice' or style of your copywriting (casual, formal, friendly, technical).

All of the elements in your identity are strategically chosen to communicate what your business is about and to reinforce important aspects of your overall brand. Over time, your visual identity becomes strongly connected in the consumer's mind with your products and services and your business becomes easy to identify.

Act One Creative — Branding Expertise and Experience

Over the years we have worked with many businesses — from small start-ups to large corporations — to define, craft, and update their identities and to help them establish their brand. In fact, the team at Act One Creative has a number of specialized degrees and over 40 years of practical experience doing just that!

And, because we keep "big picture" marketing in mind, we are able to provide you with much more than logo development. We'll develop a strategic and cohesive visual identity for you, apply it consistently throughout your business and marketing materials, and help you build your overall brand recognition.