At Studio North, we believe that shaping the future of business starts with empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. By sharing our expertise, we help early-stage business owners develop practical skills, build confidence, and think strategically about their brand’s role in the market.
That’s why we partnered with the MMU Enterprise Team to deliver a hands-on branding workshop for freelancers, startup founders, and side hustlers. As part of Manchester Met’s Enterprise Programme, which helps turn ideas into reality, we worked with students at different stages of their journey – from those selling products online to those launching social enterprises. The goal? To help them create a brand identity and strategy that sets them apart in a competitive market.
What makes a strong brand?
Led by Nick Wright (Founder & Brand Strategist) and Holly Gleave (Design Director), the workshop combined strategic insights with creative execution. We guided participants through key pillars of brand-building, including:
Defining your brand’s purpose & story
Every great brand starts with a strong foundation. We helped students clarify their mission, core values, and unique selling proposition (USP) – crucial elements that shape how their brand connects with the right audience.
“A brand isn’t just a logo – it’s a business strategy brought to life visually. The strongest brands know exactly what they stand for and why they matter.”
Nick Wright, Founder, Studio North
Exploring brand personality
Through an interactive exercise, students selected three adjectives that best represented their brand’s character. We then explored how these traits could be expressed visually – through design, messaging, and tone of voice.
Understanding your audience
Using mood boards and visual storytelling, students identified the design elements that resonate with their ideal customers. This step helped them ensure that their branding aligns with audience expectations and industry positioning.
Crafting a cohesive visual identity
A brand’s look and feel are more than aesthetics – they influence recognition, trust, and perception. We introduced students to:
- Logo design principles – how simplicity and versatility impact brand recognition
- Typography choices – how fonts shape brand personality
- Colour psychology – the emotional and strategic role of colour in branding
- Imagery & graphic styles – creating consistency across digital and physical brand touchpoints
We also highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency across all brand touchpoints to create a strong and memorable identity.
Bringing ideas to life with design tools
To help students turn their brand concepts into reality, we introduced them to industry-standard design tools. The workshop included training on platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud, equipping participants with the practical skills needed to develop their brand visuals effectively.
Beyond design: the power of brand strategy
At Studio North, we don’t just design brands – we build strategic identities that fuel business growth. The workshop emphasised that a strong brand is more than just a logo – it’s about positioning, messaging, and customer experience.
This approach mirrors our Brand Clarity Lab™, a process we use with businesses to help them grasp their challenges and shape a compelling kickstart brief, providing clear direction and a list of actions to help them get on their way.
Looking ahead: future collaborations & opportunities
The creativity and passion we saw at MMU were truly inspiring. We’re excited to continue working with Manchester universities, startups, and business leaders to shape brands that are strategic, meaningful, and built to last.
