Joey Johnson
Graphic Designer
Bulb Graphics, LLC
Practical creative solutions
IG: @bulbgraphics
FB: @bulbgraphics

Have you ever hesitated to hand out a business card or share your website because something about the design just didn’t feel right? Maybe you’ve caught yourself apologizing for the look of your materials, knowing they don’t quite reflect the business you’re proud of. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly which visual elements feel off, and even harder to figure out how to fix them. If you’ve ever felt confident in your services but unsure about the consistency of your visual brand, you’re not alone. Visual brand consistency is more than just aesthetics—it’s about building a presence that your audience can trust. When things are inconsistent, your message gets lost, and so does the connection with your customers. So how can you identify these inconsistencies and make the necessary changes?

Discover What Your Audience Really Sees

Before you dive into changes, it’s important to understand how your target audience perceives your visual brand. Are they seeing the cohesive message you intend, or are they picking up on mixed signals from different pieces of collateral?

Determine What Your Visual Brand Needs

Does your visual brand need a refresh, a complete overhaul, or to be built from scratch? Knowing where you stand will help you map out a plan. Sometimes all you need is a tweak, other times, it might take a full redesign to align with your business’s goals.

Gain Clarity to Communicate Your Vision

When your visual brand is unclear, it’s hard to explain your vision to creative professionals like graphic designers. Getting a firm understanding of your visual brand will help you communicate more effectively with anyone who helps bring your brand to life.

Evaluate Your Collateral

Pull all your materials together—business cards, websites, brochures, and social media graphics. Seeing everything in one place will allow you to assess the overall quality and visual brand consistency.

Identify What Works and What Doesn’t

Look for elements of your visual brand that work well and those that feel out of place. Are there logos, colors, fonts, or images that clash? This is a critical step in tightening up your visual brand.

Uncover Inconsistencies and Plan Your Next Move

Once you’ve spotted the inconsistencies in your visual brand, it’s time to plan your next steps toward creating a cohesive look and feel. Whether you decide to make small adjustments or overhaul your design, the goal is to make sure your visual brand accurately reflects your business.

Inconsistent visual branding can hold your business back, but by taking the time to evaluate your materials and make intentional improvements, you can create a cohesive brand that truly represents your vision. Whether you need a minor refresh or a complete overhaul, identifying what works and what doesn’t is the first step toward building a stronger visual identity.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of the process, consider joining the Visual Brand Challenge. This Challenge will walk you through every step necessary to strengthen your visual brand, from evaluating your current materials to planning the next steps for consistency. You’ll gain clarity, learn how to better communicate your vision, and get real-time feedback from a supportive community. By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make your brand stand out.