Bradmarke | Branding, Advertising, and Marketing Solutions

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Headquarter

Bradmarke Interactive, G.R.A, No. 60 Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA, Ikeja 101233, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bradmarke Interactive, No. 39 Ikot Ekpene Rd, Opposite Chicken Republic, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Design Doesn’t Matter

(Unless You Make It)

Everyone talks about good design, but do you actually know how to make it work for your brand?

Let me tell you something interesting about the Egyptian pyramids. They’re over 4,000 years old, yet millions still visit them every year. Why? It’s not just the scale; it’s the design—the thought, precision, and story they carry. But what if the pyramids had been built sloppily? Crooked stones? Uneven symmetry? Nobody would care.

Now think about your brand. Is it a pyramid, timeless and commanding attention, or just another forgotten sand dune in the desert of competition?

Here’s the thing: good design alone isn’t enough. It only matters if it works—if it tells a story, creates impact, and serves a purpose. Let’s talk about why your design might not be doing that and, more importantly, how to fix it.

1. Your Design Looks Good But Says Nothing

There’s this thing Nigerians say when something looks flashy but lacks substance: na packaging. That’s what your design feels like if it looks good but has no meaning. People are drawn to visuals that tell a story, not just pretty pictures.

Fix It:
Start with your “why.” Why does your brand exist? What emotion do you want your visuals to spark? Let that guide your design choices. A well-thought-out concept will always beat shallow aesthetics.

2. You’re Too Afraid to Take Risks

Do you know why we still talk about the Wright brothers? Because they had the guts to dream of flying when everyone else thought it was impossible. Bold ideas are what people remember. But playing it safe with your design? That’s like using a Nokia 3310 in 2025—it works, but who cares?

Fix It:
Take risks. Try something different. Whether it’s a daring color scheme, unconventional layout, or quirky logo, don’t shy away from standing out. The best designs often come from ideas that feel a little uncomfortable at first.

3. Your Design Is Stuck in the Past

Let me gist you. Last year, I stumbled upon a website that looked like it was built during the Yahoo Messenger era. It was so bad, I thought my browser had traveled back in time. Outdated design is like stale bread—it turns people off instantly.

Fix It:
Keep your design fresh. Stay updated with current trends, but don’t chase fads blindly. Your brand’s personality should shine through, no matter how modern your visuals are.

4. Your Design Doesn’t Work for the Real World

Imagine buying an amazing pair of sneakers, but they’re too tight to wear for more than five minutes. That’s what happens when design is beautiful but impractical. A flashy website that takes forever to load? A logo that doesn’t work on social media? These are signs your design is failing.

Fix It:
Think functionality first. Your design should look good and work seamlessly across platforms—whether it’s a website, a billboard, or a social media post.

5. You’re Copying the Wrong Crowd

Remember those times in secondary school when everyone wanted to buy the same bag or rock the same hairstyle? That’s what many brands do with their design—they copy what’s popular. But you can’t lead by following.

Fix It:
Audit your competitors’ designs, then find the gaps they’re missing. If everyone’s going minimalist, go bold. If others are sticking to muted tones, try vibrant ones. Your uniqueness is your advantage.

6. Your Design Doesn’t Connect With People

Here’s the thing: people don’t just care about what your brand looks like; they care about how it makes them feel. If your design isn’t evoking emotion, curiosity, or excitement, it’s just wallpaper.

Fix It:
Think about your audience. What do they love? What do they value? Use colors, shapes, and imagery that resonate with their emotions and aspirations. When your design speaks their language, it becomes unforgettable.

Now So What?

Design isn’t just about looking good; it’s about making people feel something. It’s about telling stories, creating connections, and standing out in a crowded world.

So, I’ll ask you: does your brand design feel like the pyramids—timeless, iconic, and awe-inspiring? Or is it just another sand dune nobody notices?

If it’s the latter, don’t worry—you can fix it. Start by making your design work, not just look good.

Ready to transform your brand from forgettable to unforgettable? Let’s create designs that tell your story and captivate your audience. Let’s Talk!