• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Status ForwardStatus Forward

Web design and marketing for the outdoor industry and conservation based non-profits

  • Let’s Talk
  • Work
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Case Studies
  • Follow Status Forward on Facebook
  • Follow Status Forward on Instagram
  • Follow Status Forward on Twitter
  • Follow Status Forward on LinkedIn

Home » Journal » Insights

Design Is a Promise

January 24, 2022 by Nick Romanos

When we first encounter a brand, whether it’s an ad on Instagram or product packaging on a store shelf, our brains begin making assumptions about it.

Certain “looks” speak to our subconscious in ways we can struggle to describe.

Yeti’s chunky logotype feels masculine and practically indestructible. While Disney’s logotype evokes a childlike playfulness, born from the brush script signature of Walt himself

Because our brains are pattern-making machines, we take in this information and subconsciously categorize brands based on what we see.

If the design looks a certain way, it must be THIS kind of product.

But what if the design is a sloppy mess?

What if the colors clash, the fonts are illegible, and the images and illustrations seem like they came out of Microsoft Paint’s clipart collection?

We know that type of design too.

Maybe we categorize this amateurish design with the visual language of high school PowerPoint presentations (ahh, sweet memories).

Perhaps the screaming-bold font and primary colors remind us of a local payday lender’s signage (eww, sketchy).

Maybe this design looks like a meme your Aunt Sue shared on Facebook (see above… yikes!)

Either way, sloppy, amateurish graphic design causes us to lose trust – and a lack of trust makes it incredibly difficult to build a brand.

Brands, after all, are best described as someone’s gut reaction to your product or service. Your true brand is what people say about it when you’re not around.

When you’re not there to advocate for your brand in person, your touchpoints (website, packaging, ads, etc.) must make a positive first impression. 

What does the quality of your design say about your brand?

Share

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Twitter
Previous
Nick Romanos

About Nick Romanos

As creative director, Nick leads brand identity design and messaging to better connect brands with people.View All Posts by Nick Romanos

Blazing new trails?
Let's move forward.

Book a Call
Status Forward logo

825C Merrimon Ave #390
Asheville, NC 28804
828.338.9145

JOURNAL CONTACT

© 2025 Status Forward

Privacy Policy
Privacy Settings