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GUIDE02

Branding Guide

8 min read

Your brand is more than just a logo. It's the complete visual and verbal language that represents your company. Consistency in how you present your brand builds recognition, trust, and professional credibility. This guide will help you understand the key elements and how to use them correctly.

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01

Logo Usage

Your logo is the cornerstone of your brand identity. It should be used consistently across all applications to build recognition and maintain professional standards.

Clear Space

Always maintain adequate clear space around your logo. This breathing room ensures the logo remains distinct and legible. As a general rule, the minimum clear space should equal the height of the logo's icon or symbol element.

Minimum Size

Never scale your logo below its minimum size. For digital applications, this is typically 24px in height. For print, maintain at least 10mm. Below these sizes, details become illegible and the logo loses impact.

Logo Variations

Most brand packages include multiple logo variations for different use cases:

  • Primary logo — Full logo with symbol and wordmark
  • Symbol only — For small applications or where space is limited
  • Wordmark only — When the symbol is already established
  • Light/Dark versions — For different background colours
02

Colour Palette

Colours evoke emotions and create associations. Your brand colours have been carefully selected to convey specific qualities and should be used consistently.

Primary Colours

Primary colours form the foundation of your visual identity. These should dominate your communications.

Black#191919
Ivory#FFFDF7
Blue#4580FF
Coral#FF6446

Secondary Colours

Secondary colours support the primary palette and add depth to designs.

Charcoal#242424
Grey#505050
Mid Grey#9B9B9B
Ice#E3ECFC

Colour Ratios

For balanced compositions, consider using a 60-30-10 ratio: 60% primary colour (usually background), 30% secondary colour (body content), and 10% accent colour (calls to action and highlights).

03

Typography

Typography plays a crucial role in brand perception. The fonts you use communicate personality and ensure readability across all touchpoints.

Font Hierarchy

Establish a clear hierarchy to guide readers through your content:

  • Headlines — Bold, attention-grabbing, larger sizes
  • Subheadings — Secondary emphasis, medium weight
  • Body text — Readable, comfortable sizing (16-18px)
  • Captions/Labels — Smaller, often monospace for technical info

Line Length

For optimal readability, keep body text line length between 50-75 characters. Lines that are too long cause reader fatigue; too short disrupts reading rhythm.

Font Pairing

If your brand uses multiple typefaces, understand their roles. Typically, a sans-serif for modern clarity and a serif for warmth or editorial tone. Never use more than 2-3 typefaces in a single design.

04

Imagery & Photography

Visual content shapes perception instantly. Consistent image style reinforces brand identity and creates cohesive experiences.

Image Style

Consider these factors when selecting imagery:

  • Colour treatment — Does your brand use warm or cool tones?
  • Subject matter — People, products, abstract, or conceptual?
  • Composition — Clean and minimal or dynamic and layered?
  • Lighting — Natural, studio, dramatic, or soft?

Image Quality

Always use high-resolution images. Pixelated or stretched images damage brand perception. For web, use 2x resolution for retina displays. For print, minimum 300 DPI.

05

Do's and Don'ts

DO

Use approved logo files from your brand package
Maintain clear space around logos
Use brand colours from the defined palette
Keep typography consistent and hierarchical
Select imagery that aligns with brand style
Test designs at actual size before finalising

DON'T

Stretch, rotate, or distort the logo
Add effects like shadows or gradients to logos
Use unapproved colour variations
Mix too many fonts in one design
Use low-quality or pixelated images
Recreate the logo from memory
06

File Formats

Understanding file formats ensures your brand assets look their best in every context.

FORMATUSE CASENOTES
.SVGWeb, digital, responsiveVector, infinitely scalable
.PNGWeb, presentationsSupports transparency
.JPGPhotos, web imagesNo transparency, smaller files
.PDFPrint, documentsPrint-ready, maintains quality
.AI / .EPSProfessional editingSource files for designers

Questions about your brand assets? Need additional file formats or guidance on a specific application? Reach out to your Cene Studio contact or email hello@cene.studio.

Need help with your brand?

Our team is here to help you make the most of your brand assets.