Brand Strategy & Identity
We don't start with a logo. We start with your message... what needs to be said, who needs to hear it, and why it should matter. Then we build a bold visual identity that makes sure it lands everywhere your brand shows up.
Your brand identity is the thing people remember when they can't remember anything else about you. But a great mark built on vague positioning is just decoration. We ground every identity system in real strategy first, so the work isn't just attractive, it stands on its own, even without words.
What is included
Strategy & messaging
- Brand positioning & competitive differentiation
- Messaging architecture (taglines, value props, tone of voice)
- Audience and market research
- Naming (when starting from scratch)
- Content strategy for web and launch materials
Identity & design
- Logo design & full visual identity systems
- Brand guidelines (the real kind, not a 2-page PDF)
- Print, packaging & signage design
- Event and theme-based brand design
- Identity refreshes and rebrands
How we approach it
We don't run clients through generic brand workshops with sticky notes and buzzwords. We ask direct questions, push back when something's vague, and land on positioning that's specific enough to actually differentiate you not just sound nice in a deck. From there, we design to start conversations, not to blend in with a category template. Strategy and design aren't two separate phases handed off between teams; they're one continuous process, which is why the final identity always traces back to a clear reason it looks the way it does.
Case Studies
Joanne Weir Plates & Places We developed brand and messaging strategy alongside a full web design for chef and culinary personality Joanne Weir, translating her voice and reputation into a cohesive brand presence. View the Joanne Weir brand case study
ER&L Fest Full brand and theme design for the Electronic Resources & Libraries conference, building a distinct visual identity for a recurring event brand. View the ER&L Fest brand case study.
KMOL Plastics Engineering Identity and signage design for an engineering and manufacturing company, translating technical credibility into a confident brand presence. View the KMOL brand case study.
For Your Eyes Only Optometry Full brand identity design for a boutique optometry practice, balancing personality with professional trust. View the FYEO brand case study.
We don’t design to fit in... we design to start conversations,
and make brands impossible to ignore.
Brands we've had the pleasure of working with
Tech & Innovation
Translating complex code, robotics, and enterprise engineering into high-end, premium digital experiences.
Ankeena
Asus
blackboard
Blue River Technology
cisco
Contextream
Excista Corporation
Google
HP
Informatica
Juniper Networks
KMOL Plastics
Reuters
reRubber
Rhoda AI
Plantronics
Paravirtual
Polaris Wireless
Tendo communication
VMware
Yellow Pages
Global Alliances & Non-Profits
Designing institutional trust and data clarity for world-changing networks and public sector pillars.
Alameda County Library
American Library Association
Electronic Resources & Libraries
Global Battery Alliance
Hear2Read
La Casa de las Madres
Ophthalmic Photographer Society
Responsible Business Alliance
Responsible Minerals Initiative
Responsible Labor Initiative
Responsible Factory Initiative
Responsible Glove Alliance
Transparency International
UCSF University of California San Francisco
WSM immigration
Premium Lifestyle & Commerce
Crafting sophisticated brand stories and sleek digital storefronts for elevated consumer experiences.
BibbyArt
Brix26
Ecocore
For Your Eyes Only Optometry
Foster Plumbing
Joanne Weir
John Mikulenka
Katahdin Productions
Live Brilliant
Marcotte Properties
MuFilms
Pacific Shaving
Parties That Cook
Spanish Table
Tuesday Recipe
Zina Kao
