Did you know that consistent branding across all platforms can boost revenue by 23%? With this number in mind, it’s not surprising that 95% of businesses have formal brand guidelines.

But first, what are brand guidelines?

Brand guidelines are a set of rules and standards that define how a brand should be presented across different platforms. A brand guidelines template would usually include:

  • Logo usage
  • Brand color palette
  • Typography
  • Imagery
  • Tone of voice

Here are a few style guide examples created by the top 2% of designers in the world (and yes, they’re working with Penji). Learn branding lessons from each example of brand guidelines and let them inspire you as you brainstorm for your own.

Table of Contents

1. Reflect Global Identity

Image Licensed by Penji

This ​​example of brand guidelines shows a fun, welcoming image of the world. The globe in the “O” of “World” highlights global unity, while the fonts are bold but friendly.

The colors—green, yellow orange, and white—are bright and lively. As a result, the brand feels warm and open. In addition, the design speaks to the idea of bringing different cultures together in a clear and simple way.

  • Actionable Tip: Use simple symbols that match your message. Pick a font and colors that show your brand’s personality and make people feel welcome.

Outsource your brand guidelines to the experts

Unlimited graphic design for all your branding needs

Watch Quick Demo

2. Build Trust with Simplicity

Image Licensed by Penji

This brand style guide uses a clean, modern design to convey professionalism and trust. The brick pattern in the icon speaks directly to the flooring industry, while the shades of blue represent reliability and calm. 

The fonts—Galano Grotesque Bold and Open Sans Bold—are both simple and strong, reinforcing the brand’s message of durability and quality. The overall design is sleek and easy to remember.

  • Actionable Tip: When brainstorming for your logo design, choose simple and bold visuals that clearly represent your business. Use colors and fonts that make your brand feel trustworthy and solid.

3. Highlight Your Heritage

Image Licensed by Penji

The logo for this example of brand guidelines showcases a vintage and rustic feel, emphasizing the company’s heritage and long-standing reputation. The rooster in the logo reflects the brand’s focus on poultry, while the circular design gives it a classic, stamp-like quality, reinforcing the idea of tradition.

The earthy orange paired with black and grey provides a warm, reliable, and grounded look. The Minion Variable Concept font brings a timeless, elegant feel to the overall design.

  • Actionable Tip: If your brand has history, show it. Use vintage designs and warm colors to convey trust and heritage. It’s also a brilliant idea to include the year the brand was founded to emphasize business longevity. 

4. Create a Unique Identity

Image Licensed by Penji

One thing that stands out from this brand style guide is the logo, which features a stunning, hand-drawn whale design that gives the brand a distinctive, artisanal feel.

The earthy color palette, including deep blues and rich browns, reflects the natural, rustic vibe of the island. Meanwhile, the serif font “Butterbrotpapier” adds a touch of timelessness, complementing the brand’s handcrafted, organic identity.

  • Actionable Tip: Use hand-drawn or custom illustrations to create a unique and memorable brand identity. Choose fonts and colors that align with your brand’s story and environment.

5. Embrace Elegance and Nature

Image Licensed by Penji

This is an example of brand guidelines that offer a minimalist look with organic elements, reflecting both science and nature.  For one, the logo, featuring an abstract face paired with molecular structures, expresses the brand’s focus on rejuvenation and advanced skincare treatments.

In addition, the deep green and earthy tones in the color palette evoke a sense of calm and natural beauty. The combination of the “Boho Rainbow” and “Hellix” fonts also adds a touch of luxury to the brand look.

  • Actionable Tip: Use design elements that align with your brand’s mission. Natural tones and minimalistic illustrations can create a feeling of relaxation and trust, especially in industries like beauty and wellness.

6. Make Your Message Loud and Clear

Image Licensed by Penji

This style guide effectively uses bold typography and a clear color palette to communicate its message. The microphone icon reinforces the theme of public speaking, while the speech bubble emphasizes interaction and communication.

The primary color, red, creates urgency, and the secondary color, black, adds contrast and strength.

  • Actionable Tip: Choose bold colors and imagery that align with your message. Use strong fonts and simple icons to create a clear, memorable design that draws attention to your brand’s core theme.

7. Elevate Sophistication

Image Licensed by Penji

This is one of the brand book examples that convey elegance and professionalism through a minimalist and refined design. The logo incorporates an “NB” monogram, which stands out with its subtle yet luxurious gold. Paired with muted tones of lavender and grey, the color palette exudes sophistication. 

  • Actionable Tip: Combine classic and modern design elements for a balanced brand identity. Use a muted color palette with one standout shade to convey luxury and refinement.

8. Keep it Clean and Versatile

Image Licensed by Penji

This brand style guide emphasize versatility and clarity, using  a bold primary color palette of blue and green to create a modern and tech-forward feel.

Paired with a wide range of secondary and neutral tones, the brand can adapt to different platforms and contexts. 

  • Actionable Tip: Use a clean, adaptable color palette and simple typography to create a brand that works across all platforms. Make sure the fonts and colors are legible and convey a modern, professional image.

Have a professional brand style guide by letting Penji’s design experts build it for you! View a demo today to learn how you can have access to unlimited graphic design at a flat monthly rate.