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Insights

An exploration into the past, present and future trajectory of creativity and the visual world. We combine our specialist knowledge with new insights, theories, processes and technology to inform and inspire.

Sustainable & Ethical Branding in Practice

Sustainable and ethical branding goes far beyond visual style. It’s about alignment, adaptability, transparency, and longevity — creating brand systems that reduce waste, build trust, and genuinely reflect an organisation’s values over time.

By Fran Johnson : 15/02/2026
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How AI is reshaping design

How AI is Reshaping Brand Identity

A failed attempt to generate a logo with AI sparks a wider reflection on creativity, authenticity, and sameness in design—and why human designers still play a vital, irreplaceable role in shaping distinctive brands.

By Fran Johnson : 24/01/2026
2025 branding agencies

Branding agencies we’ve loved in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the branding agencies and design studios that have inspired us most this year. From bold strategic thinking to beautifully crafted work, these studios capture both the pace of change in the creative industries and the enduring power of thoughtful, well‑made design.

By Jo Wdowiak : 12/12/2025

What is branding?

Long before logos and marketing, humans used symbols and stories to express belief, identity, and belonging. At its deepest level, branding is not a commercial exercise but a human one—shaping meaning, connection, and loyalty. The strongest brands don’t just sell products; they become symbols people choose to believe in.

By Beth Evans : 15/11/2025
Brand Guidelines

Brand Guidelines in practice

A logo or colour palette is just the start of a brand. What really makes a brand coherent over time is guidelines — the set of rules, principles, and…

By Fran Johnson : 21/10/2025
Branding for Charities

Branding for Charities: Why It Matters, What Makes It Work

Effective charity branding is never about surface-level aesthetics, but about clarity, empathy, and long-term usefulness.

By Fran Johnson : 05/09/2025
Questions to ask designers

What business leaders should ask of designers

When leaders ask the right questions to designers, design can support and extend the core business / charity strategy.

By Fran Johnson : 15/08/2025
Crafting a personal brand as an academic

Crafting a Personal Brand as an Academic: Why It Matters

How do you go about building a brand as an academic? Thoughts on brand strategy and brand identity using two case studies.

By Fran Johnson : 06/07/2025

How brands can grow over time

Using Charnwood Brewery and its micropubs as examples, we look at how a brand can be flexible enough to grow over time and stay strong.

By Fran Johnson : 22/06/2025

How to choose a photography style

Choosing a photography style is about creating a consistent visual language that helps your audience recognise, connect with, and trust your brand.

By Beth Evans : 23/05/2025

2024: The year of the maternity leave

If we’ve seemed a bit quiet recently, 2024 was quite the year for a dozen eggs. We grew in numbers, but not in the conventional business sense and found…

By Fran Johnson : 17/04/2025
Favourite branding agencies

Our top branding agencies in 2023

Taking a look at the latest projects from the top branding studios in the UK and beyond. From packaging to signage and typography to illustration.

By Fran Johnson : 20/12/2023
Visual identities with flexible systems text based design

Visual Identities with flexible systems

Lorenz makes a strong case for no longer needing logo based visual identities in contemporary design and instead explores flexible systems.

By Jo Wdowiak : 24/11/2023