In my graphic design workshop class, we recently completed a branding exercise that challenged us to think critically about brand identity and consistency. The class was divided into two groups, and each group had to come up with a concept for a brand, including its name, aesthetic, and target audience. Once the initial brainstorming was done, we swapped brands with the other team and were tasked with developing brand guidelines for the concept they created.
My group was assigned a pet grooming service located in Beverly Hills, California—a high-end, luxury experience for pets with a relaxed yet sophisticated, beachy vibe. It was named Posh Grooming (you can check out the full project here!). The goal was to design branding that reflected exclusivity, elegance, and a sun-soaked California feel.
Creating brand guidelines requires us to think deeply about what makes a brand feel cohesive. We established rules for typography, color palettes, logo usage, and overall aesthetic direction to ensure that everything—from social media graphics to packaging—would feel unified and on-brand. We explored fonts that felt refined but playful, colors that exuded warmth and sophistication, and design elements that spoke to both the luxury and pet-friendly aspects of the service.
Once all the branding guidelines were complete, the project turned into a class competition where we rated each other’s work based on how well the branding captured the essence of the concept. This meant evaluating consistency, creativity, and effectiveness in communicating the brand’s personality and values.
And guess what? I ended up winning! It was such a fun and rewarding experience, not only because of the competition but also because it helped me gain a deeper understanding of how branding decisions shape a company’s identity. I learned how important it is to think beyond just visuals. Branding is about creating a feeling, a connection with the audience. Every detail, from typography to color choices, plays a role in reinforcing a brand’s personality and making it stand out.
This exercise reminded me why I love graphic design. It’s not just about making things look good, but about telling a story and creating an identity that resonates with people. Can’t wait for more projects like this!
