Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 4 min read

Creating a compelling brand identity is the key to setting your brand apart in the crowded marketplace. A stylescape is a visual tool that helps achieve this purpose. But how to create a stylescape that truly represents your brand? Let's break it down into three simple steps.

Step 1: Dive into Your Brand Personality

First things first, you need to have a deep understanding of your brand's personality. This involves three key aspects: defining your brand values, identifying your target audience, and outlining your brand mission.

Define Your Brand Values

Think of your brand as a person. What are its core values? What does it stand for? For example, if you're creating a stylescape for a company like Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, you might highlight values like environmental sustainability and adventure.

Identify Your Target Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your brand? Understanding your audience is a vital step in determining how to create a stylescape that resonates with them. If we continue with our Patagonia example, you might identify your audience as outdoor enthusiasts who care about the environment.

Outline Your Brand Mission

Last but not least, you need to define your brand's mission. What is it that your brand aims to achieve or provide? For Patagonia, their mission statement is: "We’re in business to save our home planet." Your mission should encapsulate what makes you unique and what you want to accomplish.

Once you've nailed down these aspects, you're ready to move onto the next step — choosing your brand elements. Stay tuned!

Step 2: Choose Your Brand Elements

Now that you've got a firm grasp on your brand's personality, it's time to translate that into tangible elements. These are the visual cues that will make up your stylescape. Let's dig into how to create a stylescape that visually communicates your brand's essence.

Pick a Color Palette

Your color palette is more than just a selection of pretty shades — it's a visual reflection of your brand values. Let's go back to our Patagonia example. They might opt for earthy tones that echo their commitment to the environment. So, think about the emotions and values that your brand's colors should convey.

Decide on Typography

Typography is another powerful tool in your stylescape creation toolkit. It can add personality to your brand. A brand like Patagonia might choose a rugged, bold typeface that speaks to its adventurous spirit. What does your brand's voice sound like, and how can you express it through typography?

Select Imagery and Graphics

Imagery and graphics serve to reinforce your brand's personality. If your brand were in a photo album, what kind of pictures would it contain? For a brand like Patagonia, you might see images of stunning landscapes and adventurous outdoor pursuits. Select images and graphics that tell your brand's story.

Create Logo Design

Your logo is often the first thing people associate with your brand. It should encapsulate all the elements we've discussed so far. Patagonia's logo, for instance, features a mountain range — a clear nod to the brand's outdoor nature and environmental values.

Now that you've chosen your brand elements, you're well on your way to creating a stylescape that's a true reflection of your brand's identity. But we're not done yet. Let's move on to the final step — assembling your stylescape.

Step 3: Assemble Your Stylescape

Alright, you've done the groundwork. You have your brand personality clear and your brand elements ready. Now, it's time to bring all these pieces together into a cohesive stylescape. Let's explore how to create a stylescape that's both compelling and coherent.

Organize Your Elements

First things first, you need to organize your elements. It's like a puzzle — each piece has its place, and they all work together to create a larger picture. Think about how your color palette, typography, graphics, and logo can work together. You might find that some elements naturally pair well, like Patagonia's earthy color palette and rugged typography. Start by grouping these complementary elements together.

Arrange Elements in a Flow

Next, it's time to arrange your elements. A stylescape isn't just a random collection of brand elements. It's a visual narrative that guides the viewer through your brand's story. So, think about the flow. You could start with your logo, then introduce your color palette and typography, and finally your imagery. Imagine you're telling a story — what's the logical sequence?

Review and Refine

Finally, take a step back and look at your stylescape. Does it feel right? Does it tell your brand's story as you intended? This is your opportunity to refine and tweak. Maybe that image doesn't quite convey the adventurous spirit of Patagonia, or maybe that shade of green isn't quite earthy enough. It's okay to make changes until everything fits just right.

And there you have it — you've learned how to create a stylescape that encapsulates your brand's unique identity. With these three steps, you're not just designing a stylescape, you're telling a visual story. And that's a powerful tool to connect with your audience. So, what's your brand's story?

If you're looking to further develop your brand identity skills, don't miss the workshop "How to Find your Unique Art Style" by Stefan Große Halbuer. This workshop will guide you through the process of discovering your own unique art style, which is essential for creating a compelling and consistent brand identity.