brand identity guidelines

These brand guidelines serve as a tool on how to create content that retains the integrity of the Sisu brand. This guide is not meant to limit creativity, but to keep the brand identity consistent and recognizable. Use the brand strategy section to drive content strategy on all applications, making sure to stay within the voice and personality of the brand. Use the brand identity section for guidance on how to use the logo. Use the brand toolkit strategy for direction on the use of color, typography, photography and graphic elements of the brand. Use the clinic strategy section as inspiration and guidance for how to keep all clinics feeling of the same brand, regardless of variables in location, size, etc. Use the brand applications for inspiration and direction on creating for both print and digital.
The origin of the word Sisu is Finnish and cannot be fully translated into English. It is a concept that captures the essence of resilience, perseverance, tenacity, determination, strength of will, and acting rational in pressure situations. Sisu is not fleeting courage, but the ability to sustain courage in the face of adversity. It’s that inner light that shines through during the darkest times. And, we’ve all seen those dark times and championed Sisu. It’s in that moment where you don’t think you’re going to be able to make it throughwhere you want to throw in the towel—and yet, you push through and make it to the other side.
Our founders have often summoned their inner Sisu as they’ve built Sisu Clinic into a wildly successful chain of clinics throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Now, they and their colleagues and business partners will summon Sisu as they look to rapidly expand in the U.S. What’s more, Sisu embodies a common mentality shared among our patients—a belief that you can harness your inner Sisu no matter what life throws at you, and you will be better for it.
Sisu Clinic is a doctor-led, cosmetic medicine destination offering a comprehensive range of the most advanced beauty treatments in the world—including botox, dermal fillers, skin boosters, thread lifts, and more.
Guided by our medical co-founders, we practice a principled philosophy with regards to the treatments we offer and how those treatments are administered. In part, we cling to this philosophy because it works to combat body dysmorphia and other body image complexes. Our medical providers judiciously practice cosmetic medicine to refresh and enhance our patients’ existing natural beauty with an aesthetic focus favoring timelessness over trends and artificial results.
We make sure each patient feels seen, heard, and validated during every visit. We pride ourselves on being able to listen intently, offer human perspective, and explain the medicine in very easy to comprehend terms. Our medical experts have an interest in the science behind the treatments, and a passion for producing results that leave our patients feeling confident and ready to take on the world.
Note: Sisu Clinic should be written as such, with the “S” in Sisu and “C” in Clinic being the only capitalized letters. This does not apply to the brand logo.
We’re medical experts, trailblazing at the forefront of our industry.
But we’re also artisans, excelling at a craft for which we have unwavering passion.
We’re steeped in tradition, yet always looking beyond the horizon.
Our proven blend of art and science allows us to offer unparalleled beauty solutions, as we guide our patients through their unique, personal journey of wonderment and evolution.
There’s a dash of magic in everything we do.
We’re attempting to disrupt established attitudes about the cosmetic medicine industry and ultimately evolve the modern beauty routine. To continuously propel this disruption, our brand is built on harmonious dualities.
We’re stylish trendsetters, yet completely authentic. We’re intelligent and confident, energizing and inspiring. Our vibrancy and international charm are complemented by professionalism and expertise. We’re glamorous but not overly perfected, radiant yet humble. With empathy and collaboration, we partner with our patients throughout their entire beauty journey.
Brand voice is the distinctive personality, tone and style with which we communicate. This voice should align with our brand personality.
We should be genuine, poised and confident. We’re knowledgeable yet conversational, speaking with others instead of at them. We’re charming without being flippant or sarcastic. We speak like a trusted confidant, offering expert guidance to inform, ease and educate.
These attributes are basic “ingredients” that work in harmony with one another. They don’t always need to be reflected to the same extent at the same time in every communication. You have the flexibility to modulate the voice—reflecting individual attributes in differing degrees based on the content of our communications as well as our intended audiences.
At our core, we believe all humans are connected through their desire to be seen, heard, and validated. We partner with our patients to achieve beauty results we all love and celebrate.
We’re focused on bringing medical integrity and trustworthiness to the cosmetic medicine industry. To practice medicine is an honor. To practice cosmetic medicine is a passion.
Our medical origins and industry expertise keep us ahead of the curve on treatment advancements. Smart, trained, and experienced doctors have a strong voice in our treatments and product development.
We believe cosmetic medicine should strive for natural, classic, timeless beauty.
Punctuating dots above and below the stem of the letter “i” establish a bridge, a connector from here to there. This references the unique, personal journey our customers embark upon with our products and services. The pure, honest symmetry of that specific letterform serves to further solidify our devotion to classical, natural beauty aesthetics. Lastly, the letter “i” reinforces our emphasis on our individual patients and their unique desires. “I want to be my best self”... “I deserve this”... “I look fabulous!”
The word “CLINIC” is tucked perfectly in the lower right, helping to balance the dual dots of the letter “i”. The logo should always appear with the word “CLINIC”. The logo in its entirety is remarkably strong, trustworthy and regal. It’s clean, confident and crisp. The open, exaggerated space between the letters (tracking) conveys sophistication and luxury. To further convey timelessness and stability, the logo should appear in either all black or white in most instances..
Whenever the logo is used, make certain it is a suffi cient size with enough surrounding clear space to ensure visibility and impact. Additional graphic elements and content should not encroach.
Clear space is derived from the width of the logo’s uppercase “U”.
There are three different types of ways in which the logo can be used: black and white logo, tab logo, and logo overlay.
The black and white logo and the tab logo are the most common uses of the Sisu Clinic logo. The logo can be used as a solid black and white when placed over a gradient or solid color background. Examples are shown on the following page.
The Sisu Tab can be used in any application, but most importantly when there are complex backgrounds. There are black and white versions of the tab. If the tab is placed directly over a brand gradient, the logo can be cutout of the tab. The tab follows the spacing rules for the logo, so that the box that makes up the tab extends below and to the side of the logo the same width of the "u". Examples above show some of the ways it can be used .
The logo overlay is the least common way of using the Sisu Clinic logo and a Sisu Clinic art director should always be consulted before this kind of use. When a solid gradient serves as the background behind the logo, the logo can be overlayed so that the gradient can be seen through the logo. There's two way of doing this. The first option is to darken or lighten the gradient background itself, while keeping the logo area full color gradient. The second option is to keep the background full color and have the gradient within the logo be lighter or darker.
White logo with effect set to soft light and 100% opactity
Sisu Cobalt logo with effect set to multiply and 50% opactity
White overlay over background with effect set to soft light and 100% opactity and logo cutout of overlay
SIsu Cobalt overlay over background with effect set to multiply and 50% opactity and logo cutout of overlay
The hero of our logo is the unexpectedly manipulated letter “i”. This can be extracted from the full logo and used as an individual visual element. The sisu icon is a representation of the connecting of two things, which has many different meanings within our brand.
Any color or gradient from the brand palette may be used. Only one hero should be used per execution.
Do not stretch, compress, bend or distort the logo
The integrity of the logo must be respected at all times. It should never be manipulated, modified or distorted. To do so confuses the meaning of the logo, diminishing impact and brand recognition.
Do not use unapproved colors or place a colored logo against a colored background
Do not place the logo on top of a busy photo or pattern
Do not rotate any part of the logo
Do not add an outline or other effects to the logo
Do not alter the scale of any elements within the logo
Do not place the logo on a background color that is too close in tone
Do not crop or mask the full Bridge logo
Do not create a pattern with the logo
Our visual identity should reflect the harmonious dualities at the core of our personality.
Ethereal, airy, translucent, dreamlike qualities can be seamlessly interwoven with dense, compact, opaque, tactile monumentalities. Sharp, geometric angles might be interrupted by delicate, organic forms. Monochromatic tones can be punctuated by bold splashes of vibrant color.
The collection of images on the right capture some of these dualities. They are for illustration purposes only.
gradients should be used significantly less than the primary gradients, but provide the brand more flexibility with it’s range of color. The secondary gradients provides options with less contrast between colors, as well as some gradients that have a softer and lighter feel.
several pages within one application, but for
it is especially important to only utilize one at a time.
Typography plays an important role in delivering a consistent visual identity. The Graphit font family can be used to visually connect typography to the logo.
This typeface combines clear, geometric shapes with edgy and surprising, yet finely-crafted details, aligning perfectly with the harmonious dualities at the core of our brand.
Graphit is impactful and should be used for headlines and other large treatments, graphical elements, and CTAs. Do not use Graphit for body copy or small type.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
For body copy and small font sizes, use the Avenir family. This typeface complements Graphit well, and possesses a simplicity that’s perfectly suited for blocks of copy. In instances when Avenir is not available, Arial or a basic sans serif font will suffice.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ( # “ ! ? . , : ; / + – & @ ” )
Lorem ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. It has been the industry’s standard ever since the 1500s.
H1 should be set in Graphit Medium or Bold, most commonly in lower case, but in sentence case if necessary. A headline should not vary in size, weight or color, and should not have a period at the end.
H2 should be set in Graphit, in all caps and light weight. Increased tracking adds elegance to the Grahpit H2.
Body copy is always set in Avenir Roman in sentence case. To draw attention to a phrase within a block of copy, the weight of the word or phrase may use Avenir Medium or Black. Do not use Avenir Light in body copy.
CTAs should always be the same size of body copy but in the heavier weight.
Graphit Medium (70/76pt)
Graphit Book (22/26pt) Tracking: 125
Sisu Clinic is Ireland's leading aesthetic medicine clinic, run by a team of experienced doctors who leverage the most advanced cosmetic treatments available on the market.
Avenir Roman (14/18pt) Tracking: 0
Book a free consultation today by calling 01-912-0429 or by visting sisuclinic.com.
Avenir Heavy (14/18pt) Tracking: 0
The sizes are shown for ratios and proportions between types of copy, not to be used exactly on all print applications
H1 should be set in Graphit Bold, in sentence case. A headline should not vary in size, weight or color, and should not have a period at the end. H1 is used for LP, CP, and DP [headlines.
H2 should be set in Graphit Medium Bold, in sentence case. A headline should not vary in size, weight or color, and should not have a period at the end. H2 is used for module headlines.
H3 should be set in Graphit Bold, in sentence case. A headline should not vary in size, weight or color, and should not have a period at the end. H3 is used for treatment and result headlines.
H3 should be set in Graphit Bold, in sentence case. A headline should not vary in size, weight or color, and should not have a period at the end. H3 is used for list and chart headlines, as well as Quote Names.
Quotes should be set in Graphit Book in sentence case.
Graphit Medium (48/52pt) Tracking:25
Graphit Medium (36/40pt) Tracking: 25
Graphit Medium (30/34pt) Tracking: 25
Graphit Medium (24/28pt) Tracking: 25
Graphit Medium (30/34pt) Tracking: 25
“It was my first visit to Sisu, and I know I have found my forever clinic."
Body Copy 1 should be set in Avenir Roman in sentence case. Body Cioy 1 is used for body copy below the headline on the homepage
Body Copy 2 should be set in Avenir Roman in sentence case. Body Copy 2 is used for body copy below H2 and H3.
Body Copy 3 should be set in Avenir Roman, in sentence case. Body copy 3 should be used under H4 headlines as list descriptions.
Primary buttons are for main CTA's such as the ability to Submit or Book Now
Secondary buttons are for secondary CTA's such as the ability to Submit or Book Now
Look radiant and refreshed with the most advanced beauty treatments in the world.
Graphit Book (20/26pt) Tracking: 0
Overseen by expert medical doctors, our customized beauty treatments can help you remove wrinkles and dark circles, get fuller lips and cheek volume, and even lift your face — all in minutes.
Graphit Book (16/22pt) Tracking: 0
Overseen by expert medical doctors, our customized beauty treatments can help you remove wrinkles and dark circles, get fuller lips and cheek volume, and even lift your face — all in minutes
Aaux Next Ultra (14/20pt) Tracking: 0
Unactivated
Graphit Bold (18pt) Tracking: 100
Activated
Graphit Bold (18pt) Tracking: 100
Unactivated
Graphit Bold (18pt) Tracking: 100
Activated
Graphit Bold (18pt) Tracking: 100 Oct 2022
Sisu requires a variety of photography styles due to their wide range of brand applications. The types of photography that Sisu uses includes Studio, Lifestlye, Macro, Before/After, and Product.
Studio photography can be used to imply the results of our treatments and products. Good studio photography should communicate natural beauty and confidence.
Studio images should:
• have a natural and/or pleasing light source
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• be clean, bright, and crisp
• be against a simple background with neutral tones
• feature either no clothing, or minimal clothing that is one neutral color
• feature natural makeup that only enhances natural features
• consist mostly of portraits with large focus on skin
• feature both genders, although females can dominate
Polished black & white imagery can add elegance and sophistication. These images are especially impactful and representative of the brand when paired with a bright gradient. Black and white images are often used as cutouts, and for that reason, should generally be composed in a way that will allow the designer to cut the model out of the background.
Black & white images should:
• have a natural and/or pleasing light source
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• have single color backgrounds
• be simple and clean with sharp contrast
• clear and well composed
• feature minimal/tasteful clothing, accessories, and makeup
• feature both genders, although females can dominate
Photography that is highly zoomed in on facial and upper body features is a large component of the brand. This style is representative of our blend of science and beauty, and also highlights the results of our services.
Lifestyle images should:
• have a natural and/or pleasing light source
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• have a shallow depth of field where a foreground element is in sharp focus, and a neutral colored background
• be in either black and white or full color
• be simple and clean
• have interesting and dynamic compositions and croppings
• feature models with natural makeup
• have an artful, sexier, and more serious tone than the lifestyle and studio photography
• feature no clothing or accessories
• feature both genders, although females can dominate
Lifestyle photography should be used to embody the brand personality, while also reflecting the diverse ethnicities and age range of our core audience. Good lifestly photography should communicate energy, positivity, and confidence.
Lifestyle images should:
• have a natural and/or pleasing light source
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• have a shallow depth of field where a foreground element is in sharp focus
• feel genuine and authentic, not overly staged or forced
• be clean, bright, and crisp
• express personality and have a range of expressions
• feature models with natural makeup
• feature simple, stylish, modern clothing and accessories
• feature both genders, although females can dominate
Before and after composites are an excellent way to highlight the outcomes of our products and services. If done well, these images equip the brand with legitimacy and trustworthiness. However, when executed poorly, before and after images can discredit and derail the brand.
The most important element for successful before and after image pairs is ensuring consistency between them. The only difference between images should be the results of our treatments.
Before and after sets should be photographed:
• in the same location and under the same conditions
• at a consistent height and distance from the subject
• with consistent framing/cropping
• with a consistent light source that is natural and/or pleasing
• with similar makeup, hair and clothes/ accessories
• with a similar facial expression
• against a simple, solid, light-colored background
Additionally, these images should:
• have no effects or filters applied
• feature models with minimal, natural makeup
• feature models with simple, neutral, light clothing
• feature individuals of different ages and ethnicities
• feature both genders, although females can dominate
Excellent product photography is essential to convey quality.
Retail product photography should:
• have a consistent and unnoticeable light source
• have minimal shadows and reflections, if any
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• be simple and clean
• be sharp, clear and well composed
Lifestyle product photography should:
• Use dynamic and dramatic angles
• have minimal effects or filters applied
• have a shallow depth of field where the product is in sharp focus
• Use sets with colored glass/acrylic in our brand colors
• manipulate colored glass to acheive interesting shadows and colored reflections
Note: the images shown here are for internal guidance only; usage licenses are unavailable.
Our brand emphasizes natural and genuine aesthetics. For this reason, photography is preferred over iconography. However, icon usage is acceptable for use to support skincare and treatment education
Any icons used should:
• be outlined without a fill color
• have thin/medium line weight depending on the scale of the icon
• be simple and not overly detailed
• use a circle outline, or placed within a circle with a gradient fill
We are disrupting the cosmedic medcine industry with a clinic unlike what any patient has seen before. The Sisu Clinic will tell a story and drive an experience that presents us as:
Futuristic
A place reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis.
A place that encompasses the mind and body with sensational wisps of vibrant colors and transformative energy.
A place called Sisu.
Where this immersive, dreamlike, and metamorphic experience becomes tangible.
From inner light to otherworldly.
Our innovative clinic design serves as a dynamic art installation, evoking the mystical blend of art and science that takes place within our treatment rooms.
• We capture the essence of the Aurora Borealis - a place of awe and amazement - to create a visual experience that inspires our patients to pursue continuous transformation.
• We streamline a luxurious retail experience through our tech-savviness, attentive staff, and scheduling optimization.
• We offer a range of evidence-based products for purchase that complement our cosmetic medicine treatments and improve the skin’s radiance.
The website is our main resource for enticing and delighting both prospective and existing customers. It must embody the brand while guiding each site visitor along their personal beauty journey, wherever they may be in that process.
The website should:
• look premium and contemporary
• use simple, modern UI elements
• have a best-in-class user experience
• look great on any device, at any browser width
A strong, engaging, cohesive social presence is essential to our success.
Social should:
• have brief and engaging post text; include a link when appropriate
• use simple, bold, large images, such as close-ups or uniquely cropped compositions
• have minimal copy on the image itself
• incorporate animation/video whenever appropriate
• maintain visual consistency within each unique content category (e.g., before & afters, written testimonials, doctor spotlights, etc.)
Note: these sample organic posts. Paid social posts should adhere to a similar look, tone and feel.
The Sisu business cards are an immediate introduction to our black and white brand. These initial business cards are simple, yet elegant and timeless. As our brand grows, Sisu will likely switch to busines cards that utilize one of our primary gradients with sleek printing methods that our representative of our elevated feel.
Print ads should leverage the more artful qualities of the brand to entice the viewer to learn more. When printed in CMYK, we should utilize the fuschia/cobalt gradient the most. We have two main strategies when it comes to magazine ads: Boundary Breaking and DTC Minimalist.
For applications where we want to make a statement, our ads should should feel artful and intriguing making the audience curious about who this company is. This can mean being bold with heavy gradient use and bold typography approach, or by making a statement through minimalism with dramatic black and whites, and daring use of studio & macro imagery. Copy can be more abstract and poetic.
For applications where we need to be more immediately direct and clear about our offerings, we should use this approach. This prioritizes patient/ provider, studio, and before/after imagery over studio/ lifestyle imagery. Gradients are used as accents over black or white, allowing for a clean, elegant, and primarily beauty-focused feel. Copy should be more literal and direct.
Welcome to the leading European cosmetic clinic that is now calling the Shops at Merrick Park home. Book a free consultation today at sisuclinic.com.
When it comes to advertising, we have two main creative strategies that are dependent on the purpose of the ads: Brand Awareness and Direct Response. Below are some examples as to how this plays out in a printed format.
For applications where we want to make a statement and introduce the audience to our brand, our ads should take this artful and intriguing approach in order to stimulate curiousity and interest. This can mean being bold with heavy gradient use and bold typography approach, or by making a statement through minimalism with dramatic black and whites, and daring use of studio & macro imagery. Copy can be more abstract and poetic.
For applications where we need to be more immediately direct and clear about our offerings, we should use this approach. This prioritizes patient/ provider, studio, and before/after imagery over studio/ lifestyle imagery. Gradients are used as accents over black or white, allowing for a clean, elegant, and primarily beauty-focused feel. Copy should be more literal and direct.
Handouts should utilize a white background, with the fuschia/cobalt gradient (when printed in CMYK) and bold typography. They should always use a typeface that is legible, and establish clear typography hierarchy so that the handout is quickly and easily comprehendible
Avoid lying down, rubbing or massaging the treated area for 3 hours after treatment.
Avoid lying down, rubbing or massaging the treated area for 3 hours after treatment.
Expect some possible slight discomfort around the treatment area for a short time after treatment.
Expect some possible slight discomfort around the treatment area for a short time after treatment.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours to minimize bruising
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours to minimize bruising
Avoid exercise and saunas for 24 hours.
Avoid exercise and saunas for 24 hours.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours and facials for 2 weeks.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours and facials for 2 weeks.
Expect some temporary swelling or bruising. This will usually settle within a day or two.
Expect some temporary swelling or bruising. This will usually settle within a day or two.
Expect the treatment to take effect after 4-6 days.
Expect the treatment to take effect after 4-6 days.
Expect maximum effect after 14 days.
Expect maximum effect after 14 days.
Side effects, if they occur, are usually temporary and mild to moderate, most commonly a headache. Over the counter analgesia can be used.
Side effects, if they occur, are usually temporary and mild to moderate, most commonly a headache. Over the counter analgesia can be
Product packaging should seem luxurious and premium. Our product packaging utilizes three different gradient systems that represent our three different product lines: The Essential, The Proactive, and The Lavish. The packaging design is minimal, clean, and sleek with a white background, black text, and then a bright bold moment of color with a spot glossed gradient sphere in the center of each design.