Top Brand Identity Books from Leading Publishers

Creating a strong brand identity is crucial for businesses looking to establish a unique presence in the market. To master this art, many turn to trusted sources offering valuable insights and guides. Several renowned brands have published exceptional books on brand identity, providing readers with comprehensive strategies and expert advice. For a curated list of the best brands known for their authoritative books on brand identity, explore our recommendations below.

Illustration of brand identity books

Best brands of brand identity books in 2025

Designing Brand Identity" by Alina Wheeler

"Designing Brand Identity" by Alina Wheeler is a seminal work in the field of branding, first published in 2003 and now in its sixth edition, making it a comprehensive and enduring resource. The book has been translated into eleven languages and is widely used by brand, marketing, and design teams globally. It provides a structured approach to branding, divided into three sections: fundamentals, strategy, and implementation, and includes over 400 quotes and 700 visuals. Wheeler's expertise, garnered from over 40 years in the industry, has made the book a go-to guide for both professionals and students. The book's impact is evident in its influence on branding practices across various sectors, including B2C and B2B organizations. For more insights on Alina Wheeler's work, visit The enduring legacy of Alina Wheeler's Designing Brand Identity.

Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding" by David Airey

"Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding" by David Airey is a seminal work in the field of brand identity design, offering a comprehensive guide through the four fundamental stages of the design process: research, strategy, design, and implementation. Published in 2019, this book features a substantial collection of high-caliber projects from renowned design studios and provides valuable insights into the history and importance of branding, best practices, and how to exceed client expectations. It has been praised for its well-organized content, compelling case studies, and practical advice, making it an essential resource for students, independent designers, and entrepreneurs. The book has received critical acclaim from industry leaders and has sold over 100,000 copies in English, with translations in thirteen languages. Its detailed approach and real-world examples make it a constant companion for creative professionals. You can find more information about the book on Goodreads.

Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities" by David Airey

"Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities" by David Airey is a seminal work in the field of graphic design, renowned for its comprehensive guide to creating powerful corporate logos. This bestselling book, translated into 13 languages and sold over 50,000 copies, offers a clear and concise explanation of the logo design process, enriched with real-life examples and case studies from prominent designers like Paula Scher and Lindon Leader. The second edition is completely updated and expanded, including more case studies, sketches, and practical tips for working with clients. It is highly praised for its reader-friendly language and lack of excessive designer jargon, making it invaluable for designers, clients, and students. The book's insights into branding and visual identity have made it a critical resource in the design industry. For more information, visit the official book website.

How to Style Your Brand" by Fiona Humberstone

"How to Style Your Brand" by Fiona Humberstone is a highly acclaimed guide for creating a distinctive brand identity, first published in 2015. This comprehensive workbook provides insights into colour psychology, the use of patterns and illustrations, and the selection of typefaces, making it invaluable for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The book includes over 60 inspirational examples of brand identities and is praised for its clear, concise, and visually inspiring content. It has been particularly useful for those without a design background, helping them to create professional and sleek branding. With a 4.4-star rating on Goodreads, it is a trusted resource for anyone looking to enhance their brand's visual appeal.

Brand New: The Shape of Brands to Come" by Wally Olins

"Brand New: The Shape of Brands to Come" by Wally Olins is a seminal work in the field of branding, offering insightful analysis and predictions on the future of corporate identities. Published in 2014, this book is part of Olins' extensive portfolio, with his works selling over 250,000 copies in 18 languages. Known for his clear and engaging prose, Olins critiques corporate missteps and praises effective branding strategies, making the book a valuable resource for those in marketing, business, and contemporary culture. The book includes 25 illustrations and provides a broad view of branding, making it a primer for modern business. Olins' expertise, honed from decades of advising global giants like BT, Volkswagen, and Renault, shines through in this comprehensive guide.

The Brand Gap" by Marty Neumeier

Marty Neumeier's 'The Brand Gap' is a seminal work in the field of branding, published in 2000, which has remained highly relevant even 24 years later. The book emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between strategic thinking and creative thought, highlighting five crucial disciplines: differentiate, collaborate, innovate, validate, and cultivate. It stresses that a brand is not just a logo or corporate identity, but an emotional connection felt by consumers. Neumeier's insights are particularly valuable in today's information-rich and time-poor society, where the value of a brand grows with how quickly and easily customers can engage with it. The book's simplicity and use of illustrations make it a compelling read for creatives, designers, and brand managers.

Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands" by Marty Neumeier

"Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands" by Marty Neumeier is a seminal work in the field of brand identity, emphasizing the need for radical differentiation in a cluttered marketplace. Published in 2006, the book distills the wisdom of thought leaders like Jack Trout and Al Ries, and introduces a brand marketing model with four key elements: Focus, Difference, Trend, and Communications. Neumeier's approach is highlighted through 17 checkpoints to gauge brand differentiation. The book's concise and visually driven "whiteboard overview" style makes it accessible and impactful. By following Neumeier's strategy, brands can achieve significant market standing in a rapidly changing digital landscape. For more insights, explore the book on O'Reilly's website.

Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller

"Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller is a seminal resource for enhancing brand identity, leveraging the seven universal elements of powerful stories to clarify messages and engage customers. Since its publication in 2017, over one million business leaders have adopted the StoryBrand Framework, resulting in significant business growth. The framework helps businesses cut through distractions, simplify their brand message, and create effective messaging for various platforms. It has led to remarkable results, such as a 60% conversion rate on webinar registration pages and substantial increases in sales. This revised edition, "Building a StoryBrand 2.0", further refines these strategies to tackle modern marketing challenges.

Hello, My Name is Awesome" by Alexandra Watkins

"Hello, My Name is Awesome" by Alexandra Watkins is a seminal guide for creating effective brand names, recognized as a "Top 10 Branding Book" by Branding Journal and a "Top 10 Marketing Book" by Inc. Magazine. The book, now in its extensively revised second edition published in 2019, doubles the number of brainstorming tools and techniques, and includes a new chapter on creative naming in the workplace. Watkins, the Chief Executive of Eat My Words, has created memorable brand names for clients from Amazon to Xerox over nearly 20 years. Her SMILE and SCRATCH Test provides a proven framework for crafting suggestive, memorable, and emotionally resonant brand names. This book is essential for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to create brand identities that stick. For more details or to purchase, visit the Barnes & Noble page.

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits" by Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman's 'Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits' is a seminal work in the field of brand identity, featuring interviews with 22 industry experts, including Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell. Published by Allworth Press, this book delves into the cultural, economic, and spiritual implications of branding, highlighting its impact on human behavior and society. Millman's expertise, honed over 16 years at Sterling Brands where she redesigned over 200 global brands, makes this book a valuable resource. Her work has been recognized for its depth and insight, reflecting her role as a former president of the AIGA and host of the long-running podcast Design Matters. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities and significance of branding.