Why shit branding doesn’t fly (and 5 ways to fix yours)
Boost perception and drive value with smarter branding.
May 14, 2024 / Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Brand design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about leaving a mark. From fonts that shout your name to colours that set the vibe, every design choice pulls its weight. At HRVST, we know every detail speaks volumes, telling people who you are before you even say a word.
Here’s the no-BS truth: great design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about building trust, loyalty, and emotional connections that keep your audience locked in. From a clean sans serif font that screams modernity, to the perfect use of whitespace that adds a premium edge, every piece of the puzzle contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s break down what makes branding unforgettable—and how you can level yours up.
At HRVST, we know brand design isn’t just window dressing—it’s the heartbeat of how people see you and how they feel when they think about your brand. A well-designed brand doesn’t just sit there looking pretty; it works, it moves people, it sticks. When we build a brand’s visual identity, we’re crafting trust, loyalty, and that “can’t-put-my-finger-on-it-but-I’m-into-it” vibe.
From there, we dive into the essentials—logos, colors, fonts, and more. These elements aren’t just decorative; they evoke emotions, tell stories, and make your brand memorable. By keeping your brand consistent across every channel—social, packaging, website design, and beyond—we ensure people not only recognize you but trust you.
1. The logo—your brand’s first handshake
Your logo isn’t just a pretty picture; it’s the face of your brand. Think of it as the handshake before the conversation starts. A solid logo captures the essence of your business in one simple, versatile design.
What makes a great logo:
Simplicity rules: Clean lines and adaptability are key. Whether it’s on a billboard or a business card, your logo needs to hold its own.
Stay true to you: Your logo should reflect your values and personality. Whether you’re sleek and innovative or warm and community-driven, let it show.
Your logo isn’t just seen—it’s remembered. HRVST crafts logos that leave lasting impressions and flex across every touchpoint, from your Shopify storefront to your packaging.
2. Colours that tell your story
Colours are more than decoration—they’re your emotional shorthand. Studies show people form snap judgments about brands in milliseconds, and colour does a lot of the heavy lifting.
Picking the right palette:
Warm tones: Reds and oranges radiate energy and passion.
Cool tones: Blues and greens? Trustworthy and calming.
Unique pairings: Want to stand out? Go bold with unexpected combos—but only if it fits your brand vibe.
HRVST’s colour strategy: Consistency is king. When your colours sync across your website, socials, and packaging, they become a visual signature. Think Tiffany Blue or Coca-Cola Red—iconic and unmistakable.
3. Fonts: serif vs. sans serif—and why it matters
Typography is the unsung hero of branding. Fonts whisper (or shout) what your brand stands for before a single word is read.
Here’s the difference:
Serif fonts: Think of timeless sophistication. Those little flourishes at the ends of letters say, “We’ve been around, and we know our shit.” Perfect for legacy brands, luxury goods, or anyone tapping into tradition.
Sans serif fonts: Minimalist and modern. Sans serif fonts are all about accessibility and clarity. They’re the go-to for tech startups and brands aiming for a fresh, no-nonsense vibe.
HRVST’s font philosophy: We don’t just pick fonts; we align them with your identity. Whether you’re a polished classic or a disruptor in the making, we’ll nail the typography that speaks your truth.
4. Whitespace—your secret weapon
Whitespace isn’t empty—it’s intentional. It creates breathing room, highlights your message, and makes your designs feel premium.
Why less is more:
Focus: Whitespace guides attention to what matters.
Elegance: It screams luxury without trying too hard.
HRVST’s approach: We don’t cram designs full of fluff. At HRVST, whitespace is a power move, helping your audience see the big picture without distraction. Clean, modern, and oh-so-effective.
5. User experience—where branding meets functionality
Your brand doesn’t live in a vacuum—it’s experienced. From your website to your checkout process, branding needs to be seamless and intuitive.
Why UX/UI is everything:
A stunning design is meaningless if your site is clunky.
Smooth navigation and fast load times build trust.
Thoughtful details, like micro-interactions, keep customers engaged.
HRVST’s UX magic: As Shopify experts, we don’t just build sites; we build experiences. Whether it’s optimizing product pages or crafting a killer homepage, we make your digital storefront work as hard as you do.
Building a memorable brand isn’t just about checking the right boxes—it’s about creating a cohesive experience that feels unmistakably yours. At HRVST, we dive deep into your brand’s essence to craft visuals, messaging, and interactions that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Ready to take your brand to the next level?
Let’s collaborate and create something that stands out, connects, and drives impact.