What is brand identity and how it shapes perception

The two are closely connected, but they aren’t the same thing.

Rory Sleed
Co-founder & Digital Director

At The Creative Noise, we’re often asked what is brand identity and how it differs from branding. The two are closely connected, but they aren’t the same thing. Think of it this way, branding is the ongoing process of shaping public perception of your business, while brand identity is the set of tangible elements like your logo, colors, typography, and messaging that make your brand recognisable.

In short, branding is the strategy and action, while brand identity is the visual and material expression that communicates it to the world.

Branding The Big Picture

The Perception
Branding is about how people feel about your company, product, or service. It’s the reputation you build, the emotional connection customers form, and the way your business is remembered.

The Action
Branding involves everything you do to communicate your values and purpose. This includes marketing campaigns, content, social media, and even the way you deliver customer service.

The Goal
The goal of branding is to create a strong, positive perception in your audience’s mind, something that sets you apart from competitors and makes your brand stand out.

Brand Identity The Tangible Side of Branding

If branding is the “why,” then brand identity design is the “what.” It’s the set of brand identity assets that people can see, hear, and experience directly.

Key Elements of Brand Identity

  • Logo – Your visual signature and symbol.
  • Color Palette – A consistent set of colors that people instantly associate with you.
  • Typography – The fonts that give your brand a unique voice.
  • Imagery – The photography, illustrations, and visual style you use.
  • Voice and Tone – The language and personality behind your messaging.

Together, these elements create a consistent and memorable brand identity and image that customers can instantly recognise.

The Relationship Between Branding and Brand Identity

Here’s the truth, brand identity and design can’t stand alone. They need to be applied consistently through your branding efforts. A strong identity supports your overall brand strategy, while branding ensures that your identity is communicated in the right way.

When done well, branding and identity design work hand in hand to create a unified experience that builds trust, recognition, and loyalty.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Whether you’re starting from scratch with brand identity creation or refining your existing branding identity, having a clear design and brand identity strategy makes your business easier to remember and harder to ignore.

At The Creative Noise, we specialise in helping businesses in Brisbane and beyond build a strong, consistent presence. From crafting logos to developing full brand and identity design systems, we’re here to make sure your brand identity and brand image work together seamlessly.

Ready to Shape Your Brand Identity

Your business deserves more than a logo. It deserves a full fledged brand and identity system that reflects who you are and connects with your audience.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to bring it all together, The Creative Noise is the brand identity agency that can help you stand out and stay memorable.

Article by
Rory Sleed
Co-founder & Digital Director

With years of experience in the design industry, Rory thrives on transforming big ideas into beautifully crafted digital experiences. Passionate about helping businesses grow, he combines innovative strategies with creative problem-solving to bring visions to life. As a Webflow expert and skilled website designer, Rory is all about designing solutions that don’t just look good—they work hard for your goals. Approachable and dedicated, he’s the kind of collaborator who’ll go the extra mile to ensure every detail exceeds expectations.

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