12 Being Different

Strong brand identities not only stand in contrast with their top competitor(s), but also with the overall market landscape. Contrast in brand identity begins with positioning, which should focus on points of differentiation, and can be reflected through graphic style, program application, and meaning.

Brand identities that use contrast well stand out based on how they look, feel, and behave differently than the rest of the market. For example, a brand identity built on Apollo-era NASA engineers and classic TV cop shows helps Geek Squad stand out among computer tech support companies.

Of course, as competition makes standing out harder, designers must dig deeper. Increasingly, differentiating a brand means looking for blue oceans—new, uncontested markets ripe for growth. When others zig, try zagging.

Service Source
C2
Erik Cox, Greg Galle, John Bielenberg, Marc O’Brien

This high-tech CFO action figure helps Service Source stand out in its market.