The concept of identity is not just limited to human beings. It also extends to corporations. When we think of the word ‘identity’, the dominant image most of us get is a card-printed name. But corporate identity goes beyond just the name; the latter is only an aspect of it. It includes logos, colours, fonts, websites, business cards, digital communication, and brand voice. Corporate identity is a composite picture and these elements are necessary when you have your company logo designed (Bedrijfslogo Laten Ontwerpen).
In this article, we’ll understand the basics of corporate identity design, where you might need to have your logo made, have a website designed (website laten ontwerpen), or focus on developing comprehensive designs for internal corporate affairs. We’ll also elaborate more on the elements that help build a memorable corporate identity.
What is corporate identity?
While each human being has a different identity and personality (being a part of nature), the corporate world is an artificial construct. It is not made of blood and flesh like a human who has feelings and emotions. It’s a man-made creation, an artificial monolith. It is often portrayed as a cold, lifeless institution where workers clock in just to lose themselves in monotony.
Philosophical ruminations about the nature of corporations aside, corporate identity is crucial for economic activity. But what exactly is this identity?
The corporate identity is a vast domain and is composed of the following elements:
- Name and insignia of the company
- Promoters, investors, shareholders, and employees
- Products and services
- Brand voice and merchandise
All these elements come together to form a coherent identity that allows consumers to recognise a business and connect with its brand. When the corporate identity design is done well, consumers make it a part of their identity as well (those crazy Apple users!)
Difference between corporate identity and brand identity
Many people confuse corporate and brand identity. They think of these to be interchangeable terms. However, there’s a stark difference between the two.
- Corporate identity: It is the overarching framework of a business. It includes all the stakeholders in the business as well as all its brands and products.
- Brand identity: It is a subset of the larger corporate identity. Google Chrome and YouTube are different brands, with their own trademarks and logos. But they are both part of the Alphabet Inc.
Building blocks of corporate identity design
The corporate identity design (Huisstijl Ontwerpen) predominantly deals with the visual features of the business. Here are the basic building blocks that make up this design:
- Logo: It’s the most visible representation of a business. The company’s logo is what distinguishes its brand and business from its competitors.
- Website: A website is a necessity in the digital age. It’s a trusted digital outlet to deal with consumers directly. You should talk to professionals to have a website designed (website laten ontwerpen) because they can enrich the process along with your inputs in it.
- Fonts and colour: The shape of the letters and colour palette used make a huge difference in brand perception and engagement.
- Merchandise: This is a necessary aspect of the corporate identity. Its usefulness in brand outreach and visibility is unquestionable.
- Internal design: How a company designs the interiors of its office and retail outlets is reflective of its intent. The right imagery leads to a good impression.
Why is building a corporate identity important?
If a company wants to be etched in posterity, it needs a corporate identity. Even if you don’t have such lofty goals, a corporate identity still makes utilitarian sense. Here are the reasons why it’s so important to build a corporate identity:
- To have a unique existence: Every corporation wants to be seen differently. No business wants to be assimilated like a drop of water in the ocean (of similar businesses). A unique identity means better visibility.
- To get instant recognition: People recognise shapes and visual patterns more than names. Having a clear corporate identity with a distinguishing logo and bright colours helps them recognise your business immediately.
- To build a relatable image: The reason you have your company logo designed (Bedrijfslogo Laten Ontwerpen) is to build an image that people can relate to. Imagery further strengthens the corporate identity.
- To communicate like a real person: Corporations have to make a conscious and sustained effort to communicate with consumers. The various aspects of corporate identity like the logo, merchandise, and events help them in this outreach.
- To build a legacy: You know a corporate identity is robust when you look at the corporation’s legacy. There’s a reason some companies are still going strong even after a century.
Key Takeaway
Want to have your company logo designed (Bedrijfslogo Laten Ontwerpen)? Well, the logo and other design elements are a set of visual elements that help cement brand recognition. It presents a holistic brand picture with a focus on creating attractive visual imagery.
Logo and web design are crucial elements of this design. Other elements include name, insignia, merchandise, and advertisement. These elements come together to create a coherent and memorable brand picture. It inevitably facilitates a lasting bond between the business and consumers.
