A strong brand is more than a logo or color palette. It’s the story you tell, the impression you leave, and the confidence people feel when they encounter your organization. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with organizations across Bellingham, WA and the Pacific Northwest to uncover what makes them unique and translate it into a thoughtful, cohesive brand identity.
San Juan County Public Works
Since 2018, Shew Design has partnered with San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship department to build a cohesive brand and create print, social, and video content that connects islanders to their environment.
Safe Harbor Legal Solutions
Safe Harbor Legal Solutions had grown – and their brand needed to catch up. We built a complete identity system, from logo to website, that reflects where they are today. This system included a logo, colors, and type library, in addition to stationery, printed brochures, a website, and a library of ads.
National Association of Community Health Centers
Community health centers serve everyone – and need the materials to do the same. We helped NACHC turn complex health policy into clear, engaging content that works across print, social, and video.
Want to see more branding case studies?
who we help
We help local and national organizations, government agencies, and businesses tell their story clearly and connect with the people they serve — from logos and full brand systems to websites, annual reports, and newsletters, plus the signage, handouts, and rack cards that carry your brand into the community.
Clean Energy & Climate
Community Health
Arts & Culture
Housing and Community Development
Conservation
Small Business
Schools & Education
Tourism & Destination Marketing
Local Government
Legal Services
branding guides
from our blog
some of our branding clients
Shew Design patiently helped us navigate the waters of a major rebranding project. The creative process was on point, and their thoughtful objectivity was much appreciated!
frequently asked questions
How do you know when it’s time to invest in professional branding?
A few things can point to the need to invest in professional branding.
- Your business has grown or changed direction since you last touched your brand identity, and it no longer reflects what you actually do.
- You’re leaning on word of mouth because your website and materials don’t build trust fast enough for someone to say yes on their own.
- You’re competing on price because nothing else sets you apart.
- Or you’re proud of the work but hesitant to send someone to your site.
None of the above means something is broken. They mean your brand hasn’t caught up to your business yet. The right brand identity closes that gap, giving people a reason to trust and choose you before they’ve read a word about what you offer.
What is brand identity and why does it matter for your business?
Brand identity is the collection of visible and verbal elements that make your business recognizable. That includes your logo, colors, typography, imagery, and the tone of voice you use to speak to customers. It’s what people encounter before they ever read a word about your services. A cohesive identity shows that your business is established, credible, and pays attention to detail. An inconsistent or dated one plants doubt. Those first impressions carry weight, and a strong identity makes the decision for your audience to reach out to you feel safer.
How does a strong brand differentiate your business from competitors?
In a crowded market, most competitors offer similar services at similar prices, which means customers often struggle to tell one option from another. A strong brand solves that by giving people a clear reason to choose you. Not just choosing what you do, but why it matters and who it’s for. Differentiation comes from having a distinct position. This involves clarifying the specific audience you serve best, and having a point of view that competitors don’t. When that positioning is expressed consistently across everything from your website to your proposals, customers stop comparing you on price alone and start seeing you as the obvious fit. That’s the difference between competing and being chosen.
What do I receive when we complete a branding project?
Branding projects typically include:
- a logo and supporting logo variations
- defined typography and color systems
- design guidelines and documentation
- key deliverables such as print materials, web elements, or other assets
By developing real applications alongside the brand, you can clearly see how the system works and use it confidently moving forward.
