When teams embark on a branding or rebranding journey, defining their identity can feel overwhelming. To make this process smoother and more structured, I worked with my team to develop a comprehensive intake form that gathers essential insights before we dive into the creative work.
The form helps to form a better understanding of the project’s mission, goals, and visual preferences. We ask key strategic questions that help shape the foundation of an identity, including:
- What is the positioning or mission statement for your project? (History, strategy, goals, staffing, and partnerships)
- How are you different or better than your competitors?
- What are your preferences regarding colors, icons, typography, and illustration?
- Are there elements you already know you want—or don’t want—in your logo?
By answering these questions, teams can reflect on their brand identity goals and align internally before the design process even begins.
From Form to Interactive Workshop
Once the form is completed, it is followed up with an interactive workshop designed to bring the team’s ideas to life. Using whiteboards and collaborative exercises, I encourage all team members to contribute thoughts, add notes, and engage in the creative direction. This session ensures that everyone has a voice in the process and helps uncover unique insights that might not surface in a written form alone.
The Result: A Stronger, More Informed Design Process
This structured approach ensures that the design process begins with clarity and alignment. It helps designers craft an identity that not only looks great but also truly represents the project’s mission and vision. By combining strategic questions with a hands-on workshop, a foundation is created for a brand that resonates.