Why Every Brand Needs a Style Guide (And What to Include)

Lisa Jenkins

21th of July, 2025

Most brands invest in logos, websites, and visuals — but they often skip the one thing that holds it all together: a style guide.

A brand style guide is your reference for how to show up consistently. It keeps your visuals and messaging aligned across every platform and team. Whether you're working with freelancers, expanding your internal team, or creating your hundredth piece of content, this guide ensures your brand always feels like you.

At our agency, we include style guides as part of our process because they protect and extend the value of everything we create. They turn great branding into something scalable.

"A great style guide makes handoffs easier. It reduces the risk of miscommunication. It gives you peace of mind that your brand will be represented properly, even if you’re not directly involved."

What to include in a strong style guide

We typically include:

  • Logo usage rules and spacing

  • Brand colour palette with hex and CMYK values

  • Font hierarchy and how to apply it

  • Image direction or photography examples

  • Tone of voice guidance

  • Do’s and don’ts for messaging

  • Real-world examples of application

These aren’t just design rules. They’re tools for creative consistency — across your social feeds, your investor decks, your packaging, and beyond.

Our award winning design team builds every guide with usability in mind. It’s not about pages of fluff. It’s about giving your team something they’ll actually use.

A great style guide makes handoffs easier. It reduces the risk of miscommunication. It gives you peace of mind that your brand will be represented properly, even if you’re not directly involved.

If you already have a brand but lack the documentation to back it up, we can help. And if you’re building something new from scratch, we’ll make sure your brand is set up to last.

Ready to turn your visuals and voice into something scalable? Start a project or contact us to begin.

Lisa Jenkins

21th of July, 2025

More Articles

Beyond the Disruption: Turning Tariff Challenges into Long-Term Marketing Triumphs

The concept of “when design ends” is a thought-provoking question that challenges traditional perceptions. In reality, design is an ever-evolving process that often has no definitive endpoint. Each project undergoes continuous iterations, influenced by feedback, trends, and technological advancements. As designers, we must embrace the fluidity of our work, understanding that perfection is a moving target. Ultimately, the end of a design project is often just the beginning of a new phase of refinement and improvement.

Beyond the Disruption: Turning Tariff Challenges into Long-Term Marketing Triumphs

The concept of “when design ends” is a thought-provoking question that challenges traditional perceptions. In reality, design is an ever-evolving process that often has no definitive endpoint. Each project undergoes continuous iterations, influenced by feedback, trends, and technological advancements. As designers, we must embrace the fluidity of our work, understanding that perfection is a moving target. Ultimately, the end of a design project is often just the beginning of a new phase of refinement and improvement.

Beyond the Disruption: Turning Tariff Challenges into Long-Term Marketing Triumphs

The concept of “when design ends” is a thought-provoking question that challenges traditional perceptions. In reality, design is an ever-evolving process that often has no definitive endpoint. Each project undergoes continuous iterations, influenced by feedback, trends, and technological advancements. As designers, we must embrace the fluidity of our work, understanding that perfection is a moving target. Ultimately, the end of a design project is often just the beginning of a new phase of refinement and improvement.

Committed to our local community

We are proud to announce that Edward Hugo has been listed for Site of the Day (SOTD) by Awwwards. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional creativity and technical prowess behind his latest project. Edward’s innovative approach to design, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, has set a new benchmark in the industry. Being nominated for SOTD is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We congratulate Edward on this well-deserved honor and look forward to celebrating more achievements with him.

Committed to our local community

We are proud to announce that Edward Hugo has been listed for Site of the Day (SOTD) by Awwwards. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional creativity and technical prowess behind his latest project. Edward’s innovative approach to design, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, has set a new benchmark in the industry. Being nominated for SOTD is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We congratulate Edward on this well-deserved honor and look forward to celebrating more achievements with him.

Committed to our local community

We are proud to announce that Edward Hugo has been listed for Site of the Day (SOTD) by Awwwards. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional creativity and technical prowess behind his latest project. Edward’s innovative approach to design, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, has set a new benchmark in the industry. Being nominated for SOTD is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We congratulate Edward on this well-deserved honor and look forward to celebrating more achievements with him.

Launch. Listen. Learn. Why Iterative Branding Wins

Emerged as a powerful tool in modern branding, resonating deeply with consumers. By tapping into fond memories and emotions, brands can create a strong connection with their audience. This trend leverages retro aesthetics, familiar themes, and classic design elements to evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity. In a rapidly changing world, nostalgia offers a reassuring link to the past. As a result, many brands are incorporating nostalgic elements into their identity to stand out and forge lasting bonds with customers.

Launch. Listen. Learn. Why Iterative Branding Wins

Emerged as a powerful tool in modern branding, resonating deeply with consumers. By tapping into fond memories and emotions, brands can create a strong connection with their audience. This trend leverages retro aesthetics, familiar themes, and classic design elements to evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity. In a rapidly changing world, nostalgia offers a reassuring link to the past. As a result, many brands are incorporating nostalgic elements into their identity to stand out and forge lasting bonds with customers.

Launch. Listen. Learn. Why Iterative Branding Wins

Emerged as a powerful tool in modern branding, resonating deeply with consumers. By tapping into fond memories and emotions, brands can create a strong connection with their audience. This trend leverages retro aesthetics, familiar themes, and classic design elements to evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity. In a rapidly changing world, nostalgia offers a reassuring link to the past. As a result, many brands are incorporating nostalgic elements into their identity to stand out and forge lasting bonds with customers.

Sustainability Meets Aesthetics in Packaging Design

The intersection of sustainability and aesthetics in packaging design is reshaping the industry. Consumers today are more environmentally conscious, demanding eco-friendly packaging solutions. Designers are responding by creating innovative, sustainable packaging that does not compromise on visual appeal. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances brand image and consumer loyalty. As sustainable materials and practices become more prevalent, the challenge lies in balancing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Meets Aesthetics in Packaging Design

The intersection of sustainability and aesthetics in packaging design is reshaping the industry. Consumers today are more environmentally conscious, demanding eco-friendly packaging solutions. Designers are responding by creating innovative, sustainable packaging that does not compromise on visual appeal. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances brand image and consumer loyalty. As sustainable materials and practices become more prevalent, the challenge lies in balancing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Meets Aesthetics in Packaging Design

The intersection of sustainability and aesthetics in packaging design is reshaping the industry. Consumers today are more environmentally conscious, demanding eco-friendly packaging solutions. Designers are responding by creating innovative, sustainable packaging that does not compromise on visual appeal. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances brand image and consumer loyalty. As sustainable materials and practices become more prevalent, the challenge lies in balancing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.