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.

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    Brand Personality and Outreach Principles

  2. 03-2

    Framework for Ideation

  3. 03-3

    Implementation of Communication

03-1
Brand Personality and Outreach Principles

Implementing consistent and appealing branding based on Outreach Principles and mindful of 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.

Honda Brand Personality「Curious about things and can't help but take on challenges.」「Wholehearted engagement with a 'never-give-up' spirit.」「 Full of energy and innovative, with out-of-the-box, unique ideas.」

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.

HONDA Outreach Principles. straightforward:Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness  / enthusiastic:Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts / uplifting:Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring

03-2
Framework 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.

Framework for Ideation

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03-3
Implementation 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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Expression
Do
  • Sense of unpretentious character
  • Unbiased view with no sense of superiority
  • Sense of unwavering confidence within modesty
Style
Do
  • 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
Do
  • Grounded appearance with the right level of tension
  • Non-exclusive, open atmosphere
  • Sense of mutual respect and esteem
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Expression
Do
  • 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
Do
  • Emphasis on moments of concentration and immersion
  • Atmosphere with a sense of professionalism
  • Item choice with a sense of expertise and commitment
Group
Do
  • Sharing objectives and influencing each other
  • Respecting each other
  • Concentrating and improving each other with commitment
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Expression
Do
  • Sense of energy and emotions
  • Expressions of overflowing emotion
  • Heart-warming moments
Style
Do
  • Styles that draw out rich emotional expression
  • Images that emphasize the uniqueness of individuals
  • Item choice that is inoffensive and individual
Group
Do

Influence of uplifting feelings

Examples:
  • Expressions of excitement
  • Relationships that share surprise and emotion
  • Sense of expansion into new relationships
straightforward enthusiastic uplifting
Lighting
Angle
People & Mobility
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Lighting
Do
  • Direct lighting and other natural and comfortable lighting methods
  • Lighting that draws out the original colors and shapes of products
  • Natural tone lighting
Angle
Do
  • Angles that clarify the relationship between subjects and backgrounds
  • Natural and neutral angles of view
  • Simple and balanced composition
People & Mobility
Do

Honest representation of the relationship between people and mobility

Examples:
  • 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
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Lighting
Do

Emphasis on commitment and passion

Examples:
  • Lighting that enhances contrast and emphasizes shapes
  • Lighting that emphasizes details
  • Backlighting and other radiating lighting methods
Angle
Do

Emphasis on commitment and passion

Examples:
  • Penetrating perspectives and angles
  • Composition and cropping that greatly emphasizes products
  • Composition and cropping that accentuates details and shapes
People & Mobility
Do

Sense of human commitment and passion for mobility

Examples:
  • 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
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Lighting
Do
  • Bold and impressive lighting that magnifies emotions
  • Lighting that utilizes reflections of the surroundings and environment
  • Freedom of lighting not bound by convention
Angle
Do

Bold and decisive composition

Examples:
  • Energetic composition
  • Playful composition
  • Realistic composition
People & Mobility
Do

Conveying the rich relationships that exist between people and mobility

Examples:
  • 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)
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Honda’s straightforward words and actions convey sincerity and trustworthiness
Location
(Focus on Nature)
Do
  • Beauty of nature itself coming to life
  • Simple images without superfluous elements
  • Plain and clear mood
Location (Focus on
Man-made Structures)
Do
  • High-quality, refined impression
  • Enhanced subjects without excessive accentuation
  • Easy to understand the substance of space and structure
Space (Abstract)
Do

Spaces that create a sense of a positive and bright future

Examples:
  • Clean and fresh impression
  • Bright, translucent colors and light
  • Spatial expression with a sense of spaciousness
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Honda’s passion and dedication to stand up for our own thoughts and beliefs touch people’s hearts
Location
(Focus on Nature)
Do

Scenery that gives a sense of the power and energy of nature

Examples:
  • 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)
Do

Places that draw out the passion from within

Examples:
  • Demonstration of concentration
  • Stimulation of inquisitiveness
  • Sense of professionalism
Space (Abstract)
Do

Spaces that create a sense of inner passion

Examples:
  • Radiated distant lighting
  • Images wrought with tension
  • Emphasis on sharpness
  • Hues that create a sense of passion
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Honda’s fresh perspectives are uplifting and inspiring
Location
(Focus on Nature)
Do

Scenery that brings surprise and emotion

Examples:
  • 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)
Do

Places that offer new encounters and discoveries

Examples:
  • 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)
Do

Spaces that bring surprise and emotion

Examples:
  • 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

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

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.

R70
G0
B0
R100
G0
B0
R150
G0
B0
Honda Red
R204
G0
B0
R255
G0
B0
R255
G90
B90
R255
G140
B140
R255
G180
B180
R255
G215
B215
R255
G240
B240

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.

R35
G36
B41
Background Gray
R53
G54
B59
R80
G81
B86
R110
G111
B116
R140
G141
B145
R170
G171
B174
R200
G201
B204
R215
G216
B218
R228
G229
B230
R234
G235
B236
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Differences Between RGB and CMYK
RGB is a system for using light to express different colors, while CMYK is a system that uses ink for the same purpose. Whereas RGB is used to specify colors for display on screens and other devices, CMYK is used for printed matter. To ensure colors are displayed correctly, it is important to use these two systems appropriately.

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.