Unlocking the Power of Archetypes: Building Your Brand Identity

Using brand archetypes to create an emotional connection with your audience.

Words by Stephanie Alcaino

Illustration by Stephanie Alcaino (AI Generated)

April 01, 2023

As humans, we tend to rely on familiar symbols and heuristics to navigate the world around us. These mental shortcuts help us make sense of new information quickly and ultimately guide our decision-making and problem-solving processes. When it comes to connecting with audiences, archetypes can serve as powerful heuristic tools to create instantaneous emotional connections with your brand.

Archetypes are universal symbols that have been used in storytelling for centuries. They represent the different aspects of the human experience and can be used to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By tapping into the power of archetypes, you can create a brand narrative that resonates with your audience and sets it apart.

However, It is crucial to recognise that archetypes serve as a frame of reference rather than rigid labels. They act as a source of inspiration, providing a foundation for the development of a brand's story. With the incorporation of archetypal principles, combined with unique elements like origin, mission, and values, a brand can create a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with its audience.

The power of archetypes lies in their ability to establish a shared language and understanding of the human experience, which can serve as a springboard for brand storytelling. Rather than imposing a static and limiting identity, archetypes provide a flexible framework that allows a brand to tap into the emotional and psychological underpinnings of its audience.

Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, theorised that archetypes were universal symbols derived from the collective unconscious of humankind. For instance, consider "The Explorer" archetype embodied by characters like Indiana Jones, Disney’s Moana, Black Panther's Nakia, and The Hobbit's Bilbo Baggins, as well as brands like The North Face and NASA. These characters and brands value exploration, independence, and curiosity, making them relatable to those who share similar attributes.

What Are The 12 Brand Archetypes?

By identifying your brand archetype, you can create a foundation for your brand's identity, messaging, and values across all touchpoints. This allows you to create a consistent and cohesive brand narrative that resonates with your audience and sets your brand apart in a crowded marketplace. Can you have a guess which of the 12 brand archetypes represent you and/or your brand best?

  • The role of the sage is to be a knowledgeable and wise guide. Their persona is focused on the pursuit of truth, wisdom and understanding. They are often recognised as being a trusted advisor, who offers unbiased perspectives.

    Alt. Avatars: Scholar, Teacher, Mentor

    Brand Motto: Knowledge is power

    Mission: To seek the truth

    Purpose: To discover, learn and grow

    Strategy: To provide guidance and be a trusted source of information

    Strength: Wisdom, Intelligence, Curiosity

    Fear: Being ignorant

    Voice: Rational and intellectual

    Sage Brands: BBC, Harvard University

  • The role of the explorer is to discover new things and experiences. Their persona is focused on the pursuit of new adventures, learning and self-discovery. They often embody qualities such as independence, courage and an unrelenting sense of curiosity.

    Alt. Avatars: Adventurer, Seeker, Pioneer

    Brand Motto: Don't be afraid to explore

    Mission: To discover and seek new experiences

    Purpose: To live an authentic and fulfilling life

    Strategy: To constantly push boundaries and seek adventure

    Strength: Courage, Independence, Curiosity

    Fear: Being trapped or constrained

    Voice: Bold and adventurous

    Explorer Brands: The North Face, NASA

  • The role of the innocent is to embody a sense of purity and simplicity. Their persona often evokes feelings of goodness, optimism and sincerity. They are often recognised as being trustworthy and dependable.

    Alt. Avatars: Optimist, Idealist, Pure of Heart

    Brand Motto: The world is good

    Mission: To find happiness

    Purpose: To simplify and bring joy to the world

    Strategy: To be transparent, honest and dependable

    Strength: Sincerity, Simplicity, Trustworthiness

    Fear: Being corrupted or deceived

    Voice: Pure and authentic

    Innocent Brands: Coca-Cola, Dove

  • The role of the outlaw is to challenge established norms and expectations. Their persona is often associated with rebellion and individuality. They often embody qualities such as freedom and a disdain for the status quo.

    Alt. Avatars: Rebel, Outcast, Revolutionary

    Brand Motto: Rules are meant to be broken

    Mission: To disrupt the norm

    Purpose: To create positive change by challenging authority

    Strategy: To be unpredictable and unapologetic

    Strength: Nonconformity, Independence, Courage

    Fear: Being trapped or controlled

    Voice: Edgy and noncompliant

    Outlaw Brands: Harley-Davidson, Apple

  • The role of the entertainer is to provide entertainment and light-hearted relief. Their persona often embodies qualities such as playfulness, humour and spontaneity. They are often recognised as being a source of joy and laughter.

    Alt. Avatars: Jester, Fool, Trickster

    Brand Motto: Life is a party

    Mission: To entertain and delight

    Purpose: To bring joy and laughter to the world

    Strategy: To be lighthearted, spontaneous and playful

    Strength: Humour, Spontaneity, Joy

    Fear: Being boring

    Voice: Witty and playful

    Entertainer Brands: Skittles, Old Spice

  • The role of the caregiver is to make others feel provided for and cared for. Their altruistic persona radiates kindness, gentleness and stability in all that they do.

    Alt. Avatars: Samaritan, Angel, Guardian

    Brand Motto: The world is a better place when we help those in need.

    Mission: To help others

    Purpose: To protect, nurture and make others feel secure

    Strategy: Supporting and caring for others

    Strengths: Compassion, Kindness, Empathy

    Fear: Becoming selfish and self-seeking

    Voice: Kind and nurturing

    Caregiver Brands: Johnson & Johnson, Volvo

  • The role of the creator is to encourage self-expression, imagination, and out-of-the-box thinking. Their creative persona highly values technical excellence, storytelling, and collaboration.

    Alt. Avatars: Artist, Storyteller, Entrepreneur

    Brand Motto: Your imagination is the limit

    Mission: To create

    Purpose: Turning ideas into reality

    Strategy: Using their creative expertise to problem-solve

    Strengths: Creativity, Self-expression, Collaboration

    Fear: Executing mediocrity

    Voice: Expressive and poetic

    Creator Brands: Youtube, Adobe

  • The role of the ruler is to model and set the industry standard in all that they do. Their persona values excellence and structure. Their sophistication and professionalism are often unmatched by their competitors.

    Alt. Avatars: Sovereign, Role Model, Leader

    Brand Motto: Leading the way

    Mission: To have control

    Purpose: To be the leading role model and thought leader

    Strategy: To exercise power and influence through their high-level expertise

    Strengths: Excellence, Leadership, Confidence

    Fear: Becoming a follower

    Voice: Authoritative and sophisticated

    Ruler Brands: American Express, Rolex

  • The role of the citizen is to make others feel valued and included. Their persona is often laid back, unpretentious, and aims to treat everyone around them as equals.

    Alt. Avatars: Democrat, The Everyman

    Brand Motto: We are all made equal

    Mission: To belong

    Purpose: To be dependable and trustworthy

    Strategy: Being down-to-earth

    Strengths: Inclusive, Welcoming, Creating spaces of belonging

    Fear: Becoming exclusive

    Voice: Laid-back and unpretentious

    Everyman Brands: PG Tips, Ikea

  • The role of the lover is to make others feel special. Their persona is often focused on creating intimate connections with others; drawing them in through their desirability and beauty.

    Alt. Avatars: Romantic, Idealist, Seducer

    Brand Motto: Passion, pleasure, and beauty

    Mission: To connect

    Purpose: To be in a relationship

    Strategy: To create intimacy

    Strengths: Connection, Passion, Seduction

    Fear: Feeling unwanted

    Voice: Seductive and sultry

    Lover Brands: Chanel, Haagen Dazs

  • The role of the hero is to overcome obstacles and defeat evil in order to bring justice and restore balance. Heroes are courageous and confident, inspiring others to stand up and fight for what is right.

    Alt. Avatars: Champion, Warrior, Gladiator

    Brand Motto: Triumphing over adversity

    Mission: To help others achieve their own greatness

    Purpose: To improve the world

    Strategy: Take action, show courage

    Strength: Bravery, Perseverance, Leadership

    Fear: Being weak, failing

    Voice: Inspiring and motivational

    Hero Brands: Nike, Duracell

  • The Magician is a visionary and transformative archetype who has the power to make dreams come true. They possess a strong sense of purpose and are often able to inspire others to believe in their dreams as well. The Magician can help others overcome their fears and self-doubt by showing them the way forward.

    Alt. Avatars: Innovator, Wizard, Scientist

    Brand Motto: Making the impossible possible

    Mission: Transformation

    Purpose: Turning dreams into reality

    Strategy: Develop a vision and live by it

    Strengths: Innovation, Transformation, Healing

    Fear: Unintended negative consequences

    Voice: Visionary and transformative

    Magician Brands: Disney, Xbox