BRAND GUIDELINES AND BRAND BOOK
The rules that keep your brand looking the same, whoever works with it.
What brand guidelines are, and what they include
Brand guidelines, also called a brand book or brand manual, are the document with the rules for using your brand. They show how the logo is applied, which colours and typefaces are used, what the imagery looks like and what is not allowed. Without them, every designer, printer or marketing agency interprets the brand in their own way, and the brand looks smaller than it is.
What BroHouse brand guidelines include:
- the logo in every version, with clear space and minimum sizes;
- the colour palette, with print and digital codes (Pantone, CMYK, RGB, HEX);
- typography and text hierarchy;
- graphic elements, photography and illustration style;
- example applications: stationery, presentations, social media, signage, packaging;
- what is not allowed, with clear visual examples;
- optionally, tone and messaging principles linked to the brand’s positioning.
Who they are for. The guidelines are written for the people who work with the brand every day: the marketing team, in-house designers, external agencies, printers and distributors. That is why we make them clear and practical, not a presentation piece.
We explain the difference between a logo and a full identity in Logo vs visual identity. How a visual system works is in Visual branding and identity systems.
When you need brand guidelines, and how we work
Real projects.
- Green Corporation: the guidelines set the rules for the main logo, colour palette and typography across all three companies in the group.
- Turabo: the packaging guidelines keep all 15 coffee products consistent on the shelf.
When you need them:
- after a new visual identity or a rebrand;
- when several teams or agencies work with the brand;
- when you have several products, stores or companies under one brand;
- when your materials have started to look different from one channel to the next.
For an existing identity. If you already have a logo and materials but no written rules, we can build the guidelines from what exists. If the identity has problems, we tell you first, so the guidelines don’t lock the mistakes in.
Timelines and costs. Usually a few weeks. Timing and cost depend on how many applications we document and whether the identity needs correcting first. For an estimate, write to us.
Why BroHouse. Projects are led directly by the founders. Our guidelines are made by the same people who build the identity, so the rules are designed for real applications, not just for presentation.
OUR BRAND GUIDELINES PROCESS
Consistency is not limitation. It is the power behind recognition.
Identity review
We see what exists, what works and what needs correcting.
Visual rules
We set the logo, colours, typefaces and graphic elements.
Applications
We show the rules on real materials: print, digital, packaging.
Review
We validate the guidelines with the team that will use them.
Handover
We deliver the guidelines and files, ready to use.
Frequently asked questions about brand guidelines
What are brand guidelines?
They are the document with the rules for using the brand: how the logo is applied, which colours and typefaces are used, what the imagery looks like and what is not allowed.
Is a brand book the same as brand guidelines?
Yes. They are also called a brand manual or visual identity guidelines.
What do brand guidelines include?
The logo in every version, colours with print and digital codes, typography, graphic elements, image style, example applications and what is not allowed.
Who uses brand guidelines?
The marketing team, in-house designers, external agencies, printers and distributors: everyone who produces materials with the brand.
Can you create guidelines for an existing identity?
Yes. We start from your current logo and materials. If the identity has problems, we tell you first, so the guidelines don't lock the mistakes in.
How long does it take to create brand guidelines?
Usually a few weeks, depending on how many applications we document and whether the identity needs correcting first.
Do I receive the guidelines in digital format?
Yes. We deliver them digitally, easy to share with partners, together with the logo files and graphic elements.
Can the guidelines be updated?
Yes. Brands evolve. We recommend updating the guidelines when new products, channels or applications appear.