Branding on a Limited Budget: Two Visual Identity Approaches

Branding on a Limited Budget: Two Visual Identity ApproachesBranding on a Limited Budget: Two Visual Identity Approaches

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Taste Test

Create your own

Nawras M Khrais

• Oct 7

✌️ Two ways to handle a limited branding budget:

Option 01: Build the complete visual identity, but only deliver what the client currently needs or can afford.

Option 02: Build only the part of the identity that matches the client's current needs and budget.

Which approach makes more sense to you?

I’ve been thinking about this from both the client’s and designer’s perspective, and I wrote a short article about it on Substack & Linkedin

Would love to hear which one you’d choose — and why.

Visual Design Logo Design Business Consulting

2 voted

40%

3 voted

60%

5 votes

Closed

TRUEFRAME

max

• Oct 8

option 02, honestly. the full identity just sits in a folder until the budget catches up

Nawras M Khrais

• 1d

You have a point! Thanks for your share 😊

Vara Creative

pro

• 1d

If you choose option 01 do you tell the client you have mapped out the wider identity or keep it strictly hidden so they don’t expect the extra assets for free?

Nawras M Khrais

• 1d

Absolutely, I'll keep it hidden in my safe 😊 and I mentioned that in the full article HERE.

nawraskhrais.substack.com

What If I Just Build the Whole Brand Anyway?

I used to have a problem with clients who came to me asking for a visual identity, heard the price, and then decided they only wanted a logo.

Juno Cruz

pro

• Oct 3

Which hero visual feels right for this brand?

While working on the homepage for Halfspace, a website design and SEO agency, I explored two different hero visuals for the same headline and layout. Same message, same structure, just a different visual metaphor and mood.

Option 1 - Rocket Launch. Bold, literal, and energetic, visually reinforcing the "launch your business" message with motion and fire.

Option 2 - Glass Cube. Abstract, sleek, and premium, giving a more refined, tech-forward feel without relying on a literal metaphor.

Would love your honest UX/UI take, which direction feels more impactful, memorable, and aligned with a web design/SEO brand, and why?

UI Design Visual Design Web Design

11 voted

41%

16 voted

59%

27 votes

Closed

MD Robin Islam

pro

• Oct 5

Both design are great; it's hard to choose one

Aryna Livadari

pro

• Oct 3

Rejected logo concepts exploring collaboration, shared expertise & working side by side

Brand Design Logo Design Visual Design

Jakaria Mahmud

• Oct 3

Most creative brands try to say everything at once. More colour. More shapes. More visual noise. But for this identity exploration, the idea was simpler: Make creativity feel meaningful. Introducing we/make, a bold, human-centred visual identity built around collaboration, growth, and purposeful making. The mark is designed as a flexible expression of “we” and “make” coming together. It represents: • Ideas turning into action • People creating together • Growth through meaningful work • A creative process that stays clear, warm, and confident The visual system pairs a deep navy foundation with a fresh green accent, bringing together trust, focus, energy, and optimism. Rounded typography and soft graphic elements keep the brand approachable, while the structured layouts give it a modern, professional feel. From stationery and meeting-room signage to campaigns, billboards, and event spaces, the identity is built to work wherever creativity needs to show up. Creative thinking. Meaningful making. Would love to hear your thoughts on the visual direction. What stands out to you first, the logo, colour palette, or overall brand feel? #BrandIdentity #BrandDesign #CreativeDirection #VisualIdentity #GraphicDesign #LogoDesign