Insight – 17/02/2025
Branding is more than just a logo or a colour palette—it’s the foundation of a business’s identity. It’s how a company communicates its values, connects with its audience, and stands out in a crowded market. A strong brand doesn’t just look good; it tells a story, evokes emotion, and builds trust.
As a small, boutique branding studio, we approach branding with a hands-on, deeply personalised process. Unlike larger agencies, where projects can feel formulaic or impersonal, we take the time to truly understand each client’s vision. We collaborate closely, ensuring that every brand we create is not only visually striking but also strategically sound.
Our process is equal parts strategy and creativity, blending research-driven insights with artistic innovation. Every brand we build is unique—because every business is unique. Whether it’s a fresh startup looking for its first identity or an established business seeking a rebrand, we craft each brand with care, attention to detail, and a passion for storytelling.
So, how does it all come together? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we build a brand from scratch.
1. Discovery: Laying the foundation
Every branding journey starts with a deep dive into the heart of a business. We take the time to understand our client’s vision, values, and target audience. Through collaborative workshops, questionnaires, and research, we uncover what makes their business unique.
Being a small studio, we keep things personal. We build strong relationships with our clients, ensuring they feel heard and involved at every stage. This personal approach helps us create brands that truly align with their goals.
Case Study: Mint Dental
Mint Dental approached us seeking a fresh identity that reflected their modern approach to dentistry. Through our discovery sessions, we learned about their commitment to patient comfort and cutting-edge technology, which became the cornerstone of their new brand identity.
2. Strategy: Defining the brand’s DNA
Before we even think about design, we craft a brand strategy. This phase involves defining the brand’s positioning, messaging, and personality. We ask key questions:
- What does the brand stand for?
- Who is it speaking to?
- What makes it different from competitors?
A well-defined strategy is the difference between a brand that looks good and one that resonates deeply. It acts as a north star, guiding all creative decisions that follow.
3. Concept & Design: Bringing ideas to life
With a clear strategy in place, we move into design exploration. This is where creativity takes the lead. We develop mood boards, typography options, and colour palettes, all tailored to the brand’s personality. The logo is just one part of the puzzle—every visual element works together to create a cohesive identity.
Being a boutique studio means we’re agile. We explore multiple creative directions and refine our concepts with close client collaboration. Unlike larger agencies, we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Every brand identity we create is custom-crafted to tell the right story.
Case Study: Vander Finance
Vander Finance required a professional yet approachable brand identity. We designed a sleek logo with a modern typeface and a color scheme that conveys trust and reliability, aligning with their brand values.
4. Refinement & Application: Perfecting the details
Once a direction is chosen, we refine and fine-tune the design. We test how the brand works across different mediums—web, print, social media, and packaging—ensuring versatility and consistency.
We also provide brand guidelines, a toolkit that helps our clients maintain brand consistency moving forward. From typography rules to colour specifications, it’s all about setting them up for long-term success.
Case Study: Curtain Concepts
For Curtain Concepts, we extended their new brand identity to their website and promotional materials, ensuring a consistent and engaging customer experience that reflects their expertise in bespoke window furnishings.
Building a brand from scratch is a meticulous process that blends strategy, creativity, and collaboration. At Studio Nine, we are passionate about guiding our clients through this journey, crafting brands that not only look exceptional but also tell compelling stories and connect deeply with their audiences.
5. Launch & Beyond: Bringing the brand to the world
A brand isn’t just something you create—it’s something you live. We support our clients in launching their new identity, whether it’s through a website, marketing materials, or social media rollout.
But branding doesn’t end at launch. We encourage our clients to evolve and grow with their brand, staying aligned with their vision while adapting to new opportunities.
Say Hello!
Studio Nine
33-45 Hurstmere Rd
North Shore, Takapuna
M. +64 21 1306 713
katrina@studionine.co.nz
© Studio Nine
Branding & Graphic Design NZ
