What is a style guide in graphic design?

A style guide in graphic design serves as a comprehensive document that outlines a brand's visual and stylistic guidelines. Its primary purpose is to maintain consistency in design elements across various platforms and materials. This includes specifications for colors, typography, logos, imagery, and overall visual style. By providing clear instructions and examples, a style guide ensures that anyone working on design-related tasks adheres to the same standards and achieves a cohesive look and feel that aligns with the brand's identity. This consistency is crucial for building brand recognition and trust with the audience.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of a style guide. A proposal for design projects focuses on outlining ideas and plans for potential work rather than defining established visual standards. A collection of images for inspiration serves as a mood board or reference tool, which is useful in the creative process but does not provide definitive guidelines. Lastly, a schedule for project deadlines relates to project management and timelines, which is outside the scope of design style and visual consistency.