Brand Archetypes

Brand archetypes are used for offering brands a specific type of character to let them be relatable to the people who incorporate similar sorts of values. By using the power of archetypes, it becomes simpler to build a brand in a more rewarding and valuable manner.

Archetypes are like the heartbeat of a business as they play a crucial role in conveying meaning in a way that customers relate to the brand and care about it as if it would be a living being.

What are Brand Archetypes?

Brand archetypes draw a connection between brands and buying decisions through human psychology. Archetype is a psychological term coined by renowned psychologist Carl Jung to refer to collective values or ideas that are universal and often unconsciously become a part of our existence.

The brand archetype refers to the values and traits of brands, which define or align with their target audiences’ personalities. Hence, it helps direct branding efforts and brand values in a suitable direction.

The 12 Brand Archetypes

There are 12 brand archetype categories that brands fall into Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Outlaw, Explorer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Lover, Caregiver, Jester, and Sage. These cover the basic groundwork of what a brand chooses to stand for and how it will pursue that course.

They also help engage the brand with the right market for their products or services and inspire audiences in making a purchase. Here are the 12 brand archetypes:

1. The Dreamer/Innocent Archetype

The innocent brand archetype is associated with a positive personality with an optimistic outlook on life.

Traits

Such a company puts forth a personality that strives to be happy, good, pure, moral, and straightforward. They emphasize the importance of values, trust, honesty, and optimism.

Downside

These companies can come off as naive, dull, or monotonous.

Example

Coca-Cola, Nintendo Wii, Dove, Volkswagen, Aveeno, Johnson, and Johnson.

2. The Everyman/Regular Guy

The everyman brand is associated with the non-pretentious, wholesome, relatable, and comfortable setup. Everyman brands are involved in valuing hard work, reliability, common sense, and authenticity.

Traits

This type of brand purses connections and loves to relate to others. They are empathizing, supportive, friendly, and down-to-earth.

Downside

These companies lack uniqueness and don’t stand out.

Example

eBay, Target, Swiggy, IKEA.

3. The Warrior/Hero Archetype

Hero brand archetypes like to rise to the challenge. Such brands are involved in protecting and inspiring. Such brands sell the power of self-belief and transformation.

Traits

These brands are courageous, powerful, strong, confident. They are on a mission to change the world.

Downside

The savior complex can seem unrealistic and arrogant.

Example

Adidas, Duracell, Nike, BMW.

4. The Rebel/Outlaw Archetype

Rebel brand archetypes seek to rip up the rulebook. They look for opportunities in challenging the existing paradigms for creating something new and better. An outlaw brand positions itself as a free-thinking outlaw.

Traits

Such a brand is not here to play but to change the entire game. They identify as rebellious, trail-blazers, unorthodox, marching to their beat, and wild.

Downside

Their constant fight mode can be viewed negatively or as too crass.

Example

Harley-Davidson, Diesel, Virgin, Levis.

5. The Adventurer/Explorer Archetype

An explorer brand is associated with the independent thinkers to forge upon the new paths to find purpose in life.

Traits

Such a brand is perceived as a thrill-seeker, independent, brave, fearless, ambitious, and loves exploring, activities, outdoors, and taking risks.

Downside

Brands might not appeal to the regular lifestyle of most people.

Example

Woodland, Jeep, Patagonia.

6. The Creator Archetype

The creator brand is related to a vision of the right and creative ways of the world’s existence to convert vision into reality.

Trait

Innovation is key to this archetype. These brands aim to inspire, imagine, invent, and have a futuristic outlook.

Downside

It might be unrealistic or changing too quickly.

Example

Lego, Apple, Adobe.

7. The Ruler Archetype

The ruler likes to eliminate uncertainty by taking control. They have the preference to following specific rules, in addition to that, they also like to make their specific rules as well.

Traits

A ruler brand archetype aims to control, lead, organize, show responsibility, authority, and power.

Downside

Might lack in connecting with customers or overwhelm them.

Example

Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, Louis Vuitton.

8. The Magician Archetype

Magician brand archetypes make dreams come true and they are quite effective in disappearing problems. They are quite effective in doing things big as well as small to amaze and transform.

Traits

This archetype involves mysticism, willpower, uniqueness, and imagination. These brands believe that everything is unique, dreams come true, and miracles are just around the corner.

Downside

It might lack a realistic approach and make claims that are too absurd.

Example

Apple, Disney, Coca-Cola, Dyson.

9. The Lover Archetype

The lover brand archetype connects with people emotionally. They offer sensuous experiences to let people and life be more special.

Traits

Brands value intimacy, love, romance, sensualness, passion, attractiveness, affection, commitment, and appreciative beauty.

Downside

It can seem too generous.

Example

Gucci, Victoria’s Secret, Engage, Marie Claire, Chanel.

10. The Caregiver Archetype

Caregiver brand likes to give, as they are driven by compassion. They also want to let people feel secure and nurtured.

Traits

Brands value selflessness, caring, compassion, nourishment, protection, and generosity.

Downside

It can seem like being taken advantage of and not getting anything back.

Example

Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, UNICEF, Nivea.

11. The Jester Archetype

Jester brand likes to think outside the box because they live for the moment. On a deeper level, jesters know that human lives are fleeting which should be filled with laughter whenever possible.

Traits

Their goal is to spread joy, take things lightly, make jokes, have fun, talk with humor, create mischief, be childish, playful and not take things too seriously.

Downside

It can be seen as disrespectful or not severe.

Example

Netflix, Ben & JErry’s, M&Ms, Old Spice, Buzzfeed.

12. The Sage Archetype

The sage brand revolves around the belief that the truth will set you free. Such sorts of models are driven by the desire for truth and knowledge.

Traits

Such an archetype places importance on exploring all avenues of knowledge, gaining information, sharing wisdom and insight into all things far and wide. They are thoughtful, intellectual, and trusted sources of information.

Downside

It can be domineering with information overload or too scholastic.

Example

Google, PBS, BBC, Nat Geo.

In Conclusion!

There are plenty of personalities that a company can add to its brand.

But a lot of thought and research needs to go into the process so that the archetype does not stand in the way of the company’s hold on a larger audience. Rather, an archetype is a tool to facilitate brand awareness and sales in the long run.

How effective do you find the role of archetypes in optimizing the presence and value of a brand? Share your opinion with us in the comment section below.