Brand design
A brand is not just about appearance; it is the foundation of all marketing and growth
First impressions are formed quickly. Often, within a matter of seconds, a customer forms an impression of your company, and this directly influences whether they are interested or not. A clear and consistent brand makes your business recognisable, credible and approachable. It helps customers understand what you offer and why you are the right choice.
A well-designed brand underpins all marketing:
- the messages stand out and appeal to the right target audience
- the website and marketing materials are consistent
- marketing is more effective and delivers better results
“A brand is not just a visual identity, but a strategic tool that has a direct impact on sales and the company’s growth.”
We design brands for businesses that work in practice – not just look good.
We mainly work with clients in Oulu and the Helsinki metropolitan area, but we also serve businesses nationwide.
What kind of brands do we create?
A branding project always starts with the business itself, not just the visual identity. The aim is to build a cohesive brand that works across all channels and stands the test of time.
The project defines, for example:
- the brand’s core and messaging
- visual identity (colours, typography and style)
- logos and graphic elements
- brand book
The end result is a comprehensive and clear framework on which to easily build your entire marketing strategy.
What kind of image does your company project?
What kind of image does your company’s brand currently convey – and what kind of image should it convey in order to support growth and sales?
Brand Book by Neotar
A brand book brings your company’s visual identity and communications together into a single, coherent whole. It ensures that your brand remains consistent across all your activities – from your website to marketing materials and day-to-day communications.
A clearly defined brand makes things easier:
- marketing is more consistent and effective
- the materials look consistent across all channels
- the message remains recognisable and understandable
Once the brand is established, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel every time.
How a brand book is created
A brand book is not merely a set of graphic guidelines; it defines your company’s entire identity, including its verbal and emotional messages, target audiences, values, communication principles and, of course, its overall visual identity.
In the project:
- define the brand’s core message and its target audiences
- design the visual identity and create its elements
- We will draw up clear guidelines to ensure smooth communication as day-to-day operations continue
Project content
You’ll have access to a comprehensive package that’s easy to start using straight away:
- logos for different purposes and file formats, e.g. versions for dark and light backgrounds, for print and digital media, colour versions and, where applicable, different layout versions
- other graphic elements, e.g. logos, infographics, background graphics
- A colour scheme that reinforces the chosen emotional message and is suitable for use across various media
- typography; typefaces and slogans
- practical guidance on how to achieve the desired look; composition, use of images
- a ready-made document template (Word or similar), a presentation template (PowerPoint or similar), a business card and a print-ready A4 leaflet
The brand book serves as the foundation for the design of websites and other marketing materials, as well as for marketing itself – which is why, for many companies, it is the first step towards a more cohesive brand identity. Other content can also be incorporated into the brand book project, and it can be adapted as required. Get in touch!
Price of the Brand Book by Neotar
From €3,250 + VAT (25,5%). The final price depends on the scope of the project.
Logo design
A well-designed logo makes your business recognisable and credible – it is often the first thing a customer notices. A logo is not just a symbol; it is part of your brand. It needs to work across different channels, in different sizes and for various purposes. If you don’t need a more comprehensive brand design package just yet, we can also create a logo as a standalone project.
We are designing a logo that:
- works in practically all situations
- looks good both digitally and in print
- supports your company’s image and message
How does the logo design process work?
Logo design begins with an idea and progresses through sketches to the final design:
- We’ll assess your company’s operations and style
- outline various options
- finalise the selected logo so that it is ready for use
Project content
You’ll receive a ready-to-use logo for all your needs:
- the logo in different formats (horizontal, vertical, icon)
- colour versions (colour, black, white and negative)
- files for all purposes (print and digital)
- colour specifications (CMYK, RGB, Pantone and HEX)
A logo is often the first step – and for many clients, the work continues from there to branding, websites and marketing.
The cost of logo design
€890 + VAT (25,5%)
Start-up package for a new business
Everything you need to get started with marketing, all in one place
The Starter Pack is designed for businesses that want to get their marketing up and running in one go. It brings together the brand, website and key materials into a single, cohesive package. Instead of buying everything separately, you’ll have a clear foundation on which to build your marketing strategy.
Who is the starter pack suitable for?
The starter pack is particularly suitable when:
- the business is new or has no marketing at all
- We want to build the brand and website right from the start
- The current approach is fragmented and needs to be clarified
What does the starter pack contain?
You’ll get everything you need to get your marketing off the ground:
- brand book (visual identity and guidelines)
- websites built on a ready-made and functional platform
- key materials (e.g. brochure, document templates, presentation template and business card)
Why does this work?
When the brand, website and materials are designed together:
- the whole forms a coherent whole
- the message remains clear
- marketing is more effective right from the start
Additional services as required
The starter pack can be expanded to suit your company’s needs:
- setting up social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- corporate image library and photography
- communications and marketing planning
Tell us about your situation, and we’ll discuss together whether the starter pack is right for you!
The price of the start-up package for a new business
€5,500 + VAT (25,5%). The payment plan can be spread over a period of, for example, six months without interest.
Brand sorted, what next?
The starter pack is often the first step. For many clients, our collaboration continues from there, focusing on marketing development and partnership. See how we can act as your company’s marketing resource and, together, build a strong foundation for the sales of your products and services.
Frequently asked questions
How does brand identity differ from corporate identity or a company’s visual identity?
Not at all. The same thing can be expressed in many ways. In this context, it refers to all the visual elements a company uses to present itself. This includes the colour scheme used by the company, its logo, slogans, design language, layout, use of photographs, graphics and videos, typography… etc. A beloved child has many names.
How about if I have a logo, but just want to update it a bit?
It is generally always a wise approach if a logo already exists. When it is ‘merely’ updated, its recognisability is preserved. Your customers will recognise the logo, even though it is now more up-to-date and better suited to its purpose. In brand development, evolution is usually better than revolution. Using the previous logo in the design process can help streamline the initial stages, but this isn’t always the case. It’s worth asking for a quote!
I’ve got a logo, but its only the image in the web page. Can you use that?
In almost all such cases, where a comprehensive set of file formats has not been created for the logo, only a JPG image has been produced. Often, the resolution is so poor that it cannot be used in printed materials, for example. However, the logo can be modelled using vector graphics and converted into files suitable for any purpose. The amount of work involved depends on the complexity of the logo. It’s worth asking for a quote!
What is the right file format for logo?
The best file format depends on the medium it is intended for. In addition to the file format, the colour scheme is a key factor. This is important to know!
The rough colour scheme is as follows:
If a logo is in CMYK colours, it is usually intended for printing. There are a few exceptions. For example, label cutters typically use CMYK files where the cutting line has a value of M=100 or both M and Y are 100. Files in RGB colours, on the other hand, are usually intended for display on a screen. Many file formats can be in either colour space.
A rough breakdown of file formats is as follows:
AI – Adobe Illustrator format. This is a vector graphics format used by professionals; it is often used to design logos and is standard practice in advertising agencies. The client does not usually need to handle AI files, but we also provide them so that another professional can make use of them if necessary. Other similar so-called native vector file formats include, for example, EPS or CDR.
EPS – A widely used vector graphics format that can be opened by most software programmes. A client who is unlikely to have vector graphics software will not be able to open EPS files, but can send them to a printing company, for example.
PDF – The most common file format, which supports both vector graphics and raster images. If you need to submit a logo for printing, a PDF in CMYK colours is the safest option.
PNG – PNG is a pixel-based image format. When using it, it is important to understand what image resolution means. Resolution determines the sharpness of the image. If you intend to place the logo on a website or in an email signature, for example, PNG is a good choice. In a PNG image, the logo does not need to have a background. The background is therefore transparent, meaning that the colour of the underlying media at that point is visible. A PNG logo can therefore be placed, for example, on top of a photograph. PNG logos are often used on websites.
JPG – JPG is also a raster image format. Unlike PNG, it does not support transparent backgrounds, and JPG images are compressed, which reduces their quality. In JPG format, the logo can be used, for example, on websites, in documents, on social media, etc., provided you are aware of its limitations.
SVG – SVG is a vector format commonly used, for example, in website logos. So, if you’re asked to provide a logo for a website but the exact size isn’t known, an SVG file in RGB colours is often a good option.
CAD formats such as DWG and DXF are less common in marketing communications. They are required when a logo needs to be machined into a physical object using a CNC machine, or when it needs to be incorporated into a CAD model.
Is it necessary to have an image in a logo?
There are no set rules governing the content of a logo. Typically, it features the name of a company, product or brand. The name may be accompanied by a graphic image, but this is not essential. Often, a logo with an image is preferred because it can help create an impression of the brand’s essence – in other words, the desired brand image.
Why do I need a Brand Manual? Isn’t it much enough if I have a logo?
The logo is perhaps the most important element of a brand’s visual identity, but by no means the only one. The most powerful single factor that people are aware of is colour. Next comes, for example, the logo’s design, followed by everything else. In addition to the logo, the brand’s visual identity – and thus its brand image – is influenced by the overall colour scheme, design language, typography, use of photographs, themes and composition. Together, these elements form the brand’s distinctive visual identity. This, in turn, builds recognition and visibility. The graphic guidelines, or Brand Book, therefore define the visual identity as a whole. The logo is just one part of it.
