Logo & Business Stationery I will design a brand for you that builds trust

Do you know that feeling? You had a logo made, maybe even a really good one. Nevertheless, every presentation looks different, your business card doesn't match the website, and with every new project you ask yourself: Which color should I use now? What was that font again?

This is exactly where the problem lies. A logo alone does not make a strong brand. What you need is a well-thought-out corporate design – a visual system that ensures your company is recognizable everywhere. Whether it's a business card, website, or Instagram post.

Why I'm telling you this

I'm Jan, a web designer from Ratzeburg. In recent years, I have helped dozens of companies find their visual identity. In doing so, I learned one thing: most underestimate what a professional corporate design can really achieve.

I was recently with a client. A medium-sized company, great products, a dedicated team. But their public image? A patchwork. The sales department had created its own PowerPoint templates, marketing used different colors than the website, and the management? They had just had new business cards printed – in a completely different design.

"We just need a new logo," they said. Three months later, they had a complete corporate design. The result? The sales presentations suddenly looked professional. The website finally matched the rest. And best of all: the employees were proud of their new brand. "Finally we look like what we are – a professional company," the managing director told me at the final meeting.

What corporate design really is (and what it's not)

Let's be clear. Corporate design is not:

• Just a logo
• A collection of pretty colors
• Something you do on the side
• Only relevant for large corporations

Corporate design is your visual operating system. It defines how your company looks, feels, and is perceived. Everywhere and always.

Imagine you meet someone for the first time. This person is wearing a smart suit, speaks professionally – makes a good impression. The next time you meet, they're in a tracksuit, suddenly talking slang. And the third time? Completely different again. Would you trust this person? Probably not.

This is exactly what happens when your company appears without a uniform design. Your customers get confused. They don't recognize you. And in the worst case, they switch to the competition, which appears more consistent.

The real costs of a missing corporate design

I'll tell you straight: without a professional corporate design, you're throwing money away. Every day. Here's why:

You pay more for less impact

Without a clear visual line, your advertising fizzles out. You have to start from scratch with every campaign because nothing builds on each other. Companies with a strong corporate design need up to 50% less advertising budget for the same effect. Do the math on what that means for your marketing budget.

Your employees waste time

"Which logo is the current one?" "Which color should I use?" "What was the font again?" These questions not only cost time – they are frustrating. I know companies where employees spend hours tweaking presentations because there are no clear guidelines. Time they could better invest in customer projects.

You seem unprofessional

Harsh, but true. If your own presentation is chaotic, what do customers think about your work quality? 75% of users judge a company's credibility based on its visual appearance. Let that sink in.

What does a professional corporate design include?

Okay, let's get specific. A complete corporate design consists of several building blocks that must work together perfectly. I'll explain what's really important – without marketing blah-blah.

The logo – but done right

Your logo is like your face. It should be distinctive and work everywhere. From a ballpoint pen to a building wall. But a logo is more than just a pretty graphic. It needs:

• Different versions (full version, short version, icon)
• Clear rules for minimum sizes
• Definitions for different backgrounds
• Protected spaces so it can breathe

I develop logos that not only look good today, but will still work in 10 years. No trendy gimmicks that will be embarrassing next year.

Professional Logo →

Colors that are more than just pretty

Colors are powerful. They trigger emotions, create recognition value, and can even influence purchasing decisions. But "I like blue" is not a color strategy.

I will define for you:

• Primary colors that convey your core values
• Secondary colors for more design freedom
• Exact color values for all media (print, web, etc.)
• Combination rules so that everything harmonizes

Fun Fact: The right choice of color can increase your brand awareness by up to 80%. Coca-Cola red or Ikea blue – you know immediately which brand is meant, right?

Typography – your brand voice

Fonts are like tone of voice. They can be serious or playful, modern or classic, loud or quiet. The wrong font can ruin your entire message. Just imagine a law firm with Comic Sans. Exactly.

What I determine for you:

• Main fonts for headlines and special occasions
• Body fonts for longer texts
• System fonts as a fallback
• Sizes, spacing, and hierarchies

The goal? Your texts should not only look good, but also be enjoyable to read.

Visual language – show who you really are

Pictures say more than a thousand words. But which pictures fit your brand? Stock photos of smiling people in suits? Please no.

I will develop a visual language with you that is authentic:

• Which photo style suits you (documentary, staged, artistic)?
• Which color tones and edits?
• People or products in focus?
• Illustrations or photos?

The best visual language is the one where your customers immediately know: That's from you! Even without a logo on it.

Design rules – the invisible framework

This is where it gets technical, but it's important. Design rules ensure that everything fits together. How much space between elements? How large can text be at most? Where does the logo go?

These rules are like the grammar of your visual language. Without them, it becomes chaotic. With them, harmony is created, even when different people are working on your materials.

My process – how your corporate design is created

You may be wondering now: How does this work? Let me show you my proven process. No surprises, no hidden costs, just clear steps to the goal.

Step 1: We get to know each other

Before I even draw a line, I need to understand you and your company. We sit down together (in person or digitally) and talk. About your vision, your customers, your competition. About what makes you special.

I ask questions like:

• What distinguishes you from your competitors?
• What values are important to you?
• Where do you want to be in 5 years?
• Who are your favorite customers?

This may seem like a lot at first, but believe me: this foundation is worth its weight in gold. Only if I really understand you can I develop a design that suits you.

Step 2: Concept and initial ideas

Now it gets creative. Based on our conversations, I develop initial concepts. Not final designs yet, but directions. Mood boards, color worlds, style directions.

We look at it together. What do you like? What doesn't fit? Where do we want to go? This exchange is super important. It's your corporate design – you have to feel comfortable with it.

Step 3: Design development

Once the direction is clear, we get down to business. I develop your logo, define colors, select fonts. Everything step by step, with regular coordination.

You don't just get a finished result presented to you. You are part of the process. Your feedback is incorporated directly. This is how a design is created that really suits you.

Step 4: Fine-tuning and applications

The basic design is in place? Perfect. Now I'll show you what it looks like in practice. Business cards, letterhead, website mockups. This gives you a feel for how your new identity works.

Often, small things are noticed here that we adjust. No problem – that's exactly what this phase is for.

Step 5: Handover and introduction

In the end, you don't just get beautiful files. You get a complete system. With everything you need:

• All logo files in different formats
• Your personal style guide
• Templates for the most important applications
• An introduction on how to use everything correctly

And the best part: I'm still there for you after the handover. Questions? No problem. New application that we didn't consider? We'll find a solution.

Where is your corporate design used?

"Okay Jan, sounds great. But where do I even need it?" Good question! The answer: Everywhere your customers come into contact with your brand. And that's more than you might think.

The classics – business stationery

Let's start with the obvious:

• Business cards: Your brand promise in pocket format
• Letterhead: Every invoice, every offer a brand contact
• E-mail signature: Often underestimated, but super important

A client of mine, the owner of an architectural firm, recently told me: "Since we got the new business cards, I get compliments all the time. People take them and say: I'm not throwing this away!" That's the power of good design.

Digital – your online presence

This is where the action is:

• Website: Your digital home, accessible 24/7
• Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook – consistent everywhere
• Newsletter: Directly in your customers' inbox
• Presentations: Every pitch a home game

The trick: With a well-thought-out corporate design, you save a lot of time here. Create the templates once, use them again and again. Instead of starting from scratch every time.

Do you also need a:

New website? →

Print – yes, it still exists!

The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated:

• Brochures and flyers: For trade fairs, events, display
• Posters: When you want to go big
• Vehicle lettering: Your mobile office
• Merchandise: T-shirts, pens, mugs – all brand ambassadors

Especially with print, you can see the difference between "homemade" and "professionally designed" particularly clearly. The material, the finishing, the details – everything contributes to the perception.

Professional Print Media →

The style guide – your toolbox for consistent design

Imagine you have the perfect corporate design. Everything looks great. But then... Your employee creates a presentation and uses the wrong colors. The agency designs a flyer with the old logo. The social media team invents its own fonts.

Chaos? Not with a proper style guide!

What is a style guide anyway?

A style guide is like an instruction manual for your brand. It documents all the rules, shows examples, and gives clear instructions. But don't worry – I don't make it more complicated than necessary.

A good style guide answers questions like:

• Which logo version do I use when?
• Which colors can I combine?
• How large must text be at a minimum?
• Which images fit our brand?

Practical instead of theoretical

I create style guides that are actually used. Not 200-page monsters that gather dust in a closet. But practical instructions with:

• Concrete examples ("Right" vs. "Wrong")
• Downloadable templates
• Quick references for everyday use
• Explanations of why something is done a certain way

A client once said to me: "The style guide is like a good employee – always there when I need it, and it knows all the answers." That's exactly the goal.

Digital and always up-to-date

I will create a digital style guide for you that:

• Is available online (for all employees)
• Can be easily updated
• Offers templates for direct download
• Works on all devices

So you always have your brand rules at hand. Whether in the office, at home, or on the go. You still want something tangible? No problem. On request, I can create a PDF file and also a booklet for your style guide.

What does a corporate design cost?

Let's get to the topic that interests everyone: What does it cost? I'm very transparent about that.

Please take a look at my price calculator:

Timeframe – how long does it take?

Here too: a clear statement. A corporate design takes time. Rushed jobs will come back to haunt you later.

Depending on the scope, it can take 4-6 weeks or even 10-16 weeks.

Why so long? Because good design needs to mature. Because we need to coordinate. Because I explore different directions before we commit. Because details are important.

Can it be done faster? With artificial intelligence? Sure! Will it be good then? Mostly not.

Why you should choose me to develop your corporate design

There are many designers out there. Why should you work with me? Fair question. Here is my honest answer:

I speak your language

I'm not a detached artist who wants to tell you what you need. I'm an entrepreneur like you. I understand your challenges, your goals, your doubts. And I explain everything to you in a way that you understand – without jargon.

I think long-term

With me, you don't get a disposable design that will be outdated in two years. I develop timeless concepts that grow with your company. Trends? Sure, I know them. But I don't chase them. Your brand should still be strong in 10 years.

I'm there – even after the project

A corporate design is never "finished". It evolves, grows, adapts. And I'm by your side. Questions? Call me. New application? Let's talk about it. Problem? We'll find a solution.

I work transparently

No hidden costs. No surprises. Clear agreements, regular updates, open communication. You always know where we stand and what's next.

Success stories from practice

Theory is nice, practice is better. Here are a few examples of what a well-thought-out corporate design can achieve:

Your next steps

You've probably already noticed: I'm convinced of the power of a good corporate design. Because I've seen what it can do. Because I know that it makes the difference between "just another company" and "the brand I trust".

Are you ready for your professional brand identity?

If you've read this far, then probably yes. You know that your company deserves more than a thrown-together appearance. You finally want to appear consistent and professional. You want your brand to get the appreciation it deserves.

Perfect!

Here's what's next

1. Free initial consultation: We'll talk on the phone or meet. You tell me about your company, your goals, your challenges. I ask questions, give initial assessments.
2. Non-binding offer: Based on our conversation, I will create a customized offer for you. Transparent, understandable, fair.
3. Your decision: You think about it in peace. No pressure, no sales pitch. If it's a fit, it's a fit. If not, that's okay too.

Just write me a short message about what it's about. I'll get back to you within 24 hours. I promise.

Jan Raap – Corporate Design from Ratzeburg
For companies that want more than just a logo.

Further services:

• Logo Design – The face of your brand
• Print Media – Haptic brand experiences in the digital age al age