Introduction
A brand story is more than just a catchy slogan or a flashy logo. It is a narrative that communicates the essence of your brand, its values, personality, and purpose. It helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level and differentiate yourself from your competitors. Let’s examine How to Use Image Editing to Tell a Compelling Story About your Brand.
Images are one of the most effective ways to capture attention, evoke emotions, and convey meaning. However, the effectiveness of images as storytellers requires smart editing so the images align with the brand story.
There are five crucial steps to create images that aren’t just beautiful as standalone art, but rather fulfill the greater purpose of telling a compelling story about the brand. These are:
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Choosing the right images for your brand story
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Using color, contrast, and composition to create impact
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Employing filters, effects, and text to add personality and style
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Being consistent and coherent
A). Choosing the right Images
The right images are determined by the context, audience, and goal of the campaign for which the images are being used. Will they be used on websites or billboards? In blog posts or Magazine Ads? Will they target senior citizens or Millenials? Different contexts and audiences will probably require different types of images and editing styles.
The goal of the campaign is perhaps an even more important factor when choosing images. Is this a reminder campaign for an iconic brand? Then stick to nostalgia-evoking imagery. Is it the launch of a new Summer line with a radical shift in messaging? Choose between a “mystery reveal” style and a “bold new beginnings” style. Different goals will require different types of images and calls to action.
The images in question can be original, or these days, chosen from the millions of licensed and license-free images online. Be sure to create/choose at least HD quality images.
B). Using Color and Contrast to Create Impact
The next step in using image editing to create a powerful brand story is to use color, contrast, and composition to create impact.
Color can influence the mood, tone, and emotion of your images, helping establish a distinct brand identity. Remember to use well-established principles of Graphics like Color Theory and Harmony. Finally, remember to use the color schemes consistently across all brand imagery to create a memorable identity.
If color influences mood, contrast adds depth to images. As with Color Theory, remember that Contrast too is an emotion trigger- High Contrast creates drama, while Low Contrast evokes calmness, so choose wisely! Whatever the choice, the ultimate image needs balance and harmonious contrast so there is continuity in the image.
C). Using Filters, Effects, and Text
In the days before digital photography, photographers used actual “filter” covers to create certain looks. The filters could create flares, hues, plane polarization, etc. In modern image editing the word signifies the various settings that the editor can use to change the color, brightness, contrast, sharpness, or texture of images. Choose filters carefully keeping in mind the purpose (adding an artistic touch, or a distinctive brand look) to achieve the technicals such as the right intensity and customization.
Effects: Effects are image transformations that can add extra elements or features to your images. Some examples are shadows, glows, gradients, patterns, shapes, and frames. Choose effects that are relevant to the image type- for example, a vintage frame is a great look for a sepia-toned image evoking early 1900s-style nostalgia. Choose to go minimalist or go wild with effects- just remember this is about enhancing the brand appeal consistently!
Text: Text can help communicate your message, or create a call to action. In this case less is definitely more! Use compelling short content with the right font, and the image will elevate to another level!
D). How to Use Consistency and Coherence to Reinforce Your Brand Identity
The final step in using image editing to create a powerful brand story is to use consistency and coherence to reinforce your brand identity. Use principles of visual design such as consistency (using the smae or similar elements across brand elements), and Coherence (using elements that work well together to create meaning).
Conclusion
Image editing is a powerful way to create a powerful brand story. By following the tips we shared in this blog post, you can use image editing to create impact. However, unless you are well versed in design theory and the latest software tools, things can get overwhelming. Consider using a reputed image editor like Manipal Digital to create a turnkey experience for yourself.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you need any help with your image editing or brand story, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you!
