The end of the year is a great time to reflect on what your brand looks like—and more importantly, how it’s working.
As you start setting goals for 2026, now is the moment to clean house, align your visuals with your strategy, and ditch what’s no longer serving you. Think of it like editing your closet: some pieces still fit, some need tailoring, and others need to go.
Here’s how I help clients break it down:
🟢 What to Keep
Not everything needs to change. If something is clear, consistent, and aligned with your brand goals—keep it. But make sure you’re keeping it with intention, not out of habit.
What to look for:
- Logo variations that scale well and maintain clarity
- Color palette that reflects your brand personality
- Fonts that are legible and flexible across print and digital
- Templates or components that are still in active use
- Visual elements that resonate with your audience
💡Pro tip: If it still feels “on brand,” but isn’t being used, ask why. You may be keeping clutter—or you may need to reintroduce it with purpose.
🟡 What to Fix
Some elements are almost there—but need a refresh. Maybe they’re outdated, misaligned, or just never executed quite right. This is the stuff worth salvaging with a few key upgrades.
Fix-worthy items include:
- A color palette that isn’t accessible or flexible enough
- Inconsistent use of typography across platforms
- Templates that no longer reflect your current messaging
- Icons or illustrations that feel mismatched or outdated
- Layouts that don’t scale well on mobile or social
This is where I see the most ROI. A few small design decisions—tightened up—can make a huge difference.
🔴 What to Ditch
If it’s no longer serving your brand, confusing your audience, or creating visual clutter—it’s time to let it go.
Ditch the following:
- Any old logo versions still floating around
- “Off-brand” decks or one-pagers made in a rush
- Color combinations that hurt legibility or clash with your message
- Fonts that were trendy in 2019 and now just look tired
- Clipart, Canva overuse, or stock imagery that cheapens your identity
Don’t let outdated visuals weigh down your 2026 momentum. If it doesn’t align with your current goals or values—it’s noise.
✅ Your 2026 Brand Audit Checklist
Here’s a quick list to help you prep your design system for the new year:
- Your logo has clean variations for every use
- Colors are brand-aligned and accessible
- Fonts are consistent and licensed
- Templates match your current tone, audience, and goals
- Visual content feels connected across platforms
- Nothing in circulation feels “off,” outdated, or irrelevant
Final Thoughts
Your design system is like your visual language—and every piece should be intentional.
Before you dive into new launches, campaigns, or redesigns in 2026, take time to evaluate what you’ve already got. Keep what works. Fix what needs support. Ditch what’s holding you back.
And if you need a second set of eyes—I’m here to help.
Let’s make your brand the sharpest, most strategic version of itself in 2026.
