Branding Guide · Documented examples

Brand guidelines examples that settle an actual production decision.

A useful guideline lets another person choose the right version. These official examples show a measurable restriction, a placement rule and a writing decision.

Inspect the words or rule. Each example includes its original source.

Separate the judgment. GYB interpretation is labeled beside the observation.

Brand Guidelines Guide Build the broader rule set and ownership model.

Brand Guidelines Examples

specimen · source · interpretation

Editorial illustration. Read the original source beside each example below.

Read the rule beside the decision it resolves.

The source links include the organizations' own examples and diagrams. The application notes below are GYB analysis, not permission to reuse their marks.

Official rule, paraphrased

Spotify: size determines the asset

Digital minimums: full logo 70px; icon 21px.

Observed: Spotify publishes different minimum widths for its full logo and icon.

GYB reading: A layout too narrow for the full logo needs a different placement or permitted asset. A general instruction to keep the logo readable would leave this decision open.

Spotify: Minimum sizeSource checked 2026-09-18

Official rule, paraphrased

NASA: define what alignment means

Center the insignia using its blue sphere, not the entire shape.

Observed: NASA explains that the insignia is asymmetric and shows correct and incorrect centering.

GYB reading: An ordinary object-center command can produce the wrong placement. A useful guide specifies the reference shape and shows the exception.

NASA: Centering the insigniaSource checked 2026-09-18

Official guideline excerpt

Mailchimp: give humor a stopping rule

If you're unsure, keep a straight face.

Observed: The tone guidance tells writers to prioritize clarity and avoid forced humor.

GYB reading: The writer can decide what to do when a joke feels risky. A list containing only friendly and funny would leave that case unresolved.

Mailchimp: ToneSource checked 2026-09-18

Turn one recurring mistake into a usable rule.

A guideline entry another person can apply without asking what you meant.

Situation: Name the surface and recurring mistake, such as a small avatar, a partner lockup or an error message.
Decision and example: State the measurable rule or priority, then show an accepted and rejected use with a reason.
Owner and exception: Link the approved file or source, name the owner and describe how an unusual case is resolved.

Use this for your brand.

Private brand work

Pressure-test the decision before buyers do.

If a name, color, mark, message, voice, or page is starting to affect sales or trust, get the public-facing decision checked before rollout makes it harder to change.

Private work Request private brand work Use this when a live brand decision needs outside pressure before launch, redesign, or sales review.

Useful sources and next pages.

Primary source Spotify: Design and branding guidelines Logo versions, minimum sizes and permitted use. Primary source NASA: Brand guidelines Placement, alignment and protected-space examples. Primary source Mailchimp: Voice and tone A specific boundary for humor. Brand Guidelines Guide Brand Guidelines Guide Build the broader rule set and ownership model.