I thought it would be interesting to research into existing style guides from large companies. Below I have found PDF's online produced by different agencies for different corporate clients:
E4 Brand Guidelines
These guidelines provide plenty of information when using the E4 logo in printed ads. It's interesting to find out that a minimum size the logo can be used has been provided.
It was also interesting to find out that 'American Typewriter' is the only typeface used, a quite generic option, a default on Apple computers. I would have expected E4 to produce their own unique typeface.
Film 4 Brand Guidelines
A very concise breakdown of the 'Film 4' logo. The minimum size the logo can be used is slightly larger with the Film 4 logo than the E4 logo (Film 4 - 8mm, E4 - 6mm). It is clear that that the Film 4 brand appeals to a different audience, as the logo is much more structured, with much more restriction to it.
Film 4 Brand Guidelines (2)
I'm glad I also found this guideline, as there is much more detail than the above. Unlike E4, Film 4 has it's own unique typeface. I think this is a great idea, as it fits really well with the logotype.
Channel 4 Brand Guidelines
Out of the last 3 brands, Channel 4's must be the most iconic. They use a typeface called 'C4 Headline Regular', which you instantaniously associate with Channel 4. I also like how they use the same logo they always have, which hasn't been adapted at all. Channel 4 and it's brand have a historic value, which should not be taken away. Apart from the logo, it seems the Channel 4 brand has the most leniency from the '4' group.
Facebook Brand Guidelines
I was excited to find the brand guidelines for one of the most known brands in the world, a website used by millions (possibly even billions soon). Facebook use an iconic blue to create a clear identity, which separates them from other social media sites. It also seems that the brand guidelines are extremely specific, in order to maintain such a strong identity.
Easy Group (Easy Jet) Brand Guidelines
This Easy Group guideline booklet provides a huge amount of information not only about the brand now, but also the history of the company, which has been running since 1994. There is even a note from Stelios, the founder of EasyJet. Similarly to E4, the EasyGroup use known and effective typefaces to create an identity (Futura & Cooper Black). Similarly to Facebook, colour holds a great importance in the Easy Group Brand. The orange used gives a quite cheap aesthetic, which communicates the airline well, and also separates their business from other companies such as Virgin and BA.
Apple Brand Guidelines
The most considered brand I have looked at. Information is provided to do with obvious aesthetic choices, such as the logo usage. However, even more has been considered, such as store interior and exteriors, as well as 'email signatures' - ways in which Authorised Apple Sellers should sign off emails!
Walmart Brand Guidelines
The Walmart approach contrasts hugely with that of Apple. The difference between the two brands (apart from selling different products) is audience. Walmart is the equivalent to Asda, and is all about money saving. Apple stand for producing high end and luxury products.
It is also clear from the brand guidelines that Walmart take much less consideration with their shop layout, probably because it would be much more expensive. Despite this, Walmart DO still consider a variety of options when it comes to their brand. The brand guidelines state different uniforms for different areas of Walmart, such as the pharmaceutical section (page 33).
LLoyds Brand Guidelines
The most corporate identity I have looked at. I could never see myself enjoying working with banks and branding, as the work seems so boring. I suppose the LLoyds brand gives off connotations of being trustworthy and formal. If the connotations were similarly to say, Easy Jet, people would not trust investing with the bank. Very little information has been given in the guidelines, simply due to the brand not being as important as something in retail.
Adobe Brand Guidelines
Beano Brand Guidelines
