The art of visual storytelling: how to use design to tell your story

In a world that’s chock-a-block with content, it’s not just what you say but how you say it that counts. The art of visual storytelling is the secret weapon to make your brand not just stand out, but pop like a fireworks display in a pitch-black sky. Dive into this useful guide and discover how to use design to tell your story in the most eye-catching way possible.

Unravel the plot

First things first – you need to know your story. Gone are the days of just pushing products. We’re all about creating narratives that make people feel something, that make them want to be besties with your brand. But before you unleash your creativity, take a moment to jot down what gets your brand’s heart racing. What makes it tick? What’s its story? What makes you different from the rest?

Create captivating characters

Now that you’ve got the essence of your brand, it’s time to put a face to it. When it comes to your brand’s characters, whether it’s a lovable mascot, a charismatic spokesperson, or even unique typography, it’s important to capture your brand’s personality. Be true to yourself and your brand, and above all, make it unforgettable!

Set the scene

Your brand’s visual identity is the captivating stage where your story unfolds. Choose colours, shapes, and patterns that truly reflect your brand’s vibe and core values. Consider how these captivating elements can blend harmoniously, creating a sense of movement and depth. Oh, and consistency is key! You don’t want your audience to feel like they stumbled upon a completely different story with unexpected plot twists. Keep it cohesive and ensure your brand’s visual identity remains true throughout.

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Make them laugh, make them cry
A good story has emotional ups and downs. So, don’t be afraid to play with emotions in your design. Use contrast and surprise to keep your audience engaged and eager for more. Be bold and take risks, but don’t go overboard. After all, you want your brand to stand out, not stick out like a sore thumb.

The power of the picture

There’s a reason why they say “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Visuals have the power to convey your brand’s story in an instant. So go ahead and unleash your creativity! Embrace striking images, whimsical doodles, or even playful GIFs if they align with your brand’s personality. However, make sure they stay in harmony with your brand’s overall aesthetic and, most importantly, remain faithful to your story’s narrative. Let your visuals be a compelling reinforcement of your brand’s message.

Put it all together

Now that you have all the ingredients at your disposal, it’s time to create your visual storytelling masterpiece. Use hierarchy and composition strategically to guide your audience through the narrative, ensuring that they’re engaged and informed at every step. And don’t forget to conclude with a compelling call to action that leaves a lasting impact. It’s the final touch that will truly make your story shine.

So, there you have it – the art of visual storytelling in six simple steps. Go forth and weave your brand’s tale in a way that’ll leave your audience craving more. And if you need a helping hand, don’t be shy – reach out to a distinguished and top-rated design agency like ours. We’re all about taking risks, being assertive, and helping brands tell their stories in the most irresistible way possible.

Unifying Your Brand As A Quality Social Housing Provider

Unifying social housing brand

The social housing provider: the unsung hero of society, the champion of affordable housing, and the master of community-building. But with so many providers out there, how on Earth do you make your brand stand out? Even with multiple companies under one umbrella, it’s crucial to create cohesive brand identity that resonates with your audience. Are you ready to unify your brand? Good! We’re going to help you achieve it.

Why should you give a hoot about standing out?

Well, let’s face it: social housing providers are a bit of a fairy godmother of the modern world, transforming lives by providing people with a place they can call home. But with all the competition out there, it’s essential to make your brand as eye-catching as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

A distinctive and memorable brand is like a magnet for new customers, a comforting hug for existing ones, and a sure-fire way to build an enviable reputation. Plus, it’ll boost trust and loyalty, making it easier for you to smash those goals of yours.

Enter Be Smart, your branding saviours

At Be Smart we’re  all about crafting a brand identity that’ll make your social housing provider shine like the brightest star in the sky.  will work with you to whip up a brand strategy that’s in tune with your values and aspirations, creating a brand that’ll resonate with both your customers and employees.

The secret sauce: engaging copy

While a stunning design is the cherry on top of a unified brand, engaging copy is the delicious cake beneath it. It’s well-written, easy to digest, and hooks the reader like a literary angler. It should be informative, persuasive, and crystal clear.

When curating copy for your social housing brand, put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What do they want to know? What are their problems? How can you solve them and provide value? By tackling these questions head-on, you’ll create copy that’s as human as it gets and will help you nail your objectives. If you’re struggling for inspiration, talk to the people that use your services! They’ll be the experts as they’re your audience.

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Picture perfect: photography and visual branding

Visual branding is like the air guitar of the branding world – it’s all about nailing the right look. And photography is a crucial part of that. By using consistent styles, tones, and filters across all your communication channels, you’ll create a cohesive vibe that’ll have people recognising your brand from a mile away.

Colour us impressed

Don’t forget about colour – it’s like the secret handshake of the branding world. Your organisation might have multiple logos or brands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t streamline your colour palette. Use colour to bridge the gap between brands and create a sense of unity. Stick to the same colours for borders and text for a subtle touch of cohesion without ditching individual branding.

The grand plan

To introduce your fabulous new brand elements, you’ll need a strategy. Internally, get your ducks in a row and decide when everything will fall into place. For external customers and stakeholders, ease them into the changes gently. Be transparent about what you’re doing and why. Show them the value of branding and why it’s worth investing in.

Real-life rebranding

Still sceptical? Feast your eyes on some successful social housing rebrands. Take Abri, for example, born from the union of Yarlington and Radian in 2021. They unveiled new branding, a swanky website, and a sales site that effortlessly united the two organisations.

Then there’s Harbour, created after the merger of Port of Leith Housing Association and its subsidiaries. They completed a rebrand in November 2022 that perfectly encapsulated their combined heritage.

And who could forget Citizen, the rebranded WM Housing Group from 2019? They splashed out a cool £870m on a swish new look that oozed modernity and showcased their commitment to providing top-notch social housing for those in need.

The bottom line: Unify or die (okay, maybe not die, but you get the point)

To build recognition and trust with your clients, stakeholders, and audience, you need to unify your brand as a quality social housing provider. Sure, it might be tough to justify shelling out for a complete rebrand, but there are plenty of ways to work with what you’ve got and create a harmonious look across all your communication channels.

Focus on engaging copy, powerful internal messaging, photography, colour, and a plan for rolling out your brand elements, and you’ll end up with a solid and recognisable brand that embodies your organisation’s values and ambitions.

Ready to rock and roll?
Give us a shout today, and let’s start unifying your like the branding wizards we are!