Brand with bravery
When I was a kid, I had Superman wallpaper on my bedroom walls (just like the stuff you can see above). Along with my Sheffield Wednesday duvet cover and my Spiderman curtains, it was not a particularly relaxing space. That said, I did love that wallpaper. I’d get lost in all the mini-battles he was fighting, and I’d repeatedly draw the cool S symbol and trace the SUPERMAN 3D typography.
As an adult, I have come to fully appreciate the enduring visual power of the Superman brand. We can all learn a thing or two from the iconic hero, who has stood the test of time.
Imagine the bravery it took to step out of the house for the first time, clad in a skin-tight blue suit complete with a cape and underwear worn on the outside! How many different versions of that outfit must he have tried before he finally settled on that iconic look? Yet, despite the potential for ridicule or rejection, he wholeheartedly embraced his unique identity and took a bold leap of faith.
Businesses must also take risks and use their strengths to stand out in a crowded market. Too many companies play it safe, while few utilise their full potential. The key is to be brave and take risks. But how can we summon the courage to be branding superheroes when it's easier to play it safe like Clark Kent than take bold action like the Man of Steel? Fear not, for here are some tips to help you unleash your inner hero and become a branding force to be reckoned with!
- Choose the right Allies
Firstly, it's important to choose partners that understand your brand and its values. Your design agency should be your ally in creating a visual identity that truly represents your brand. Look for partners that take the time to understand your brand's values and personality and work with you to craft a visual language that reflects them. - Don't be afraid to take creative risks.
Superman has to make bold choices to save the day all the time. You too need to make bold design choices to truly stand out. Don't settle for safe, generic creative work that blends in with the crowd. Take risks and experiment with different design elements that reflect your brand's values and personality. - Give clear and honest feedback.
Superheroes are not afraid to speak their minds and give honest feedback to their allies. Similarly, you should communicate your likes and dislikes (whilst being mindful that you are branding for your customers, not you) about the creative and give feedback to the agency to refine the design further. - Stay true to your brand's values and personality.
Just like superheroes have a moral code that guides their actions, your brand's values should guide the design choices you make. Don't compromise on your brand's values and personality to fit in with the crowd.
To stand out in today's crowded market, it's crucial to take creative risks and show courage when creating or improving your business's brand identity. Unlike the high-stakes situations in superhero stories, the only thing at risk is your pride if a design choice misses the mark. We must embrace bravery and experimentation, quickly adapting to both successes and failures along the way.
By using these tips and trusting your instincts, your brand has the potential to become a superhero in its own right. So, don your cape, put your underwear on the outside of your clothes, and let's embark on this branding adventure together!