Bulldogs & Good Brand Design Strategy

I had this amazing bulldog in my life for almost 12 years. His name's Alfie and even though it sounds corny, he really was my best friend.

And it's his anniversary today… 😢

When he first arrived, people would ask me why I chose a bulldog when other breeds were better looking and easier to train, but I always knew that bulldogs were for me

In the early days I quickly learned that bulldogs are stubborn, loveable, confident, and, despite being hilariously slow, they alway manage to get exactly where he wanted to go, literally and metaphorically

Alfie wasn’t interested in being the fastest or the flashiest. He just was - unapologetically himself.

And honestly? That’s exactly how your brand should behave too.

Weird comparison? Maybe. But hear me out…

Bulldogs don’t try to be something they’re not - and neither should your brand.

Startups and scaling businesses often fall into the trap of trying to look like what they think people want to see. The result? Generic brands. Forgettable logos. Copycat websites. Another drop in a very full ocean.

But just like my bulldog, the best brands:

• Stand their ground

• Know who they are

• Don’t chase trends - they set the tone

Want to be remembered? Build a brand that owns its identity, not one that blends in.

→ See how I help businesses build brand identities that stand out

A bulldog’s stance is all about presence… Same goes for branding.

Ever seen a bulldog enter a room? It doesn’t matter how many other dogs are there - everyone notices. Not because they’re loud, but because they have a certain presence.

That’s what great visual identity design does - it doesn’t scream, it speaks.

It says: “We know who we are. We know who we’re for. And we’re not here to be everything to everyone.”

→ Want your brand to have that kind of presence? Let’s talk visual identity

Bulldogs are consistent. That’s why they’re iconic.

You’d never confuse a bulldog with a husky… or a greyhound... or a poodle.

They look like bulldogs. Sound like bulldogs. Move like bulldogs.

The most powerful brands do the same.

Their logo, colours, tone of voice, website, socials… they all sync up. And because of that, they build recognition and trust without saying a word.

→ If your branding feels like a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster, let’s fix that

Confidence is contagious.

My bulldog was never in a rush. He wasn’t built for speed, but he always got what he wanted.

People smiled when they saw him. They moved out of his way. They remembered him.

Your brand doesn’t need to be the loudest or the flashiest. It just needs to know who it is, and show up like it means it.

That kind of confidence comes from being intentional - from building a brand on strategy, not guesswork.

→ Explore how I help founders build brands that move with confidence

So what’s the takeaway?

If you’re a founder, startup or emerging brand trying to get noticed, grow sales, attract funding or land dream clients, ditch the one-size-fits-all branding.

Be a bulldog:

• Grounded in who you are

• Clear about where you’re going

• Designed to make a lasting impression

I help businesses do exactly that, with sharp thinking, no fluff, and brand design that actually moves the needle.

→ Book a free consultation

Or just drop me a message. I’m always up for a chat about brands… and bulldogs.