the process

The framework behind building a brand identity
Designing a brand identity isn’t just about a flashy logo — it’s about translating your business goals into a system people remember. Whether you're launching a software startup, building something in robotics, or rolling out a fleet of branded vehicles, my process keeps things simple, strategic and scalable.
I follow a proven framework that I call the Periodic Table of Branding. It helps break complex decisions into four stages:
  • Understand the business
  • Create strategic solutions
  • Communicate your value
  • Visualise the brand
Framework for branding - Periodic table of branding
Discovery notes for one client

1. Understand the Brand

Before any sketches, we dig into the ‘why’. Who are you trying to reach? What do you stand for? What makes you different?
I’ll guide you through key elements like:
Audience – Who you're for, and who you're not for.
Vision & Values – What drives your business forward.
Personality – Tone, attitude, and how your brand behaves.
Style & Culture – What your brand looks and feels like behind the scenes.
This is the bit most startups skip — and the reason most branding feels generic.

2. Develop the Strategic Core

Here’s where the pieces come together. We define what you offer, how you do it, and why it matters.
Products & Offerings – Services, value props, MVPs and beyond.
Processes & Culture – The way you work and why people trust you.
This becomes the foundation for brand positioning — useful whether you're briefing a dev team or speaking to investors.

Services labelled for strategy
Languages - different ways of saying hello

3.  Craft the Verbal Identity

Words matter just as much as visuals. I help craft the verbal side of your brand so it reads as confidently as it looks.
Voice & Messaging – Clear, consistent language that sells without shouting.
Naming & Tagline – Whether it’s a punchy product name or a line that sticks, I’ll help shape it.
If you’re rebranding, we’ll also assess what to keep and what to drop.

4. Build the Visual Identity

This is where most people start — but I believe it’s where everything should click.
Logo Design – Bespoke marks that scale and stick.
Typography & Colour – Built for contrast, clarity and accessibility.
Imagery – Art direction, photography guidelines, illustrations — not just filler.
Brand Architecture – If you’ve got multiple products or teams, we’ll structure them sensibly.
Touchpoints – From business cards to vehicle graphics to onboarding emails — it’s all considered.

Colour testing

Startups move fast. Your brand should keep up.

This process gives you tools to brief freelancers, pitch to investors, or launch a campaign — without guessing how your logo is supposed to look. And if you’re in London or anywhere in the UK or Australia, I’m happy to work local or remote. My clients span sectors like:
  • Robotics startups
  • Motorsport
  • Software/SaaS products
  • Finance
  • Agencies needing brand support
“Ash has a really good eye for detail and future planning. We’re now fully confident that we have an identity that will grow with the company.”
Adam Masters
CEO / Concepts 2 Capability
"Ash helped build the Chironix identity to what it is today, and had a strong hand in shaping our online presence. From day-one, he’s been designing with the future vision of the company in mind."
Daniel Milford
CEO / Chironix
Ash produced a beautifully designed but challenging piece to tight deadlines that helped us achieve all our objectives.  He was calm, creative and a pleasure to work with.
Philip Woolff
COO / Echo IQ

FAQ

What programs do you design in?

Primarily Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign—plus Figma for digital-first brands and Canva for client-friendly handovers. I also use After Effects for light motion work and Premiere for branded video edits.

Is there any design work you don’t cover?

I don’t take on large-scale motion graphics, app development, or complex 3D rendering. But if a project needs input outside my scope, I’m happy to recommend trusted specialists.

Do you offer one-off design tasks or only full packages?

Both. While full identity packages are my bread and butter, I also take on smaller projects like updating brand assets, refining presentation decks, or designing social templates—especially for existing clients.

Can you design branding for my startup’s digital product?

Absolutely. I work with startups in software, automotive-tech, and digital products to craft branding that scales across your product UI, pitch decks, social posts, and marketing campaigns.

Do I need a style guide if I already have a logo?

Yes. A logo alone doesn’t guarantee consistency. A style guide ensures your colours, fonts, and imagery are used correctly—especially when you’re outsourcing social media, web design, or advertising. It’s the glue that holds your brand together.

What’s included in a brand identity package?

A typical brand identity package includes a custom logo, colour palette, typography selection, visual style guidance, and brand assets such as business cards, social templates, or presentation slides. Depending on your needs, I also offer style guides and rollout designs for marketing.

What does a brand designer do?

A brand designer creates the visual and strategic elements that shape how your business is seen by others. This includes your logo, typography, colours, and more—ensuring everything feels consistent and communicates the right message to your audience.

Why is brand identity important for my business?

Your brand identity helps people remember you, trust you, and choose you. It shapes how you're perceived online, in print, and in person—making it one of the most valuable assets for any business.

How can branding help my software or automotive company stand out?

Strong branding builds credibility, speeds up recognition, and creates emotional connection. Whether you're building a B2B SaaS platform or launching a new EV, a clear identity makes you look established—even if you're just getting started.

How can I hire you for a project?

You can get in touch via my [contact page] or email me directly. From there, we’ll arrange a quick call to discuss your needs and outline the next steps.

Do you work remotely or just in-office?

I work both remotely and on-site. Most clients collaborate with me online, but if you’re based in London, I’m happy to join you in your studio or office if needed.

Can you work from my office?

Yes—if you're based in London, I’m available for on-site freelance work by booking. Just let me know your setup and schedule.

How long does a branding project take?

It depends on the scope, but a full brand identity typically takes 3–5 weeks from kickoff to delivery. Faster timelines are possible for smaller projects or if you have a tight deadline.

What’s your process for creating a brand identity?

It starts with a discovery session to understand your goals, audience, and market. From there, I develop moodboards, concepts, and a full brand identity system—refining everything with you along the way. You'll walk away with a complete brand toolkit and clear guidelines.

Why is my business struggling to attract the right talent—and can branding help?

Attracting top talent isn’t just about the job description—it’s about how your brand feels to potential candidates. If your branding doesn’t reflect your company culture, mission, or professionalism, it can quietly put people off—especially those looking for purpose-driven or design-aware workplaces.

What’s the difference between a logo and a brand identity?

A logo is just one part of your brand. A brand identity includes the full visual system—colours, fonts, layout styles, tone of voice, and usage guidelines. Together, they help your brand feel coherent and professional everywhere it shows up.

How can I make my brand more recognisable online?

Use consistent colours, fonts, and tone of voice across all platforms. Stick to your brand guidelines, and build up branded templates for social, email, and digital campaigns. I can help you set those up too.

Why is branding important for marketing?

Marketing is more effective when your branding is consistent and recognisable. A strong brand identity gives you the visual tools to create great ads, websites, and content—without reinventing the wheel each time.

Ready? Let’s Go.
Get in touch with Ash today
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