There is a special satisfaction in opening a beautifully crafted brand book. The cover’s texture, the weight of the paper, the thoughtful layout – it all feels intentional. In a world dominated by screens, the printed brand book remains a design object, a storytelling tool, and a cultural artifact.
Hybrid Design, known for their work on brand books for Sonos, YouTube, and Indeed, recognizes the emotional and strategic power of print. They see the return to physical artifacts not as a rejection of digital, but as a way to ground brand identity in something tangible.
While a digital brand hub offers flexibility and scalability, a printed brand book provides permanence and presence. Hybrid describes it as a combination of an instruction manual and a love letter, clear enough to use and beautiful enough to cherish.
So why are more brands turning to print in 2024?
„A grounding experience,“ says Hybrid. Holding a physical book serves as a reminder of the brand’s identity and the care that went into creating it. A well-designed brand book goes beyond utility, commemorating achievements and instilling pride in the team behind the brand.
When creating brand books, Hybrid starts with curiosity, delving into the brand’s beliefs, work approach, and the book’s purpose. These answers shape every aspect of the book, from its grid system to its binding, creating a unique and meaningful design.
Creating a brand book comes with challenges, such as the temptation to over-explain. The most effective brand books are intentional and curated, empowering rather than overwhelming. A brand book is a manifesto, anchoring a brand’s ethos in a tangible format and becoming an heirloom within organizations.
Every design choice in a brand book, from typography to texture, reflects the brand’s character. This attention to detail is also evident in Hybrid’s work on Mohawk Quarterly, where the philosophy is that if something is going to be printed, it must be special.
This mantra carries over into Hybrid’s approach to branding books, ensuring that each book is a unique and cherished representation of the brand.