Let’s just say I once tried to build my “brand” by using Comic Sans on my first portfolio. I was 19, full of ideas, and clearly had no taste. Since then, I’ve made peace with the fact that visual identity isn’t just about logos or the one font you think looks cool.
It’s about how you show up in the world—your stuff, your colors, your vibe. And if you’re a small business owner, an artist, or just someone who cares about not looking like a Pinterest fail in real life, then you’ll need more than just a Canva logo and wishful thinking.
Over time (and many embarrassing design choices), I’ve collected a set of go-to “add-ons”—small, creative things that make a big difference in how cohesive and intentional your visual identity feels. Some of these are things you wear.
Some are things you give away. Some are things that scream “I’ve thought about this,” even if you absolutely have not.
Start Small, But Start With Something Tangible
If I’ve learned anything from running a pop-up stand that almost collapsed in the wind, it’s that people notice details—especially the small ones. You don’t need a full-on rebrand to build identity. You just need a few anchor pieces that can tell your story on your behalf.
Here’s where I started adding personality that stuck:
- A well-designed business card (yes, still useful in the age of QR codes)
- Stickers people actually want to keep
- A consuela bag I could toss around and people remembered
- Pins—oh man, the pins.
This brings me to the MVP of small-but-mighty branding…
Use Button Pins to Add Instant Personality
I resisted button pins for a while, thinking they were only for teenagers with backpacks or indie bands trying to be ironic. I was wrong. One day I made a few with my art logo and some cheeky quotes—and people started asking for them. They’re cheap, visual, and incredibly easy to distribute or wear yourself.
If you’re serious about reinforcing your visual identity, pins can be a fast and effective tool. You can stick them on jackets, hats, backpacks, or give them away at events. What’s great is that people will actually use them if they’re fun, beautiful, or witty.
Here’s a tip: Don’t just slap your logo on a pin and call it a day. Try designing pins that reflect your brand tone. A wellness brand might create calming phrases in pastel. A tattoo artist might use edgy line art. I once made a set of sarcastic pins that said things like “I attended this event and all I got was this pin.” Guess which one people kept?
Creative Add-Ons That Actually Work (and Don’t Look Like Merch Failures)
So here’s where I lay out the things I’ve tried, loved, hated, and eventually learned how to use. If you’re going to invest in custom elements to shape your visual identity, these are the add-ons that actually pull their weight.
1. Custom Tape and Packaging Stickers
If you ship anything, your packaging is a billboard. Custom washi tape or sticker seals on boxes go a long way in making your product feel curated instead of drop-shipped. I once tried to DIY mine with Sharpies—it rained that day. Never again.
2. Tote Bags and Apparel
People wear what feels like them. If your brand is relatable or aspirational enough, a tote with a clever phrase or clean design will make someone carry it out of pure joy. Keep it minimal but smart. I did a run of black-on-black prints once—barely visible, but that was the charm.
3. Name Tags or Event Badges That Don’t Suck
You’d think name tags are just a necessary evil, but with custom designs, foil accents, or themed lanyards, you can make them feel like collectibles. Bonus: people will actually wear them instead of hiding them in their pockets.
4. Reusable Sticker Books
If you’re building a community—especially with artists, crafters, or stationery lovers—consider reusable sticker books. They’re tactile, playful, and double as both product and branding canvas. Great for collabs, too.
5. Display Signage That Moves With You
Don’t settle for a foam board printout duct-taped to a table. (Guilty.) Invest in banners, folding signs, or table throws that reinforce your color palette and feel polished. Your display is your store—even if it’s just a 3×3 table at a night market.
Why These Add-Ons Matter (Even If You’re Not “a Brand”)
You might be reading this and thinking, “I’m not a business—I just like things that look good.” That’s exactly the point. Whether you’re running a shop, managing a band, selling art at festivals, or just making zines in your free time—your visual identity tells people who you are before you open your mouth.
You don’t have to be polished. You just have to be intentional. Most of us don’t wake up knowing our exact brand palette or tone.
You figure it out through mistakes (like those Comic Sans years), little wins (like someone asking where your pin is from), and the moments when someone says, “Oh, that’s so you.”
And yeah, maybe some of it will end up in a drawer. But some of it will stick. Literally and figuratively.
A Few Tips So You Don’t Waste Your Money (Like I Did)
This is where I save you from my trials and burnt cash.
Things I wish someone told me earlier:
- Order samples. That $1.50 difference per unit makes sense when your first batch arrives off-color and smelling weird.
- Don’t put your entire logo on everything. Sometimes a symbol or quote communicates better.
- Make limited editions. People love feeling like they got the last one.
- Test small runs before committing. I once printed 300 pins with the wrong URL. Guess who still has them in a drawer? This guy.
Keep It Fun, Not Forced
If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of building a whole “identity,” breathe. This isn’t about becoming a brand overnight. It’s about building something recognizable—one sticker, pin, or bag at a time. Start with one item that feels right. Wear it, use it, or gift it. Then see what happens.
Your visual identity isn’t something you print. It’s something you wear, share, and repeat until people start to notice. Add-ons are just part of that story—and if you’re lucky, a really stylish one.
Final Word
Your visual identity doesn’t need to be flawless. But it should feel like you. Whether it’s a sarcastic button pin, a smart tote, or packaging that makes someone smile—you’re telling a story with everything you create. Make it one worth noticing.
And hey, if nothing else, at least people won’t remember you for using Comic Sans. You’re welcome.
