Visual identity, shaped by purpose. Built to last.

Where clarity becomes creativity.

The strongest brand identities aren’t created in isolation. They’re shaped by insight, guided by positioning, and brought to life through thoughtful design. This service is tailored for founders who’ve done the strategic groundwork - and now need a visual identity designed to reflect it.

What Brand Strategy Covers

Every brand is different - but strong foundations always start with strategy. Depending on your needs, the process may include:

  • Align your brand strategy with clear, measurable business goals - from short-term priorities to long-term growth ambitions - ensuring every brand decision supports where you're heading.

  • Define your brand’s purpose, long-term ambition, and guiding beliefs - the principles that shape how you act, communicate, and grow.

  • Gain a clear view of your competitive landscape - including key players, trends, and positioning gaps - to identify opportunities for differentiation, relevance, and growth, whether regionally or globally.

  • Define the key segments you're targeting - from their needs and behaviours to their mindset, motivations, and decision-making drivers - so your brand speaks with relevance, empathy, and impact.

  • Define your brand’s unique space in the market - and the compelling value you offer your audience - so you can communicate with focus, stand apart from competitors, and attract the right customers.

  • Define the 2–3 core themes that consistently guide your brand’s story, messaging, and decisions - creating a clear thread between your purpose, positioning, and how you show up in the world.

  • Define the consistent value your brand delivers - a clear commitment that builds trust, sets expectations, and reinforces why audiences choose you over others.

  • Establish how your brand sounds and behaves - bringing consistency, character, and credibility to every interaction, from internal comms to customer-facing content.

  • Create a clear, adaptable structure for your brand messages - ensuring consistency across platforms, audiences, and touchpoints, while making it easier for teams to communicate with confidence.

  • Craft a cohesive narrative that connects your brand’s purpose, positioning, and personality - helping people understand not just what you do, but why it matters.

  • Pinpoint the channels, messages, and actions that will bring your strategy to life - driving momentum in the short term while supporting sustainable growth over time.

  • Equip your team with the clarity, tools, and language to activate the brand consistently - from internal culture to client-facing communication.

“Marc helped us reposition Global Academy International with clarity and confidence. His strategic input shaped everything from brand architecture to a refined new name - helping us evolve a long-established education group while respecting its heritage. The outcome gave us a focused direction and a strong foundation for expansion into Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Omar Al Sheikh - Vice Chairman, OWMNYA Holding

Brand Strategy Case Studies:

Myra - Brand Strategy & Visual Identity for a Luxury French Patisserie Chain in Saudi Arabia

Creating a refined identity for Myra, a French-inspired patisserie in Riyadh and Jeddah, blending artisanal luxury with Saudi cultural nuance to deliver a brand experience that feels both timeless and locally resonant.

Brand Naming / Strategic Brand Development / Creative Direction & Visual Identity

Sipside - Brand Strategy, Naming and Visual Identity for a New Coffee Destination in Saudi Arabia

Creating the name and identity for Sipside, a lifestyle-driven coffee shop in Jeddah designed as a social hub for young locals and families. Inspired by the sea and sun, the brand blends laid-back energy with vibrant storytelling.

Brand Strategy & Positioning / Brand Naming / Creative Direction & Visual Identity

FAQs

I’m always happy to answer questions during an introductory call - but in the meantime, here are answers to some of the ones I’m asked most often.

  • Collaboration is integral to creating a brand that truly resonates. You will be engaged at every stage, providing valuable feedback and insights, ensuring the final outcome is a true reflection of your vision and objectives.

  • I ensure consistent communication throughout the project. We will have regular check-ins, and I’m always available to provide updates, address feedback, or discuss any concerns you may have.

  • Yes - once I present your brand strategy, there will be time for feedback and discussion. This collaborative stage allows us to refine key elements together and ensure the final direction aligns with your vision and goals.

  • You don’t need to prepare a detailed brief - I’ll guide the process through structured questioning. I usually start by asking clients to answer key questions during our discovery call, so we capture clear, instinctive responses that reflect the brand honestly. If you have any existing brand materials or background context, feel free to share them in advance - but they’re not essential to get started.

  • Most brand strategy projects take between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the depth of engagement and how quickly feedback and information are provided. I’ll always set out a clear timeline and milestones upfront to keep everything moving smoothly.

  • I typically structure payments in two equal instalments of 50%. An initial percentage is required to commence the work, with the remaining balance due upon project completion. We can discuss and agree on a payment plan that best suits the scope of your project.

  • I specialise in premium lifestyle, luxury, hospitality, real estate, and F&B brands, with extensive experience across the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Over the past 15 years, I’ve also worked across a broad range of sectors and global markets - and my approach is always adaptable, ensuring each brand receives a strategy tailored to its unique context and goals.

  • I focus on crafting unique and differentiated brand strategies that resonate with your target audience. By combining market research, competitor analysis, and a deep understanding of cultural trends, I ensure your brand has a distinctive voice that not only stands out but also positions you for long-term success.

  • Yes - I work with businesses looking to refresh or rebrand their positioning and visual identity. Whether you're adapting to market shifts, evolving your brand values, or planning a complete transformation, I develop brand strategies that bring renewed clarity and direction while preserving the essence of what makes your brand distinct. I also deliver visual identity work directly, ensuring the strategy is carried through into design with consistency and intent.

  • Absolutely - in fact, startups often get the most value from brand strategy. It helps lay a clear foundation, so key decisions are made with insight, not instinct. Many early-stage clients find that defining their positioning early on not only sharpens their direction but also opens the door to new opportunities, partners, and investment conversations.

  • Yes - I’ve worked with clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, US, Asia, Africa, and Australia. While much of my focus is on the UK and the Gulf region, I’m open to collaborating with brands anywhere in the world. I’m experienced in managing remote strategy projects and ensure seamless communication and delivery, wherever you're based.

  • Once the project is complete, you’ll receive a clearly presented brand strategy document - designed to act as your internal brand foundation moving forward. It’s built to guide your team confidently, whether or not you choose to continue working together.

    If you’d like ongoing support, I also offer brand consultancy on a retained or ad hoc basis - helping clients refine their positioning, evolve their messaging, or guide internal implementation over time.

  • Yes - I offer ongoing brand consultancy to help ensure your strategy is applied consistently and evolves with your business. Whether you need support adapting your messaging, refining your positioning, or aligning internal teams, I’m on hand to provide continued strategic guidance as your brand grows.

Client Testimonials

"I’ve worked with Marc on multiple branding projects in both Dubai and London, often supporting clients as they prepare for expansion or move into franchising. What really sets him apart is his ability to turn complex business goals into clear, confident brand positioning. He combines strategic insight with creative thinking, shaping brand narratives that feel both commercially sound and visually engaging. Every project has gone above and beyond, and I always look forward to the next collaboration.”

Charlie Mander - Co-Founder / Presman & Colard

“Marc has been a key branding partner for me over the past six years, helping to develop hospitality brands like KOA, Myra, and most recently HAZAL. His approach is thoughtful and strategic, ensuring each brand is grounded in strong positioning and brought to life with clarity and creativity. From naming to identity design, he knows how to make a brand resonate in the Saudi market. His work has been instrumental in creating concepts that feel both authentic and commercially strong.”

Amro Bagedo - Founder & CEO / KRAIV & KAB Holding

“Working with Marc on the rebrand for Global Academy International - a group of successful schools with a rich history, founded by my father - was a brilliant experience. He brought clarity to our thinking, helping reposition the brand with confidence while respecting its legacy. From our founding schools in Qatar to our expansion into Saudi Arabia via franchising, Marc’s insight, strategic focus, and collaborative approach made a lasting impact on the outcome.”

Omar Al Sheikh - Vice Chairman / OWMNYA Holding

Strong Brands Start with Strategy

Whether you’re refining your positioning or creating a full strategic platform, I’ll help your brand move forward with clarity and confidence.