The Principles of Visual Identity
by Johanny
June 3, 2024
Your potential client is in a situation similar to a romantic date.
They are looking for the ideal partner—one who will meet their expectations and offer a strong, lasting relationship.
Imagine this: at a speed-dating event, they meet several potential partners, but not all of them meet their criteria.
Consistency
Principle #1
The partner talks about their love for sports—something that immediately resonates with the client. They have a long conversation about the topic and the benefits of an active lifestyle, but then the partner admits they no longer practice any sport and gave it up out of discouragement. The enthusiasm quickly fades.
The partner claims a behavior they don’t actually embody. They are not consistent across all aspects of their life. The same applies to your visual identity: it must be consistent in every aspect to convey a credible and strong image.
Differentiation
Principle #2
The client moves on to partner #2’s table. They sit down and ask questions about their personality. The partner replies that they are kind and punctual, enjoy walks along the beach, and love chocolate. Hmm… nothing very original.
The client finds the partner boring. They’re just like everyone else—nothing that makes them stand out. That’s why your identity must differentiate itself from the crowd with a personality of its own.
Memorability
Principle #3
The client leaves the table and heads to the next one. Oh… it’s someone they already met at table #3. They change their hairstyle every month—impossible to recognize! In short, it seems there was no real connection anyway. The client moves straight to table #4.
The client didn’t recognize the partner and barely remembered them. Similarly, if your identity constantly changes colors and typography, it becomes harder for your audience to keep you in mind.
Adaptability
Principle #4
The client sits down and the partner says nothing—not even hello! Their eyes are glued to their phone. The client asks what’s going on. The partner cuts them off, saying they need to finish an Instagram Reel—it’s non-negotiable. Next!
The partner isn’t very flexible and doesn’t consider the context they’re in. They’re there to meet people, yet they’re not participating. Your identity must be able to adapt to every context and medium where it appears, whether in print or online.
Simplicity
Principle #5
Hoping it will be better this time, the client heads to table #5. They meet a scholarly philosophy professor who talks about syllogisms, antinomies, and eucata…—the bell finally rings! “We could have made better use of those 15 minutes,” the client thinks.
The client didn’t understand the terms. It was too complicated and there was too much information for such a short interaction. Your visual identity must be simple and clear to avoid creating confusion in your audience’s mind.
Authenticity
Principle #6
The client moves on to table #6. They sit down and introduce themselves. The client asks, “Do you have a passion?” The partner answers, “Not really…” with an awkward look. The client tries to draw them out, but the partner has nothing to say. Too bad—it’s hard to find common ground. The client leaves empty-handed.
The partner failed to build a connection with the client. The conversation felt empty. Your visual identity must reflect your company’s values and personality to create an emotional connection with your audience.
Whether in love or in business, it’s essential to find the right partner—the one who meets your criteria and expectations.
Let us help you find your next perfect match by creating a visual identity that truly captivates your audience.
Keep the ideas flowing
For the love of collaboration