Like a chameleon: the polychromatic virtue of dynamic brands

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the chromatic approaches in dynamic brand identities, describing and analysing new trends, patterns or shared strategies which seem to be taking place and renunciating the consistent use of corporate colours in some brands. Design/methodology/approach The research consisted of a qualitative visual content analysis, based on the comparison and scrutiny of 50 dynamic visual identities, verifying the changes that their colours would undergo in their numerous forms of representation and the symbolic associations these would carry. This analysis was performed using three different studies. Findings The results show that colour in dynamic brands does not follow any consistent pattern regarding its application and none of the most common colour harmonies seem to be an obvious strategic preference. Practical implications This research provides insights for brand managers to look at how this dynamic positioning can be successfully implemented without affecting recognition whilst establishing or maintaining customer loyalty, and for brand designers and marketers to clarify how brand guidelines will explain the usage of such colourful approaches. Originality/value This paper is a contribution to the knowledge of how a traditional visual element such as colour is being combined, deconstructed and reassembled in the context of modern visual identities. Three patterns are identified, and two of them draw attention to the apparent unnecessity of colour consistency and the way this may affect the relevance of colour in transmitting certain meanings.