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

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