Altosor’s expertise in visual communications and graphic design enables us to create unique and memorable visual identities that reflect the essence of your brand or company.
Definition of visual identity
Visual identity is the set of graphic elements that represent a company or brand. It includes the logo, graphic charter, colors, typography and much more. A strong visual identity is essential to stand out from the competition and create a consistent, professional brand image.
1. Key elements of visual identity
The logo
The logo (or logotype) is often the first element customers associate with a brand. It must be unique, memorable and faithfully represent the company’s identity. The graphic designers at our Altosor creative agency can help you create customized logos that captivate and effectively communicate your company’s values.
The graphic charter
The graphic charter is an essential document that defines the rules for using your brand’s visual elements. It ensures visual consistency across all communication media. A well-designed graphic charter includes colors, typography, pictograms and logo usage rules. It’s a document that we feel is essential to your company’s communications, and one that we recommend you own.
Color palette and typefaces
The choice of colors and typography is crucial to visual identity. Colors must reflect thebrand image and evoke the desired emotions in the target audience. Typography must be legible and consistent with the brand’s style. We can help you select the best combinations to reinforce your visual identity.
2. The process of creating a visual identity
What are the steps involved in creating a visual identity?
- Analysis of the company and its needs: In this first step, we dive into the heart of your company to capture its essence. This includes understanding its mission, values and target audience. A thorough analysis provides a solid foundation for the design of a coherent and appropriate visual identity.
- Defining objectives and specifications: Once the needs have been identified, it is essential for Altosor to set clear, measurable objectives. The specifications, a true guide to the project, bring together all the expectations, constraints and directives needed to guide the creative process.
- Design and development of visual elements: This phase involves the creation of various graphic elements, such as the logo, color palettes, typography and other visual supports. These must be meticulously designed to faithfully reflect the brand’s identity, while respecting the guidelines defined in the graphic charter.
What tools and resources do our designers use?
Our grahists each have their own preferences, but we generally seem to use professional tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create high-quality visual identities. We also recommend free online resources with paid options to help you in the creative process, such as Canva and royalty-free image banks like Adobe Stock.
3. Maintaining and developing your visual identity
Maintaining visual consistency
It’s vital to maintain visual consistency across all communication media to reinforce brand recognition. We can advise you on best practices to ensure this consistency.
Evolution of visual identity
Visual identity needs to evolve over time to remain relevant. Our graphic designers can help you determine when and how to evolve your visual identity without losing the essence of your brand. Examples of successful rebranding can inspire this transition. (see below)
Here are some frequently asked questions about visual identity design
1. What is a visual identity?
Visual identity is the set of graphic elements that represent a company or brand. This includes the logo, colors, typography, pictograms, and all other visual elements that help to recognize and differentiate the brand. At Altosor Communication, we believe that visual identity is the first impression you leave with your customers, so it must be memorable and consistent. Contact us to discuss your needs.
2. Why is it important to have a strong visual identity?
At our agency, we believe that a strong visual identity is a determining factor in :
- Create instant recognition: A consistent, distinctive design helps customers identify your brand quickly.
- Reinforce your credibility: A professional visual identity inspires confidence and credibility.
- Distinguish yourself from the competition: It helps you stand out in a saturated market.
- Communicate your brand values: Visual elements convey your company’s values and personality.
3. How do you create a visual identity?
- We start with an analysis and research phase: understanding the company’s values, mission, market competition and target audience.
- Then we define the specifications: establishing the objectives and expectations for your visual identity.
- We start with logo design: Create a unique logo that represents your company, your products or services, and localizes your brand in a given territory.
- We continue with the development of the graphic charter: defining colors, typography and other visual elements. The level of detail depends on your needs (graphic charter for the creation of a visual identity for the web, for media communication, or events, etc.).
- Last but not least, it’s essential to maintain a consistent application across all communication media: Ensure visual consistency across all media (business cards, website, social networks, etc.).
4. What elements make up a visual identity?
Here are the elements involved in creating a visual identity:
- Logo or logotype: Graphic symbol representing the visual identity of your company, products or services.
- Colors: A color palette that defines the brand image.
- Typefaces: Typefaces used in communications.
- Don’t forget pictograms: Icons and graphic symbols.
- And finally, the graphic charter: a document that sets out the rules for using visual elements.
5. How to choose colors and typefaces for your visual identity?
The colors
Altosor graphic designers take particular care in selecting colors and typography, as they are the pillars of a successful corporate identity. Colors must reflect the essence of your brand, while capturing attention and establishing an emotional connection with your audience. To achieve this, we use tools such as Adobe Color to compose harmonious, striking palettes.
Typefaces
As for typefaces, their choice is just as strategic. They must be elegant, legible and adapted to the various media, whether digital or print. At Altosor, I make sure that every element is consistent with your style and message. Every project is an opportunity for us to innovate and create a visual identity that tells your story and sets you apart from the competition.
6. What tools are recommended for creating a visual identity?
- Adobe Illustrator For creating logos and vector illustrations.
- Canva For quick, accessible designs.
- Adobe Photoshop For image retouching and creation.
- Coolors To generate harmonious color palettes.
- FontPair To find typography combinations.
7. How can a visual identity help you stand out from the competition?
A single, consistent visual identity can do many things:
- Attract attention: A distinctive design catches the eye of potential customers.
- Creating an emotional connection: Visual elements can evoke emotions and memories.
- Strengthen loyalty: A strong visual identity creates a sense of trust and loyalty among customers.
8. How much does a visual identity cost?
We understand that the cost of creating a corporate identity is a significant investment for any company. Like clothing fashions, prices fluctuate according to the quality of the graphic designers who personalize your brand image. That’s why the price of a corporate identity varies according to several factors:
- Project complexity: The more complex the project, the higher the cost.
- Designer experience: Experienced designers can charge more.
- Scope of services: Does it include only the logo, or also the graphic charter, communication media, etc.?
At Altosor Communication, we offer solutions to suit all budgets, while guaranteeing professional quality and 100% personalization and uniqueness of your visual identity.
Contact us for a quote or explore our visual identity services.
9. What are some examples of successful visual identities?
Here are some examples of successful corporate identities:
Apple (USA)
Simplicity and elegance: Apple’s visual identity is a perfect example of effective minimalism. The crunchy apple logo is instantly recognizable, symbolizing innovation and quality. Sober colors and clean typography reinforce this high-end brand image.
Nike (USA)
Dynamism and energy: Nike’s famous “Swoosh” is one of the world’s most recognizable logos. It evokes movement and speed, perfectly aligned with the brand’s values. Nike’s advertising campaigns use vivid colors and striking images to reinforce this dynamic identity.
Coca-Cola (USA)
Timelessness and conviviality: Coca-Cola’s visual identity has remained consistent over the decades, with its emblematic red and white logo. This consistency has enabled the brand to become a symbol of conviviality and pleasure. Cursive typography and retro graphic elements add a touch of nostalgia while remaining modern.
Airbnb
Community and belonging: The Airbnb logo, called the “Bélo”, symbolizes the idea of community and belonging. Soft, welcoming colors and modern typography reinforce the brand’s focus on hospitality and human connection.
IKEA (Sweden)
Simplicity and accessibility: IKEA’s visual identity is immediately recognizable with its blue and yellow logo. These bright colors evoke Sweden, the brand’s country of origin, and symbolize the simplicity and accessibility of IKEA products.
BMW (Germany)
Elegance and performance: The BMW logo, with its blue and white circle, is synonymous with luxury and performance. The colors and shape of the logo recall aircraft propellers, in homage to the brand’s aeronautical origins.
Louis Vuitton (France)
Luxury and exclusivity: Louis Vuitton’s visual identity is marked by its emblematic LV monogram. This logo, combined with elegant patterns and colors, symbolizes luxury and exclusivity.
Lego (Denmark)
Creativity and fun: The colorful Lego logo is synonymous with creativity and play. The bright colors and simple shapes evoke the playful world of building bricks, appealing to children and adults alike.
Samsung (South Korea)
Innovation and reliability: Samsung’s visual identity is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and reliability. The blue and white logo is simple yet powerful, evoking modernity and confidence. Samsung uses a sober color palette and modern typography to reinforce its image as a technological leader. Samsung’s advertising campaigns often feature sleek, futuristic visuals, reflecting the brand’s constant innovation.
Toyota (Japan)
Quality and durability: The Toyota logo, with its three interlaced ellipses, is instantly recognizable and symbolizes quality and durability. The red and silver colors used in Toyota’s visual identity evoke passion and sophistication. Toyota maintains visual consistency across all its communication media, which reinforces customer trust and loyalty. Toyota advertisements often feature natural landscapes and clean design elements, underlining the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Huawei (China)
Technology and connectivity: Huawei’s visual identity focuses on technology and connectivity. The red petal logo symbolizes growth and innovation. The red and white colors used by Huawei are dynamic and modern, reflecting the brand’s energy and futuristic vision. Huawei uses simple typography and clean visuals to communicate its commitment to cutting-edge technology and global connectivity. Huawei’s campaigns often feature themes of technological progress and human connection.
Altosor Communication
Creativity and professionalism: At Altosor Communication, we’ve designed our own visual identity to reflect our commitment to creativity and professionalism. Our modern logo and vivid colors symbolize our dynamism and expertise in visual communications, as well as an agency serving several territories.
Can we help you strengthen your visual identity? Our graphic design experts are at your service. Please contact us.
10. How do you maintain and develop your visual identity over time?
Maintaining and evolving your visual identity is essential to staying relevant and in tune with trends and your audience’s expectations. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
Coherence
Consistency is the key to building brand recognition. Make sure that all communication materials respect the graphic charter. This includes business cards, brochures, website, social networks, and all other visual material. A consistent visual identity creates a solid, reliable brand image.
Evolution
The evolution of your visual identity needs to be well planned and thought through. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Trend analysis: Keep abreast of design trends and the preferences of your target audience. This will help you adapt your visual identity without losing the essence of your brand.
- Customer feedback: Gather your customers’ opinions on your current visual identity. Their feedback can provide valuable insights for improvements.
- Partial or total rebranding: Decide whether you need a partial rebranding (minor modifications) or a total rebranding (complete change of visual identity). Sometimes, a simple update of colors or typography may be all you need.
Examples of successful rebranding
- Pepsi: The brand has regularly updated its logo to remain modern and dynamic, while retaining its iconic colors.
- Burberry: Burberry’s rebranding has modernized its logo and visual elements, while respecting its heritage of luxury and tradition.
Strategies for a smooth transition
- Clear communication: Inform your customers and partners of the upcoming changes. Explain the reasons for the rebranding and the expected benefits.
- Transition phase: Introduce new visual elements gradually. This allows your audience to get used to the changes without confusion.
- Test and adjust: Test new visual elements on different media and gather feedback. Adjust if necessary to ensure successful adoption.
At Altosor Communication, we help you maintain and evolve your visual identity so that it always remains relevant and effective. We believe that visual identity should evolve with your company, while preserving its core values.
11. Who can you share your new visual identity with?
Sharing your new visual identity is a crucial step in ensuring a successful transition and maximizing its impact. Here’s who you should share it with:
1. In-house team
- Employees: Inform all members of your team of the changes. Hold meetings or workshops to explain the reasons for the rebranding and how to use the new visual elements.
- Management: Make sure management is fully committed to and supportive of the new visual identity. Their involvement is essential for successful adoption.
2. Customers and partners
- Existing customers: Send newsletters or emails announcing the new visual identity. Explain the benefits and reasons for the change.
- Business partners: Inform your partners and suppliers of changes so that they can update their own documents and materials accordingly. Print and distribute product catalogs to your customers.
3. Target audience
- Social networks: Use your social platforms to announce the new visual identity. Share before-and-after visuals and engage your audience with contests or polls.
- Website: Update your website with the new visual identity. Publish a blog post explaining the process and reasons for the rebranding.
- Press releases: Write and distribute press releases to inform the media and general public about your new visual identity.
4. Communication equipment
- Business cards and stationery: Update all your printed materials with the new corporate identity.
- Presentations and documents: Ensure that all presentations, reports and other internal and external documents reflect the new corporate identity.
5. Events and trade shows
- Official launches: Organize a launch event to present the new visual identity to your customers, partners and the media.
- Trade shows: Use trade shows and events to showcase your new visual identity and explain its impact.
6. Feedback and adjustments
- Gathering feedback: Gather feedback on the new visual identity from your customers, employees and partners. Use this feedback to make adjustments if necessary.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of the new visual identity and adjust your strategy according to the results.
By sharing your new visual identity with these different groups, you ensure a smooth transition and maximize its impact. Altosor Communication will support your company every step of the way to ensure that your new visual identity is well received and adopted by all your audiences.
12. What is a moodboard?
A moodboard is a visual tool that brings together images, colors, typography and other graphic elements to represent the mood and style of a project. It serves as a creative guide and helps define the artistic direction of the visual identity.
Why use a moodboard?
- Inspiration and creativity: A moodboard brings together ideas and inspiration in one place. It helps to visualize the desired style and mood of the visual identity.
- Visual consistency: By clearly defining visual elements from the outset, a moodboard ensures consistency throughout the project. This avoids inconsistencies and ensures that all graphic elements work well together.
- Effective communication: A moodboard is an excellent communication tool between client and designer. It ensures that both parties are on the same wavelength in terms of style and artistic direction.
- Saves time: By having a clear vision from the outset, a moodboard saves time during the design phase. It serves as a point of reference throughout the creative process, reducing the need to go back and forth and make changes.
As an agency, we sometimes use moodboards for certain elaborate visual identity projects. This enables us to ensure that the final result is perfectly in line with our customers’ expectations and faithfully reflects the essence of their brand.
Why invest in an eye-catching visual identity?
Key elements for a memorable visual identity
A strong, consistent visual identity is essential to stand out and create a professional brand image. Key elements include logo, graphic charter, colors and typography.
Create a visual identity that reflects your vision: Contact Altosor Communication
For a visual identity that perfectly reflects your company, contact Altosor Communication. We’re here to help you create a unique and memorable visual identity.
Altosor Communication offers visual identity creation services tailored to your needs, whether you’re in Bourges, Orleans, Grenoble, Tours, Lille, Nice, Paris, or even Belgium, Biarritz, Bordeaux, and Brittany. We use advanced technologies, sometimes including AI visual identity creation, to guarantee innovative and personalized results. Our corporate identity rates are competitive and transparent, and we provide detailed corporate identity quotes for every project. Whether you need a new corporate identity or a website redesign, our agency is there to support you. We also integrate modern elements such as moodboards and web identity creations to ensure an effective and harmonious online presence.
