Creative
Inspiration
Creative Inspiration is a system to support our people in implementing meaningful and consistent branding during planning and production. It is intended to heighten creativity through hints and inspiration gained from our Brand Personality and Outreach Principles, establish direction in word and image choice, and assist in expanding creative approaches.
- 03-1
Brand Personality and Outreach Principles
- 03-2
Framework for Ideation
- 03-3
Implementation of Communication
03-1Brand Personality and Outreach Principles
Implementing consistent and appealing branding based on Outreach Principles and mindful of Honda Brand Personality.
Honda Brand Personality
Honda Brand Personality
While people have just one personality, various aspects of that personality show in different moments and situations. Take, for example, an important presentation versus a conversation with a friend: our tones, gestures and facial expressions vary. The same is true of Honda Brand Personality. With phrasing and actions fitting each situation, Honda will be recognized as having a fresh Brand Personality.
Outreach Principles
Outreach Principles
Outreach Principles describe the aspects of Honda Brand Personality as three elements: Straightforward, Enthusiastic, and Uplifting. We do not suggest selecting only one. Instead, an appropriate balance of the three elements should be considered given the medium, situation, purpose for information sharing and communications, and intended content and audience.
03-2Framework for Ideation
The Framework for Ideation can show us an appropriate balance of the three elements to consider when deciding the direction in planning and production initiatives.
The user details the content to be shared, the target audience, and the impression they want to give the audience, and the framework generates an image of the recommended distribution of communication elements. The results offer hints for assessing the best expressions to adopt in implementation.
Framework for Ideation
Please reference the information provided here when planning and producing work to ensure consistent messaging and communications.
Introduction
Framework Steps
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STEP 1
Organize information and consider the impression you want to create.
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STEP 2
Select all the keywords that closely represent the impression you want to create.
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STEP 3
Choose the top three most relevant words and prioritize them.
STEP 1
Organize and clarify the content
First, organize the information to be communicated and clarify the impression you want to convey.
STEP 2
Decide the impression you wish to convey to the audience
Select 3-10 keywords that closely represent the impression you wish to convey that you considered at STEP1
Press the “View other keywords” button at the very bottom if you want to select different keywords.
STEP 3
Decide the priority of impressions you wish to convey
Choose three words you especially want to prioritize from among the keywords chosen at STEP2 and rank them from 1 to 3
Generating results
The element of Outreach Principles to emphasize this time
straightforward
enthusiastic
uplifting
Suggestion
Framework for Ideation
S
E
U
03-3Implementation of Communication
Here, we break down the three elements of Outreach Principles based on our Brand Personality. This can aid in selecting the expressions best suited to each case, situation, and medium.
Voice
Voice contains advice on word choice and storytelling style. Our words have a significant impact on our corporate image. Based on our chosen direction with the three elements, we need to consider appropriate expressions for the purpose and situation that accurately convey our intentions and feelings and contribute to improved brand recognition.
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straightforward
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Do- Frankly convey a positive view of the future to a range of global listeners
- Speak of our essence with simple and powerful words
- Sincere storytelling with clear and concise expressions
Don't- Honest yet thoughtless expressions
- Blaming language absent of volition
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enthusiastic
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Do- Share in great depth our ingenuity and dedication aimed at the future but built on a history of challenges
- Use moving and passionate language
- Storytelling that draws in the audience, in which difficult concepts are made easy to understand
Don't- Expressions that lack discretion or are foolish or reckless
- Expressions clinging to the past or long-held views that lack flexibility and the spirit of cooperation
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uplifting
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Do- Expand our circle of sympathizers by drawing more people in, lifting their spirits and giving them courage
- Bold storytelling using emotional language
- Storytelling filled with surprise and moving devices with free expression not bound by convention
Don't- Passive openness lacking initiative
- Superficial expressions not rooted in reality
Image
Image provides direction for photo and image selection, organized by the three elements. In contrast to text-only information, the use of visual images helps to intuitively share our intentions with others, leaving a stronger impression and making the information more memorable. Aim to use expressive phrases that are appropriate for the purpose and situation in order to achieve effective communication and branding.
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straightforward
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Do- Straightforward and natural appearance
- Unpretentious sincerity and elegance
- Sincere approachability from the same perspective
- Simple, powerful and essential
- Oriented to the future and backed by technology, history, and other facts
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enthusiastic
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Do- Inherent passion and energy
- Positive attitude born from curiosity that remains steadfast even in the face of adversity
- Intelligence from brimming curiousity
- Craftsmanship that pursues every detail with meticulous care
- Oriented to the future with well-thought-out technology
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uplifting
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Do- Deep emotion that attracts people
- Playful and dynamic
- Imagination that surprises and inspires
- Co-creation that pulls in others
- Oriented to a future where the movement of change can be enjoyed
Sample Photos
Sample Photos
Here, you can find details on our approach and sample photos based on the three elements in Outreach Principles. It contains itemized information on the subjects and situations in each image. Please reference this page for photo and video selection, filming, and production.
*These photos must not be used in any actual productions. Please only use them as references to assist your work.
| straightforward | enthusiastic | uplifting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expression | | | |
| Style | | | |
| Group | | | |
Expression
- Sense of unpretentious character
- Unbiased view with no sense of superiority
- Sense of unwavering confidence within modesty




Style
- Natural expression of character with a sophisticated and supple appearance
- Universality of style that is acceptable anywhere
- Item choice that is high-quality, refined, and inoffensive




Group
- Grounded appearance with the right level of tension
- Non-exclusive, open atmosphere
- Sense of mutual respect and esteem



Expression
- Sense of belief and desire to take on challenges
- Eyes that express curiosity and inquisitiveness
- Concentration and immersion expressed through tension around the eyes and mouth
- Intelligence revealed through passion




Style
- Emphasis on moments of concentration and immersion
- Atmosphere with a sense of professionalism
- Item choice with a sense of expertise and commitment




Group
- Sharing objectives and influencing each other
- Respecting each other
- Concentrating and improving each other with commitment



Expression
- Sense of energy and emotions
- Expressions of overflowing emotion
- Heart-warming moments




Style
- Styles that draw out rich emotional expression
- Images that emphasize the uniqueness of individuals
- Item choice that is inoffensive and individual




Group
Influence of uplifting feelings
- Expressions of excitement
- Relationships that share surprise and emotion
- Sense of expansion into new relationships



| straightforward | enthusiastic | uplifting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | | | |
| Angle | | | |
| People & Mobility | | | |
Lighting
- Direct lighting and other natural and comfortable lighting methods
- Lighting that draws out the original colors and shapes of products
- Natural tone lighting




Angle
- Angles that clarify the relationship between subjects and backgrounds
- Natural and neutral angles of view
- Simple and balanced composition




People & Mobility
Honest representation of the relationship between people and mobility
- Sense of trust in mobility
- Images of mobility interacting with people’s lives
- Appearance of the relationship between personal expertise and mobility
- Easy to understand the creators’ feelings for their mobility creations




Lighting
Emphasis on commitment and passion
- Lighting that enhances contrast and emphasizes shapes
- Lighting that emphasizes details
- Backlighting and other radiating lighting methods




Angle
Emphasis on commitment and passion
- Penetrating perspectives and angles
- Composition and cropping that greatly emphasizes products
- Composition and cropping that accentuates details and shapes




People & Mobility
Sense of human commitment and passion for mobility
- Images that convey the concentration and tension of surrounding people
- Images of people deep in concentration
- Images that convey a high level of expertise and involvement




Lighting
- Bold and impressive lighting that magnifies emotions
- Lighting that utilizes reflections of the surroundings and environment
- Freedom of lighting not bound by convention




Angle
Bold and decisive composition
- Energetic composition
- Playful composition
- Realistic composition




People & Mobility
Conveying the rich relationships that exist between people and mobility
- Fun of operating and moving with mobility
- Mobility-centered moments of connection between people
- Moments of happiness brought by mobility




| straightforward | enthusiastic | uplifting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location (Focus on Nature) | | | |
| Location (Focus on Man-made Structures) | | | |
| Space (Abstract) | | | |
Location
(Focus on Nature)
- Beauty of nature itself coming to life
- Simple images without superfluous elements
- Plain and clear mood




Location (Focus on
Man-made Structures)
- High-quality, refined impression
- Enhanced subjects without excessive accentuation
- Easy to understand the substance of space and structure




Space (Abstract)
Spaces that create a sense of a positive and bright future
- Clean and fresh impression
- Bright, translucent colors and light
- Spatial expression with a sense of spaciousness




Location
(Focus on Nature)
Scenery that gives a sense of the power and energy of nature
- Sense of realism and immersion
- Sense of power within beauty
- Hues and textures that create a sense of passion and consistency




Location (Focus on
Man-made Structures)
Places that draw out the passion from within
- Demonstration of concentration
- Stimulation of inquisitiveness
- Sense of professionalism




Space (Abstract)
Spaces that create a sense of inner passion
- Radiated distant lighting
- Images wrought with tension
- Emphasis on sharpness
- Hues that create a sense of passion




Location
(Focus on Nature)
Scenery that brings surprise and emotion
- Exhilarating brightness and expanses
- Moments that leave an impression
- Colors mixing with colors
- Overwhelming sense of scale
- Movement and dynamics




Location (Focus on
Man-made Structures)
Places that offer new encounters and discoveries
- Vibrant relationship between people and cities
- Energy generated through gatherings of people
- Intersecting movements of people
- Arousal of creativity and desire to take on challenges




Space (Abstract)
Spaces that bring surprise and emotion
- Sense of shining and moving light
- Dynamic mixing of colors
- Spatial expression with a sense of playfulness
- Uplifting coloring




Color
This section on color demonstrates the use of color. In addition to Honda Red, the corporate color that symbolizes the Honda brand, Honda has also established Basic Colors that create a consistent worldview. Colors have the ability to convey an immediate image of a brand, so consideration should be given to the appropriate color scheme for the purpose and situation.
Corporate Color
Corporate Color
Honda Red
Red colors evoke a passion and sense of challenge for mobility and motorsports activities, while Honda Red is a deeper red that also incorporates Honda’s commitment to design, technology, and quality. As a standard color that conveys the worldview of the entire Honda brand, Honda Red can be used for backgrounds, accents, and other areas in addition to the Honda logo.
- CMYK
- 0 / 100 / 90 / 0
- RGB
- 204 / 0 / 0
- HEX
- #CC0000
- Pantone
- 186C
Basic Color
Basic Color
Honda Red Pallet
The Honda Red Pallet can be used to convey Honda’s corporate image. These colors have excellent compatibility with Honda Red, so they can be used extensively for things such as background and accent colors. Honda Red is the only color from the Honda Red Pallet that can be used for the Honda logo.
Gray Pallet
The Gray Pallet is perfect for emphasizing Honda Red, and for creating balanced color designs. The base color for the pallet is Background Gray, which was designed to be highly compatible with Honda Red.
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White
White can be used for the Honda logo, text, backgrounds, and other applications.
- CMYK
- C0
M0
Y0
K0 - RGB
- R255
G255
B255 - HEX
- #FFFFFF
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Black
Black can be used for the Honda logo, text, backgrounds, and other applications.
- CMYK
- C100
M100
Y100
K100 - RGB
- R0
G0
B0 - HEX
- #000000
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Background Gray
Background Gray can be used for text, backgrounds, and other applications.
- CMYK
- C80
M76
Y67
K40 - RGB
- R53
G54
B59 - HEX
- #35363B
- Pantone
- 447C
About Other Color Usage
About Other Color Usage
Honda’s Basic Colors are just colors that evoke the Honda brand image. Other colors can also be used to good effect depending on the purpose of the message. If used, consideration should be given to their compatibility with any photographs used and with the content of the message.