How to create a Brand Board
One thing that really helps me with creating on brand Instagram content, is having a brand board. In this blog post I explain why you need a brand board and how you can create one for your own business in Canva.
→ FREE CANVA TEMPLATE INSIDE!
Why do you need a brand board?
First things first, why do you need a brand board in the first place? A brand board is like having a quick reference guide. It allows you to easily recall and access brand elements when you design new graphics.
→ It is especially handy for making sure your are consistent with your colors and total brand style. It helps you pick the right images, videos and elements in Canva that match your brand.
If you want to go all in here, you can also create a more in-depth brand guidelines book. But it is already great if you have a brand board to start with.
What to include in a brand board?
Now, what to include in your brand board? A brand board needs to at least include your main logo, logo variations, brand colors, brand fonts and other brand graphics or elements (if you have them).
Let’s break down 8 brand board elements:
01. Logo
Your brand board will start off with your logo. This needs to be your full primary logo, in full color.
02. Secondary logo and Marks
These are variations of your logo. Consider how you will be using your logo and what it will be placed on. You might need different shapes to make sure you can publish your logo everywhere. For example on your website you might use a horizontal shaped logo. But on your business card you might want to use a square or circle shaped logo variation.
03. Color Palette
Your color palette needs to include the primary colors, which are the main colors always used in your branding. As well as your secondary/supportive colors, which are used less and only to compliment your primary colors.
I always recommend adding your color codes into your brand board, so they are easy to reference and color match.
04. Fonts
A brand board usually includes 2 or maximum 3 fonts. You will need a font that is suitable for titles and headers, and also an easy to read font for body copy. You may also want a fancy occasional use font like a script or handwritten style. You may want to specify font uses, if you will be collaborating on design work, or if you need to remind yourself.
05. Icons
If your brand uses any icons for graphics, social media or signage, be sure to include them on your brand board for consistency.
06. Patterns
Patterns are a fun way to get playful with your branding. Include samples of your patterns on your board if you have them. For example you can use patterns as backgrounds on your social media graphics.
07. Graphics
If you have any other graphical elements or special templates that you want to include on your board this is a great spot to put it. Some people use specific arrows, lines or shadows. You could also include illustrations.
08. (Brand) photography
If you regularly use photography in your brand graphics, it may be useful to add some images to your brand board. To reference the style and tone of images used in your branding. This also helps when you’re planning a brand shoot.
“Fun idea: Print your brand board and put it on your office wall! This way you’ll see it every time when you create new content.”
Now, to help you get started, I’ve made a free brand board Canva template! Sign up below and you’ll get instant access to the template (and many more free templates!)
X Lynn
P.S. I’d love to see your designs! Make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can give you a shout-out!
