Brand Evaluation
Finding Your Way
Brand Evaluation Process
Like finding your way through Montana’s landscape, understanding your brand’s position requires a clear view of the terrain. This evaluation maps out where your brand currently stands – revealing your strengths, challenges, and untapped opportunities. We’ll survey the landscape from all angles, helping you chart the most strategic path forward in today’s market.
In depth evaluation
We'll examine every element of your brand's DNA, from logo design to visual strategy, providing detailed ratings that illuminate your path forward. We don't just skim the surface; we dive deep into the essence of your brand, mapping out actionable insights.
Logo Legibility
Logo Versatility
Logo Impact
Slogan Strength
Visual Language Strength
Communication Strength
"Armed with Branch’s professional, affordable and visually appealing work, I am able to confidently grow my business on a solid foundation. “
Seth Yocum
Owner – Aqualogical Resources
Free Brand Evaluation
Ready to discover your brand's hidden potential? Fill out the form below to get a free brand evaluation and walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your visual identity and market position.
Logo Design Process
Planting the Seed
The Branch Logo Design Process
Every great brand starts with a seed of an idea. At Branch Industries, we nurture that seed through our time-tested design process, helping it grow into a logo that perfectly captures your company’s essence. Since 2008, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses—from ambitious startups to global brands—bloom into their full potential through powerful visual identities.
The Investment
- Timeline: 4-6 weeks
- Investment: $800-$1,600 (varies based on complexity and budget)
- Custom quotes available for projects requiring board review or legal approval
1. The First Hello (30-minute meeting)
-
Let’s get acquainted! We’ll meet (in person, virtually, or via phone) to:
- Explore if we’re a good match for each other
- Walk through the creative journey ahead
- Understand your vision and needs
- Set up clear communication channels
2. Protecting Your Vision
We take your trust seriously. Before diving in:
- You’ll receive our signed confidentiality agreement
- Your ideas and information stay completely confidential
3. Getting to Know You
-
We’ll send you our detailed brand survey to understand:
- Your company’s unique story
- Design preferences and style
- What makes you stand out from competitors
- Your vision for the future
4. Making It Official
- We’ll provide an estimate
- A $400 down payment kicks off your project
- Once received, we start bringing your vision to life
5. The Creative Journey
Week 1-2: Initial Concepts
- We create hand-sketched icon concepts
- 30-minute review meeting to explore possibilities
- Together, we’ll select 2-3 promising directions
Week 2-3: Digital Development
- Transform selected concepts into digital designs
- Explore font options and black/white versions
- 30-minute review to refine the direction
Week 4: Final Touches
- Color exploration and final refinements
- Digital proofs for your review
- Perfect every detail until it’s just right
"Working with Branch was not only a professional experience but they also really care about all aspects of our brand. The finest of touches were brought forth in the logo and collateral they created for us."
Aaron Bartell
CTO – PowerRuby
6. Delivery & Implementation
-
Once approved:
- Final invoice processing
- Comprehensive file package via Dropbox
- Multiple formats for various applications
Our Guarantee: If you’re not completely satisfied with the final design, we won’t bill you and we’ll refund half of your down payment. (Fun fact: We’ve never had to do this since we opened in 2008!)
7. Growing Together
- Complete our satisfaction survey
- Explore additional branding opportunities:
- Logo guidelines
- Business collateral
- Print & digital materials
- Website integration
- Social media assets
- Brand story development
- Visual language creation
Our promise to you
When you partner with Branch Industries, you’re not just getting a logo—you’re getting a visual foundation that will elevate your brand and inspire your audience. Our greatest reward? That moment when you see your new logo and say, “That’s it! That’s us!”
Set up a free consultation
Join us for chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
Logo Copyright and Trademark
Protect Your Brand
Copyrighting a logo is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to determine if your logo is primarily artistic or also serves as a trademark.
Here’s a guide to the easiest way to copyright your logo in the United States:
1. Determine if Copyright Applies
- Artistic/Creative Elements: Copyright applies if your logo contains unique, original artistic or graphic design elements.
- If your logo is primarily a word mark or basic design, it may fall under trademark law instead of copyright.
2. Automatically Protected Upon Creation
- As soon as you create a logo and fix it in a tangible medium (e.g., sketch, digital file), it’s automatically protected by copyright.
- However, registering the logo with the U.S. Copyright Office provides stronger legal protection.
3. Register with the U.S. Copyright Office
- Why Register? Registration allows you to sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in case of infringement.
- Steps to Register:
- Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website: https://www.copyright.gov.
- Create an account and start a new registration application.
- Choose Visual Arts Work as the type of work for logos.
- Upload a digital copy of your logo.
- Pay the filing fee (typically $45–$65).
4. Receive Confirmation
- After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The U.S. Copyright Office will review your application, which may take several months.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an official copyright certificate.
5. Consider Trademark Protection (Optional)
- If you plan to use your logo to represent your business in commerce, registering it as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides additional legal protection.
Here’s how to register your logo as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):
Why Trademark Your Logo?
- A trademark protects your logo as a brand identifier for your goods or services in commerce.
- It prevents others from using a similar design that could confuse your customers.
Steps to Register Your Logo as a Trademark
1. Conduct a Trademark Search
- Visit the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): TESS.
- Search for similar logos to ensure yours is unique and doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.
2. Determine the Basis for Filing
- Use in Commerce: If you’re already using the logo in business, you’ll need proof of use, such as advertisements, websites, or packaging.
- Intent to Use: If you haven’t started using the logo but plan to, you can file based on intent and provide proof later.
3. Prepare Your Logo for Submission
- Ensure your logo is in a high-quality digital format (e.g., JPEG or PNG).
- Clearly define its color scheme (if applicable) or indicate it’s for black-and-white use.
4. Create a USPTO Account
- Go to the USPTO’s website: USPTO.gov.
- Create an account through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
5. Complete the Trademark Application
- Use the TEAS Standard or TEAS Plus application:
- TEAS Plus: Costs $250 per class of goods/services but has stricter requirements.
- TEAS Standard: Costs $350 per class but is more flexible.
- Provide the following:
- Owner’s name and address.
- A description of the logo.
- The goods/services associated with the logo.
- The class of goods/services (e.g., clothing, software, etc.).
6. Pay the Filing Fee
- Fees depend on the number of classes of goods/services you choose. Each class requires an additional fee.
7. Monitor Your Application
- After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
- The USPTO assigns an examining attorney to review your application, which typically takes 6–9 months.
8. Respond to Office Actions (if Needed)
- If the USPTO finds issues with your application, they’ll issue an Office Action. You must respond within 6 months.
9. Receive Trademark Registration
- Once approved, you’ll receive a registration certificate. Your logo is now a federally registered trademark.
Maintain Your Trademark
- File maintenance documents at the 5-6 year mark and every 10 years thereafter to keep your trademark active.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
Taming the AI Dragon
Taming the AI dragon
How AI is transforming creativity and design
Face your fears
In the age-old tale of knights and dragons, the dragon often symbolizes a formidable challenge, while the knight, armed with courage, defends the realm and rescues the maiden. In today’s world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be that dragon—mighty, misunderstood, and brimming with potential. Whether you like it or not, AI is here, and it’s reshaping the landscape of creativity and design. Most creatives who don’t embrace the technology are going to be left behind.
One step ahead
AI is not just a passing storm; it’s a transformative force sweeping across industries. For those in creative fields, this dragon brings the promise of new possibilities. At Branch Industries, we’ve embraced this formidable beast early, learning to wield its power to enhance our creative storytelling and strategy. In the realm of art and content creation, AI is nothing short of revolutionary. Combining tools like ChatGPT, Photoshop, and Sintra have become our warrior’s arsenal, enabling us to craft compelling content, render stunning images, write effective SEO, and generate more fruitful strategies. The early adoption of these technologies has been paramount in staying ahead of the curve and offering unparalleled value to our clients.
Mastering the dragon’s language
The true magic of AI lies in understanding its language. Clear and concise instructions unlock the potential of these tools. As an art director, this is a dream come true—a limitless canvas where imagination is the only boundary. This technology is not a threat but a companion in our quest for innovation and excellence.
Defending the Maiden
While concerns about AI displacing jobs are valid, it’s crucial to view AI as a tool to help others in dramatic ways. For designers, AI opens an incredible new chapter of creativity, allowing us to focus on the human touch—the emotional and ethical aspects of our work that machines can’t replicate.The dragon of AI is here, and it’s up to us to harness its power for good. By embracing AI, we’re not just defending the maiden; we’re inviting her to join us in writing a new chapter of creativity and innovation. Together, let’s wield this mighty tool to craft stories that inspire, engage, and transform.
Tools of the trade
We've found these tools to be particularly useful for image generation, image enhancement, content creation, seo, and marketing strategy.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for a chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
The Power of Visuals
The power of visual language
Standing out
In a world overflowing with information, standing out requires more than just words, a pretty logo, and a consistent color scheme. The human brain is wired for visuals, processing images 60,000 times faster than text. This fascinating fact, highlighted by Hubspot and supported by research from 3M Corporation and Zabisco, underscores the immense power of visual language. At Branch Industries, we harness this power to weave engaging narratives with imagery that resonates with your audience and aligns with your core values.
The science behind visuals
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve teaches us that humans forget about 50% of new information within an hour. However, the picture superiority effect flips the script, showing that images stick with us much longer. While text alone leaves us with a mere 10% retention after three days, pairing it with images boosts retention to 65%. This is why visuals are not just an addition but a necessity in communication, especially in competitive markets, where clarity and retention are paramount.
Visuals in action
Branch’s focus is on capturing the essence of a brand with custom imagery that is unique to you. The result is that someone can see an image and immediately associate it with your brand… with or without a logo or text. It can’t just be another stock photo, but rather imagery that deeply resonates with your audience.
Our approach is rooted in the understanding that visuals are not just decorative elements; they are central to communication. We design with the knowledge that the images representing your brand have a incredible impact on your audience. This is why we focus on creating visuals that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, ensuring they align with your brand’s values and your vision.
The impact of visual storytelling
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve teaches us that humans forget about 50% of new information within an hour. However, the picture superiority effect flips the script, showing that images stick with us much longer. While text alone leaves us with a mere 10% retention after three days, pairing it with images boosts retention to 65%. This is why visuals are not just an addition but a necessity in communication, especially in competitive markets, where clarity and retention are paramount.
Conclusion
In a digital age where attention spans are fleeting, the importance of visual language cannot be overstated. We are committed to using the power of visuals to help brands tell their stories in the most engaging and impactful way possible. By understanding and utilizing the science behind visuals, we create narratives that are not only seen but remembered and shared.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for a chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
Ethos
Ethos in action
At the heart of every creative journey
Every design decision, every business choice, and every relationship we build is rooted in our values, principles, and beliefs. This helps us practice fruitful business.
Values
Honesty: Pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness in everything we do.
Creativity: Striving to push the boundaries of design and storytelling. After all, we are made in the image of the great creator.
Gratitude: Recognizing our gifts, saying thank you, and using them to help others.
Playfulness: Infusing our process and interactions with a spirit of play. This should be fun.
Principles
Communication: Communicate openly and honestly.
Innovation: Implement creative solutions that communicate vision.
Hard Work: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results.
Collaboration: Cultivate an exceptional creative environment where the best ideas rise to the top.
Beliefs
Love Thy Neighbor: Treating others the way we want to be treated leads to the most beneficial and rewarding path.
Story Connects: Well crafted narrative and visual language has the ability to connect brands with audiences on a deeper level.
Design is Powerful: Creative design has the power to positively impact the audience.
We’re Always Learning: Personal and professional growth is a lifelong journey. We know the most as we learn how little we know.
Technology is a Tool : Technology has the potential to greatly enhance processes and outcomes.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for a chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
Tell Your Brand Story
Empower your brand
We craft stories that capture your brand's soul
If trees could talk
Have you ever stood before an ancient tree and imagined the tales it might tell? The whispers of history it holds, the storms it has weathered, and the secrets shared by those who sought shade beneath its branches. Your brand is much like this tree, rooted in a bustling forest of competitors, each striving for the same light and nourishment—the attention and loyalty of your audience.
This is your chance to stand out
In a world where few brands find their voice, there lies an untapped opportunity. Most remain silent, missing the chance to captivate with their unique stories. Imagine the power of a brand that not only speaks but resonates deeply with its audience through a dynamic visual narrative. This is your chance to stand out.
At Branch Industries, we specialize in uncovering your brand’s unique story and weaving it into every visual element. From your slogan to your billboard, we ensure every piece of your brand speaks the same visual language, creating a cohesive and inspiring narrative. This goes beyond mere consistency in colors and fonts; it’s about crafting a tone that echoes in every message, evoking emotion in every image, and intertwining all visual communications to showcase what is uniquely yours, capturing the essence that sets your brand apart.
Let us help your brand not just survive, but thrive, by crafting a narrative that captures the hearts and minds of your audience, much like the chronicles of an ancient tree.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for a chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.
Branch Brand Story
Branch's brand story
Once upon a time
In the enchanting land of Minnesota, where ancient trees whisper their secrets and the rivers sing their timeless songs, Branch Industries was born. At the heart of this tale is Bayard, a visionary inspired by the beauty and resilience of trees, embarking on a quest to create a realm where brands could grow and thrive.
Brand experiences that resonate
Guided by the enduring truth of Psalm 1:3, Branch Industries is rooted in the belief brands are extensions of the people and personalities behind them, embodying the innate human drive to create. Bayard’s mission is to cultivate “fruitful business” by crafting visual languages that reflect the unique identity and strength of each client, enabling them to flourish amidst life’s challenges.
Much like a seed planted beside flowing waters, Branch Industries has grown steadily, adapting to the winds of change. With integrity, growth, resilience, and creativity as its pillars, the company creates brand experiences that resonate deeply and endure through time.
The power of design
In this land of creativity, Branch Industries offers a sanctuary where brands can find their voice and place in the world. Whether it’s fostering customer loyalty or strengthening brand identity, Branch Industries believes in the power of design to inspire and uplift.
And so, the tale of Branch Industries unfolds—a story of partnership and prosperity, grounded in timeless principles and ready to help your brand bear fruit in every season. Together, let us plant the seeds for a fruitful future, where your story is at the core of growth and inspiration.
Set up a free consultation
Join us for a chat where we can get to know each other and see if our visions align. This meeting is all about feeling each other out and discovering if we’re a match. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore the possibilities.