5 min read

Best Brand Designers in Manchester

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Updated on 05 Jun 2024

When you think about your favourite brand – from its logo, its style, the whole vibe – it’s the work of brand designers. They are the players who work behind the scenes and help in bringing a company’s personality to life. It’s no easy task. Brand designers craft this visual narrative, helping businesses connect with their target audience effectively. It's all about showing off what a company stands for through their branding.

With several standout branding agencies in Manchester specialising in brand design, Manchester is home to a vibrant, creative community. Here we will spotlight some of the top contenders, leading with MadeByShape, an agency known for its dedication to crafting distinct and engaging brands.

How We Rated the Best:

Finding the best brand designers in Manchester isn’t a simple process. It requires a lot of research. We’ve approached this as though we are a client looking for branding services. This way we could select which agency is a best fit for the job. To objectively evaluate the top brand designers in Manchester, we considered the following criteria, each scored from 0 to 5:

👉 Portfolio: Quality and diversity of work.

👉 Reputation: Awards won and positive testimonials from third parties.

👉 Service Focus: Degree of specialisation in branding, web design, and SEO.

👉 Size of the Agency: Reflects the agency's capacity to handle diverse projects.

👉 Culture: Workplace environment and values that influence creative output.

This criteria will help to ensure a comprehensive assessment of each agency's strengths and capabilities. Let’s take a look at the verdict: 👇

1. MadeByShape

Located in just outside of Manchester city centre, MadeByShape stands out as a top web design and branding agency that has been shaping powerful brand identities since 2010. We're known for our award-winning designs, and we pride ourselves on a deep understanding of brand strategy, design, and implementation. Whether it's crafting the digital presence of well-known figures like Gary Neville or redefining the visual identity for major companies, MadeByShape tailors its approach to each client, offering a bespoke branding experience that resonates across various platforms. Clients receive a full suite of services, from logo creation to extensive e-commerce solutions, ensuring a comprehensive branding package that meets all needs.

At MadeByShape, you’ll find our workplace culture is unmatched. We describe it as a home away from home, where creativity and personal growth are encouraged. The team is not only talented and experienced but also genuinely enjoys their work, contributing to an atmosphere that blends work with a bit of fun. Regular team outings and a strong focus on mental health underscores our commitment to creating a positive work environment. This supportive culture not only enhances teamwork but also drives our ability to deliver exceptional work consistently.

CriteriaScore
Portfolio5/5
Reputation5/5
Service Focus5/5
Size of the Agency4/5
Culture5/5
Total24/25



Business card
Billboard
Embroidered logo
Billboard min

2. co&co

co&co is known for their strategic insight into branding. They dig deep to understand what makes each client tick, translating this into a brand that feels real and speaks directly to people. They handle everything from logos to the full brand story, ensuring that the brand's voice and look line up perfectly. Whether you're a one-person show or a big company, they tailor their services to meet your specific needs, making them a great partner for all your branding projects.

The no fluff, no bullsh*t agency pride themselves on being the "least fluffy" marketers you'll meet, focusing on delivering tangible, measurable results. With a team that brings over two decades of combined experience, they blend serious marketing strategy with a personal touch that aims to make every client feel like part of the family.

CriteriaScore
Portfolio4/5
Reputation4/5
Service Focus4/5
Size of the Agency
3/5
Culture
4/5
Total
19/25
The invisible orth branding

Image source: wearecoandco.com

3. MadeByAlphabet

Another notable agency, MadeByAlphabet, brings a fresh approach to brand design in Manchester. With a focus on clarity and simplicity, their work is known for its creative innovation and precision. This agency appeals to brands looking for cutting-edge visual identity systems that stand out in crowded markets. They offer a wide range of services from strategy and visual identity to UX/UI design and print packaging. They cater to both large and small clients globally. 

CriteriaScore
Portfolio4/5
Reputation4/5
Service Focus3/5
Size of the Agency3/5
Culture4/5
Total18/25
Tiqld branding

Image source: madebyalphabet.com

4. Gorilla Studio

Gorilla Studio stands out with its bold approach to brand design, especially for food and drink brands. They're known for helping brands become market leaders by not just fitting in but standing out. Their success stories include significant sales figures and rapid market penetration for products like Hallouminati Cheese and Cuzena Hot Sauce. With a focus on creative, impactful designs and strategies, they help brands capture attention and establish a strong presence.

CriteriaScore
Portfolio4/5
Reputation3/5
Service Focus
3/5
Size of the Agency
2/5
Culture
3/5
Total
15/25
Gorilla studio branding drinks
Cuzena BBQ 2 1

Image source: gorillastudio.co.uk

5. Noramble

Noramble are definitely making waves in Manchester’s brand design scene with their fresh, energetic approach. This team really knows how to blend creativity with strategic insights, delivering brand identities that not only look great but also work hard.

Although they’re on the smaller side, Noramble is making a name for themselves with work that punches above its weight. Their portfolio might not be as varied as some of the big players like MadeByShape, but it's packed with modern, eye-catching designs that tell a story.

They’re all about getting personal with their clients, making sure every project is a true reflection of the business it represents. The downside? Being smaller means they’ve got some limitations when it comes to the amount of projects they can take on at once.

CriteriaScore
Portfolio3/5
Reputation3/5
Service Focus
3/5
Size of the Agency
2/5
Culture
3/5
Total
14/25

While Manchester offers a crazy amount of talent in brand design, MadeByShape is particularly notable for its comprehensive services and exceptional design quality, making it a top choice for businesses seeking to develop or refresh their brand identity. Whether you're a startup or a massive company, their tailored approach ensures that every aspect of your brand's needs is met with expert care and creativity. For those interested in elevating their brand, MadeByShape represents the pinnacle of Manchester's branding expertise. Have a look at those testimonials.

While other agencies like co&co and MadeByAlphabet also show strong performances, Shape's comprehensive approach and consistent reputation underline its status as the top choice for those seeking innovative and effective brand design solutions in Manchester.

Want to start a project today with us at MadeByShape, get in touch!

I'm Kerry. Content Writer at Shape – if you don't find me at my desk, I'm probably on holiday again!