A real question from r/graphic_design that deserves a real answer. Not generic advice — specific steps.
Hi there! This is my first post here! I'm looking for help. I'm working with a client who, 2 months after accepting the color scheme from our moodboard, are now complaining to me the the brand's colors are too similar to another brand. # Context The client sent me references and their competitors and I analyzed and created 2 different mood boards with different directions & color scheme. They were very happy and chose the one that they liked and we went with it. That was about a month or 2 ago. This week, I finally presented the final brand guide to them with the exact colors, all of which very much similar in terms of color scheme as the previous brand. They were very happy, asked me a couple of revisions, but everything seemed ok. Two days later, the client send me a brand that was
Clients may complain about brand similarity after initial approval due to lack of design expertise. This is a common struggle for non-designers creating a visual identity without formal training.
We've all been there. You're putting in the work to create a professional-looking brand, only to have a client or competitor point out an uncomfortable similarity. It's frustrating, demoralizing, and makes you question your design skills. But the truth is, this is a common struggle for non-designers trying to build a visual identity from scratch. The core issue is that without formal training, it's easy to inadvertently fall into design patterns and color palettes that already exist. Our brains are hardwired to seek out familiar visual cues, so we often end up gravitating towards similar styles, even if we're not consciously copying. And let's be honest, there are only so many "good" design options out there. The fix starts with establishing a strong, intentional foundation. As outlined in the "The Foundation System" chapter, take the time to clearly define your brand's core attributes, personality, and target audience. This will give you a North Star to guide your creative decisions, rather than just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Next, leverage the "Template Library System" to kickstart your design process. Browse a curated library of professionally-designed templates and adapt them to fit your unique brand. This gives you a solid starting point without the risk of duplicating a competitor's look. Finally, put the "Selection Protocol" into practice. Run your designs through a rigorous review process, checking for similarities at every stage. Don't be afraid to scrap ideas that are too close for comfort, even if you're in love with them. When you have a cohesive, distinctive visual identity that truly reflects your brand, the frustration and second-guessing goes away. Your designs will stand out, your business will look more professional, and you'll finally be able to focus on what really matters - growing your impact.
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