{"id":2623,"date":"2025-04-08T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/?p=2623"},"modified":"2025-04-08T13:18:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T13:18:42","slug":"30-brand-style-guide-examples-i-love-for-visual-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/08\/30-brand-style-guide-examples-i-love-for-visual-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Brand Style Guide Examples I Love (for Visual Inspiration)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Building a strong, recognizable brand starts with a well-crafted style guide. This essential playbook ensures that everyone \u2014 designers, marketers, web developers, community managers, and product packaging teams \u2014 presents a unified and consistent brand image.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The most memorable brands stick with us because they use the same logos, fonts, colors, and imagery repeatedly. Over time, this consistency makes them instantly recognizable. I\u2019ve seen firsthand how a clear brand guide helps teams stay aligned, ensuring that every touchpoint reinforces the brand\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n
So, what is a brand style guide? In this article, I\u2019ll go over the elements of a style guide and share some amazing examples in action to help inspire your next branding project or website redesign (I recommend reading till the end to get some valuable insights from HubSpot\u2019s creative team).<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Brand guidelines, also known as a brand style guide, govern the composition, design, and general look-and-feel of a company\u2019s branding. Brand guidelines can dictate the content of a logo, blog, website, advertisement, and similar marketing collateral.<\/p>\n Picture the most recognizable brands you can think of.<\/p>\n Chances are, you\u2019ve learned to recognize them due to one of the following reasons:<\/p>\n But before you sit down to create your branding guidelines, I\u2019d recommend taking a step back and defining your brand\u2019s mission statement and buyer personas. These strategic elements will help you dive into the tactical components of your brand style guide later.<\/p>\n Your brand guidelines<\/strong> mission statement<\/a><\/strong> ensures that all your content is working toward the same goal and connecting with your audience. It can also guide your blog and paid content, ad copy, visual media, and slogan.<\/p>\n Your brand guidelines buyer persona<\/a><\/strong> guides your blog content, ad copy, and visual media, which can attract valuable leads and customers to your business. I suggest creating one quickly with our free persona tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n A brand style guide encompasses much more than just a logo (although that\u2019s important, too). It visually encompasses everything your brand is about \u2014 down to your business\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n Here are some key elements that I believe make or break a brand style guide, with links to in-depth articles if you need more guidance or info:<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n See the full City of Chicago brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> Chicago\u2019s brand guidelines rest on the beauty and simplicity of the city\u2019s flag, both in terms of color and design.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I appreciate the level of detail in the branding guide, particularly how it explains the symbolic meaning behind the Chicago Municipal Seal. The guide also provides clear instructions on its proper usage and shows some incorrect examples.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Plus, the tone of the guide is fun and casual \u2014 like its acknowledgement of how popular Chicago stars are in tattoo designs.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The style guide ensures the city\u2019s visual identity remains consistent across all contexts, as it should for any well-defined brand.<\/p>\n A fun detail: The custom font, Big Shoulders, comes from the Carl Sandburg poem \u201cChicago,\u201d<\/a> which gave the city its nickname \u201cCity of Big Shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n See the full Olympic Games brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> The Olympic Games still uses the logo and colors from 1913, but the brand was refreshed in 2022 by Ben Hulse. The brand guide is as thorough as any strong style guide should be. It begins with a clear explanation of its mission: to build a better world through sport.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The bold interpretation of the Olympic colors embodies the brand characteristics: hopeful, universal, inclusive, vibrant, and progressive.<\/p>\n I truly appreciate the structured design approach they\u2019ve adopted, which also aligns with their ideation of being \u201copen, inviting, and inspiring.\u201d I also like how the medal colors are very well-defined.<\/p>\n The style guide not only explains the field of play and sporting lines but also provides detailed guidance on combining graphics, adapting them for various applications, incorporating photography, and even creating lockups.<\/p>\n See the full Major League Soccer brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Major League Soccer\u2019s style guide has to include color combinations for 20 teams. To ensure brand cohesiveness, MLS has a single logo mark, the crest, with no design variations. I love how MLS aptly describes it as \u201cpowerful, recognizable, and memorable.\u201d<\/p>\n The guidelines show a nice flowchart of the brands associated with MLS and how they represent different branches of the business.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n It also includes specific guidance on applying color layers to images and how to \u201ckeep it moving\u201d in communications related to MLS.<\/p>\n I feel that the style guide strikes a great balance between flexibility for individual teams and a cohesive league-wide aesthetic.<\/p>\n See the full Sonic the Hedgehog brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What I like<\/strong>: Even cartoons need a style guide. Sonic the Hedgehog\u2019s brand guide includes phrases for each character, which is a fun and novel way to ensure brand consistency.<\/p>\n The best part is that, just like the game itself, the branding is also done in a playful manner. The character size chart is a prime example of this:<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Even the color palette stays true to the game\u2019s vibrant and energetic aesthetic, reinforcing the brand\u2019s identity. It\u2019s a perfect blend of structure and creativity, making sure Sonic and his world remain instantly recognizable across all formats.<\/p>\n See the full OpenAI brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> Unlike other style guides, OpenAI has made use of a video to show their brand guidelines. View it here.<\/a><\/p>\n I like how OpenAI has put a lot of thought into the symbolism behind all its color choices. For instance, it uses a lot of black and white in its branding to signify that \u201cOpenAI is an empty vessel that adapts to its content.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond just showcasing the logo, typography, and fonts, the video effectively communicates the brand\u2019s motto and key message.<\/p>\n Another distinctive feature I liked is that before users can download the logo files from the website, they are required to agree to the usage terms. This way brand usage and compliance is ensured.<\/p>\n Also, I love how the style guide document is continuously refined based on feedback from both internal and external stakeholders. In short, the style guide always remains effective, especially in an industry that is as fast-paced as AI.<\/p>\n See the full Reporters San Fronti\u00e8res brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> One of RSF\u2019s slogans, \u201cFight for facts,\u201d is simple but powerful, which is reflected in RSF\u2019s three colors: black, white, and a vibrant pinkish-red. The guide specifies how to use accent colors \u2014 red or black should only make up 20% of a design, with white using the other 80%. That reinforces RSF\u2019s spare but muscular branding.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n This is one of the few style guides that provides a template for how to apply the brand to presentations.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I also like how the guide includes sections on editorial and digital support, ensuring that the brand is applied consistently across both written content and online platforms.<\/p>\n The digital support section addresses how to adapt the brand identity for different digital formats. This way the visual and textual elements are seamlessly integrated into websites, mobile and social media.<\/p>\n See the full Czech Railway brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n A Prague-based studio recently gave government-run rail company S\u017dDC a new visual identity.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>The Czech Railway\u2019s beautiful color palette is centered around a dark blue and deep orange, and the logo mark evokes railway tracks.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I really love the extended, sans-serif typeface Styrene that has been used and how it enhances the actual look when used on the trains.<\/p>\n The style guide showcases how the branding would look on billboards. I think every style guide should give a complete picture of how the identity translates into the real world.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I also appreciate the modern and functional aesthetic. The combination of the bold color palette, clean typography, and thoughtful design elements makes the new branding visually striking.<\/p>\n See excerpts from the EPA brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s 1977 brand guide is a favorite of graphic designers for good reason. Check out the patterns designated as program identifiers, like \u201ctoxic substances,\u201d \u201cnoise,\u201d and \u201cradiation.\u201d<\/p>\n What I appreciate most about this style guide is its clarity in distinguishing the official seal for formal communications. By explicitly stating which seal is reserved for official use, it eliminates any confusion and ensures proper brand representation.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The EPA\u2019s jewel-toned rainbow of brand colors includes a muddy green called \u201cPesticides Green,\u201d \u201cRadiation Red,\u201d and even a color called, ahem, \u201cSolid Waste Brown.\u201d<\/p>\n See the full Docusign brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Docusign includes a page of colored pie charts to demonstrate the correct color ratios.<\/p>\n People often misspell brand names, especially when it comes to capitalization. Docusign addresses this issue effectively by clearly specifying the correct spelling and capitalization in the introduction of its style guide.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I feel that Docusign stands out with a zinger of an accent color \u2014 a bright coral that beautifully contrasts with the purples in the brand palette. Its brand palette stands out for its clarity and visual appeal.<\/p>\n See the full Zagreb Airport brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Zagreb Airport in Croatia uses a simple triangle as a building block for complex iconography that references Croatian heritage and culture.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The triangle serves as a versatile design element, appearing in signage, wayfinding, and branding materials in a way that feels both modern and timeless. I love how this geometric approach creates a visually cohesive identity.<\/p>\n I also feel that the style guide thoughtfully balances simplicity across all touchpoints. For instance, safety is an important part of aviation, so the brand guide even shows protective clothing for airport staff.<\/p>\n In short, I appreciate how the branding elements are seamlessly integrated into functional applications associated with the airport\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n See the full ClickUp brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>The addition of color combinations in the copy that align with the logo is a nice touch here. I\u2019m one of those people who loves seeing multiple colors as I feel they bring life to any brand guide.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Additionally, I like how they have given a different logo and branding to a product inside ClickUp. The logo files are downloadable (in .svg format) from their website for anyone who wants to use them.<\/p>\n I used ClickUp before coming across its brand guidelines, and it made me appreciate just how much clear guidelines contribute to a seamless experience. It\u2019s no surprise that well-structured brand rules make it easier for front-end developers to implement designs accurately.<\/p>\n I appreciate the clever use of \u201cdealbreakers\u201d to highlight incorrect logo usage. Presented as a carousel slider on the website, this interactive approach makes the guidelines engaging and easy to navigate.<\/p>\n When creating brand guidelines, the end goal should be consistency in the final product. The clearer the guidelines are, the easier it is for designers, developers, and marketers to maintain a cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints.<\/p>\n See the full Qatar Airways brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>I commend the use of the pictograph in Qatar Airways\u2019 logo. They have incorporated simple lines in the background that subtly evoke fluidity. The oryx symbol, a national emblem of Qatar, adds a unique cultural touch while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I also appreciate how the brand guidelines ensure the logo\u2019s adaptability across different mediums, from aircraft liveries to digital assets, without losing its distinct identity. They have defined their minimum-size application really well (as shown below).<\/p>\n The guide includes specifications for integrating the Oneworld<\/strong> Alliance logo. The co-branding is seamless, as I feel that it maintains Qatar Airways\u2019 strong visual presence. Overall, the entire brand guidelines reinforce the idea of travel and luxury \u2014 exactly what it\u2019s supposed to do.<\/p>\n See excerpts from the Team Canada brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> I have included this style guide because of its modern take that adds depth and dynamism. The emblem feels fresh and also does a good job in showcasing the national significance. I feel that to get behind your team and to demonstrate patriotism, you need to connect with symbols that evoke pride and unity \u2014 and the designers here have done a great job.<\/p>\n Canada\u2019s red maple leaf could have been a tired symbol, but the designers reimagined it with complex geometric patterns and bold colors.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The typeface is detailed and uses the \u201cWinnipeg Falcons Hockey\u201d as an example. Overall, the style guide blends tradition with contemporary design. It reinforced a strong national identity in me (even though I\u2019m not a Canadian).<\/p>\n See the full Brasil Governo Federal brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Brasil Governo Federal\u2019s bold style and brash colors are eye-catching, to say the least. The style guide includes information on how to use the logo in video, which is a brand question that often goes unanswered, in my experience.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n A unique thing I like about their brand guide is that they have included how the logo will be in different languages, so it remains consistent across diverse linguistic contexts. This attention to detail ensures that the brand maintains its visual identity regardless of the language in which it appears.<\/p>\n The guide also provides clear specifications on typography, spacing, and color usage, reinforcing a cohesive and recognizable brand presence. I like how they address elements that are often overlooked like application on unstable backgrounds. I think this is a strong example of a well-rounded and practical brand guide.<\/p>\n See the full Ryanair brand guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ryanair has made itself a brand in recent years, so I decided to see how their brand guide contributes to their fame.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Ryanair drives customer engagement by relying on witty content. So, even their style guide is an example of it.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I appreciate their design principles and how they actually<\/em> align with what they believe in. As Denise Lee<\/a> puts it, \u201cProfessionally, I admire the brand. It\u2019s probably one of the best examples of a lighthouse brand.\u201d<\/p>\n Point #5 aptly applies to them as they are actually transparent in their customer service. They never over promise, and they have established the brand as the \u201ccheapest\u201d airline, so customers\u2019 expectations are set accordingly.<\/p>\n The last part is actually showcased in Ryanair\u2019s marketing. Their marketing is bold, and they aren\u2019t shy in expressing their personality.<\/p>\n See the full British Rail style guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Great British Railways recently updated their brand guidelines to mark the 200 years of train travel since 1825.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>I like how they\u2019ve used multiple core elements to showcase a distinctive look and feel. I like how the brand guidelines have provided the instructions to make use of a reduced-size logo (including a recommendation not to use the strapline \u201cYears of Train Travel Since 1825\u201d with it).<\/p>\n I appreciate how the brand guide has given an example of how to use clearspace and components that contribute to the aesthetic.<\/p>\n For the typeface, they\u2019ve made use of Rail Alphabet 2. I really appreciate how they\u2019ve thought about designers and included an email to request the font files. The brand guide has also given instructions to designers on avoiding special effects such as underlining and shadows.<\/p>\n I love the fresh choice of colors in the secondary color palette: Vivid sky blue, Sunglow, and Emerald.<\/p>\n See the full Elizabeth Line brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>TfL, London\u2019s transport authority, created a brand guide for its newest addition, the Elizabeth Line.<\/p>\n The Elizabeth Line aims to deliver a high quality experience that\u2019s delivered through consistency of ambience and environment, and I feel that the brand guidelines reflect that well.<\/p>\n It even includes a section on \u201cdesign idiom flexibility,\u201d which provides guidance on how much Elizabeth Line branding to use on a scale of \u201clocalness\u201d to \u201cElizabeth Line-ness.\u201d<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The bold purple color of the newest addition stands out while maintaining a sense of familiarity with Transport for London\u2019s existing network, including London Buses and the Underground. I also appreciate the thoughtful reasoning behind this choice.<\/p>\n Given that colors play a crucial role in distinguishing different transport modes, this careful approach helps prevent confusion and enhances the overall user experience. Here\u2019s how Elizabeth Line stands out from the rest:<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Another strong aspect of the design is the restrained use of core colors. By keeping them simple and intentional, the brand avoids visual clutter and ensures clarity for passengers.<\/p>\n See the full Medium brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What I like:<\/strong> Medium\u2019s simple brand style guide emphasizes usage of its logo, wordmark, and symbol. The logo contains the wordmark or the name of the company. I think that including the name within the logo helps create instant recognition, making it easier for first-time audiences to remember the brand. Even if a company isn\u2019t widely recognized, this approach is a smart branding strategy.<\/p>\n Medium\u2019s logo is the brand\u2019s primary graphic element and was created to feel \u201cconfident, premium, timeless, and modern.\u201d<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n I value the guide\u2019s clean, minimalist approach. Clear guidelines on spacing, sizing, and color ensure consistent branding, while its simplicity makes application easy.<\/p>\n See the full Asana brand guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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What are brand guidelines?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Brand Guidelines Mission Statement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Brand Guidelines Buyer Persona<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Elements of a Brand Style Guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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1. City of Chicago<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Olympic Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Major League Soccer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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4. Sonic the Hedgehog<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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5. OpenAI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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6. Reporters San Fronti\u00e8res<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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7. Czech Railway<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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8. EPA (1977)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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9. Docusign<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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10. Zagreb Airport<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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11. ClickUp<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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12. Qatar Airways<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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13. Team Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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14. Brasil Governo Federal<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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15. Ryanair<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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16. British Rail<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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17. Elizabeth Line, Transport for London<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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18. Medium<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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19. Asana<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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