Silk Studio

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a crowdfunding startup. We have a platform where musicians can raise money directly from their fans.

What challenge were you trying to address with Silk Studio?

We wanted to change our brand into something more premium so that we could be perceived as a respectable, trustworthy, and exciting platform for musicians. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first laid out the timeline and scope of work with Silk Studio. Once we agreed on that, we kick off with a bunch of brainstorming sessions to get to know each other. We proceeded to sort out the deliverables as their team went into the design work. 

The first version of the brand didn’t quite align with what we were looking for, but this served as a positive point in that we were able to figure out our preferences and iterate towards the vision we had for our company’s identity. Silk Studio presented us with different options, for which we provided feedback and specific design changes. We did this for several rounds until we reached our desired brand. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with a total of six people, two of whom led the process. There were also designers, creatives, and people from the administrative side of their team.

How much have you invested with them?

The budget for the project was roughly $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in October 2021 and ended up changing the timeline as we injected new priorities. We wrapped up in early February 2022.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’ve yet to launch our new brand, so we don’t have any hard metrics at the moment. Overall, though, we’re very happy with what Silk Studio created. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on the design.

How did Silk Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Silk Studio was very flexible in terms of the timeline. They were able to hit the deadlines, except when we had to change the schedule around the core issues that were raised. We collaborated through Figma and communicated via Slack and Google Meet.

What did you find most impressive about them?

When we were considering engaging them, we looked into their portfolio and saw that they had done work that was in line with what we were looking for. In the end, that was exactly what we got. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I was quite happy with the process and the result. There was some mismatch at the beginning in terms of the expectations, but we were good to go once we handled that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We’ve learned that best way to give them feedback is to centralize and collate everything and send a comprehensive response to their team. This is especially important if you have multiple stakeholders reviewing Silk Studio’s output. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and CEO at my Organization.

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio, and what were your goals?

We hired Silk Studio to create a branding strategy, positioning, identity, visuals and language with the final deliverable to deliver a Brand Strategy & Guideline Book.

How did you select this vendor?

We were meticulous in our research interviewing 6 vendors. The Silk Studio team was a complete full stacked highly engaged enormously talented package.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Discovery:

1. Discussion guide development 

2. Internal interview with up to 4 key stakeholders / target customers 

3. In-depth research, audit & analysis 

4. Materials review, including: business plan, go-to-market strategy, company presentation, market and competitor research 

5. Competitive audit– understanding the competitive environment 

6. Target Analysis – identification of and profiling key audience and users, researching attitudes and motivations Competitive Analysis

Strategy:

1. Target Understanding 

2. Positioning Statement 

3. Brand Story 

4. Brand Personality

5. Brand Language

6. Purpose/Mission Statement 

7. Up To 5 Names

8. Up To 5 Taglines

Creative:

1. Presentation of up to 3 visual identities and applications including the selection of logos or typeface solutions

2. Formation of visual language

3. Development of selected identity, to include color, font, graphical progression, and devices, image treatment

Delivery of full logo and visual identity guidelines, logo elements, application guide, color guide, font guide, image treatment & graphical elements:

1. Production

2. Brand Guidelines

3. Design and production of social media design pack including icons, banners and image styling for: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & LinkedIn. 

4. Signage design of up to 3 signs 

5. 1 x print ad & direct mail

6. 1 x menu

7. Uniform design to include t-shirt, tumbler, shirt, apron, cap 

8. Business card design template 

9. Email signature template 

10. Letterhead Stationery (A4) and standard envelope (print and open files)

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

They have a deep bench. We worked, over the course of 3 months, with seven of their team members. Their positions stretched from strategy, design, copy, and visuals.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

An excellent and accomplished brand strategy dossier. As well as a mouth-wateringly good brand guidelines book.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

First of all, they are extremely talented with a very good technical understanding of their craft. Additionally, they live to do their work with charisma and flair. Perhaps, most importantly of all, they are enormously adept at delivering customized results on time with precise and timely communications. A pleasure to work with.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are not a large agency, but they deliver major league results, thanks to their stellar team.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can't think of any.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and creative director of BZIPPY, which is a luxury ceramic design company that makes ceramic furniture, planters, and tabletop ware.

What challenge were you trying to address with Silk Studio?

We needed to completely rebrand. We wanted our branding and marketing to match clients in the luxury space.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Silk Studio held many interviews with my employees and clients. Their team researched and then presented a scope.

They created a logo, letterheads, and packaging materials including stickers, custom tape, thank you cards, and envelopes. They also helped with branding for Instagram. Their team reskinned our website and chose a new font for it.

What is the team composition?

I had a main point of contact but interacted with a total of three people from Silk Studio.

How did you come to work with Silk Studio?

I met one of their teammates through a project in which he curated me. I looked at Silk Studio's website and then asked them to pitch us. I didn’t even look around; they were the only agency I asked.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent at least $25,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project around January 2020, and the bulk of the work wrapped up in April, but the partnership’s ongoing. We reach out to Silk Studio when we need something extra such as a new sticker.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

I really appreciated how they interviewed and interacted with my clients. I also valued their in-person presentations. Their team surveyed the land of luxury ceramics and pointed us in a direction that mirrored our clients. They took feedback really well.

How did Silk Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

At the beginning of the project, Silk Studio created a PDF that their team would update. I was aware of the deadlines and felt confident in the process. Their team was on time with the deliverables.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our one-on-one relationship was a strength. They came on site and walked through a 15-year-old business. Their team took us to the next level in terms of branding. It was huge to meet those expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. Every company wants you to do everything with them, and every client has their own budget. They wanted to rebuild my website from scratch, but I opted for a redesign. In a couple of years, I would engage them to rebuild my website.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Look at their past work to make sure it’s a fit. Ensure that they understand your industry and give them as much material as possible to help them understand the scope. Be as open as possible and meet your own deadlines so they can meet theirs.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an artist and the founder of Out of Range, an independent fragrance line based in Joshua Tree, California.

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio?

I hired Silk Studio to name and brand my fragrance company - brand strategy, visual design, and product design.

What were your goals for this project?

Brand name, identity, and packaging design.

How did you select this vendor?

Before selecting Silk Studio, I researched ten of the top branding and packaging design agencies in Los Angeles, CA. I viewed each company’s portfolio, past clients, and client reviews. After researching and speaking with several design agencies I selected Silk Studio. Silk Studio stood out to me - their portfolio is professional, contemporary and creative.

I was impressed by their ability to synthesize complex brand concepts and stories into clean and conceptual design. This is demonstrated in their work for the Main Museum, the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and Mr. Leight. The studio’s CEO and co-founder took the time to speak with me on the phone about my unique project, goals, and budget. I was immediately impressed by their collaborative design approach and their openness to new challenges. As well as their respect and attentiveness to small clients.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The process began with a series of ideation and research sessions. I spoke with the Design Director on a weekly/biweekly basis and met in person with the entire design team once a month. The team consistently presented new design ideas reflecting our discussions and my feedback as well as branding and product research. Through this dialogue, Silk Studio developed the name of my brand, a suite of logos, product and packaging design (including fragrance bottles, caps, labels, boxes and informational inserts).

The team researched and connected me with packaging and printing vendors and went above and beyond to find vendors that would fit my project specifics. Silk Studio was able to articulate and visualize my brand’s identity, philosophy and aesthetic. I was incredibly impressed by their hands on and proactive approach as well their and sustained commitment to my project.

What was the team composition?

Levi Brooks, co-founder of UseAllFive, Troy Kreiner, Design Director of UseAllFive / Creative Director of Silk, Yuji Sakamoto, Art Director of UseAllFive, Mindy Nguyen, Senior Designer of UseAllFive.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Since working with Silk Studio, I have received great interest in my product’s name, branding and identity. My product is still in the production phase. I am confident that when the brand is officially launched the work that Silk Studio did for me will set my company apart.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The Silk Studio team was incredibly responsive to feedback. They were proactive and professional in communication and workflow.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The Silk Studio team is passionate about innovative design, creative solutions, collaboration, and open communication. Each person on the team is incredibly talented and hardworking.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. Working with this company was a fantastic experience.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and creative director of Strawberry Western, a clothing and accessories label using only secondhand clothing / post-consumer waste to create special new pieces.

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio?

I hired Silk Studio to help name my brand.

What were your goals for this project?

I had been stuck on certain names that I wanted to use but wasn't able to trademark. I needed to get out of my own head and have a fresh perspective on what would best suit the brand.

How did you select this vendor?

I am acquainted with the creative director of Silk outside of the work-world and had happened to discover that they conducted branding workshops at the same time that I had been trying to name my brand.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We did a big brainstorming exercise on a large sheet of paper on the wall. There were 5 categories; look, taste, smell, feel, sound. Together we filled out a list for each category then circled which ones I felt resonated most with me. From that list we did word association lists and also highlighted the most significant words from those lists. At the end, Silk created a digital version of the brainstorming session for me to keep and helped provide naming options based on the list. I was able to to continue communication with them and receive feedback throughout the rest of the time it took me to land on a name.

What was the team composition?

Troy, the creative director.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I ending up coming up with a name for my brand that I could not have imagined or felt fit before going through this naming exercise with Silk. The exercise was so helpful in getting me out of my own head and bringing in some new perspectives and thought processes.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great communication and feedback.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found their hands-on and spontaneous approach to this exercise was really helpful.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No!

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Keyla Marquez, founder of Lujo Depot, online fashion rental platform for the industry. The White t-shirt project, founder of art movement to raise money for those affected by Covid-19

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio?

Lujo Depot, Troy developed a unique workshop designed to help me come up with a name for my company, it helped develop the language that I didnt know I needed and had in my subconscious. His workshop really helped me define the aesthetic language of my company.

The end product was more than what I could ask for, he gave me around 30 options and 5 that really stood out and left a big imprint, I decided with Lujo Depot because it means luxury in spanish and I havent seen anyone use it in anything, it has a nice flow and looks perfect.

The white t-shirt project: I came up with this project from a childhood experience of being in quarantine. I wanted a very clean presentation but special, I reached out to Troy with the story and photos that this idea was inspired by, I didnt think he would give me the perfect type/ logo design with just that. It was more than perfect.

It is simple, has a good flow but interesting and special doesnt take away from the project but it stands out. Aside from the branding, he also gave me incredible ideas on the t-shirt designs that I will also incorporate into the project, I couldnt be happier with everything he presented to me.

What were your goals for this project?

LUJO DEPOT: To come up with a name for my company, I knew what I wanted but not sure how to put it into a title and name, Troy did that with his workshop and helped me develop a language for my company. My overall goal with this company is to have an online showroom/ platform for stylists and costumers in the industry to rent from.

The white t-shirt project: I needed branding,Troy did just that and also came up with merch design. My overall goal with this project is to raise money by auctioning t-shirts that artist will turn in and raising money for people deeply affected by Covid-19 and organizations helping people deeply affected by Covid-19.

How did you select this vendor?

Troy is a well known designer and art director in the community, I have always wanted to work with him and I finally had the chance to with these two projects.

Describe the project in detail.

Lujo Depot: Name developing workshop and language for the aesthethic of the company.

The white t-shirt project: Art fund raiser for victims of Covid-19. Troy did all the branding for the project launch and merch.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Lujo Depot is in the early stages, when we launch we can revisit this question

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? 

Troy is a very special person to work with, his understanding of the culture and the vision he went on both projects is something I admire and respect . Overall he is a great collaborator and took my influences and concept ideas to the level both my projects needed to go.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

His ability to work so well with me. Their process has a very organic flow.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope 

Please describe your company and your position there.

During the branding process for The Main Museum of Los Angeles Art, a new cultural institution under-construction, I was the Marketing and Communications Manager and also worked closely with the Silk Studio team on this project.

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio?

After a competitive RFP process, we decided to work with Silk Studio on creating a brand and identity for The Main Museum.

What were your goals for this project?

Our main goal for the project was to create a cohesive look and feel for the new art museum that could be used across all digital and physical spaces. A few requirements that we needed to convey in the branding were: how to bridge together the identities of the larger, under-construction 'Main Museum' site with the smaller, experimental gallery space 'Beta Main,' and highlight our work to make the spaces bilingual online and onsite.

How did you select this vendor?

My teammates and I brought together a list of graphic design agencies that we had all worked with previously and others that we had found through our networks.

After requesting proposals from each of the agencies and meeting with all of the teams individually, we ultimately decided to work with Silk Studio on the project because of their collaborative approach and past work in the arts and museum industries -- previous experience within our industry was not a requirement but it helped to work on the branding project with partners that spoke our language (art).

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The process of working with Silk was both collaborative, iterative, and pragmatic. Before beginning on any initial branding concepts, members of the Silk Studio interviewed a handful of key stakeholders working at the Main Museum including myself, the founding director, program manager, deputy director, and one of the artists-in-residence.

The information from each interview was synthesized by Silk Studios and used as the foundation for further exploring and expanding on our early ideas of what defined the Main Museum. There was also a drawing session where our team worked with the Silk team on freehanding concepts together -- we were by no means artists but this was just another example of how Silk worked to gather creative input from our team beforehand.

With all of this information in hand, Silk created multiple "big idea" concepts for where the brand could go and presented these to us in-person. From then, we picked a direction and kept moving further along in the process to expand on that idea visually through fonts, colors, and basic marketing collateral designs (posters, business cards, etc.).

This continued until we reached the end of our exploration and felt that Silk had succeeded in delivering fully realized brand concepts for both the Main Museum and Beta Main.

What was the team composition?

We worked with: Levi Brooks, co-founder of UseAllFive Troy Kreiner, Design Director of UseAllFive / Creative Director of Silk Yuji Sakamoto, Art Director of UseAllFive Mindy Nguyen, Senior Designer Christine Jackson, Graphic Designer

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The deliverables of the project included a branding guideline deck, logo files, font files, color codes, and templates for the various collateral items we had developed throughout the process. Silk went above and beyond, including ideas for shirts, advertising designs, and more that were not included in the original scope of the project.

After leaving my post at the Main Museum, I went on to work with a group of restaurants in Los Angeles and brought the Silk team on once again because of how enjoyable the process was and how successful the outcome of this project was.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow between the Main Museum team and the Silk Studio team was flawless. Even though the Silk team was located on the west side of LA, they made the effort to head downtown and meet with us in-person at the Main Museum to present their work with each new round of designs.

Being able to have face-to-face meetings and discussions with the team was very helpful and we all enjoyed bouncing our ideas off of each other. Along with in-person meetings, the team was always available via phone and email when needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

When you are looking to work with a branding/design agency on a project that is going to be highly visible and impactful, it's important to bring on a partner that is not just competent but that also aligns with your company's values.

Silk Studios/UseAllFive were not only fluent in speaking the same art language as our team at the Main Museum, but they were equally invested in our ideas of bringing together a community of artists and museum appreciators. Their collaboration and added enthusiasm over ownership of the branding project was fulfilling for all. In my opinion, what led to creating a brand that both teams were proud to share with the public.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Since working on this project in 2017, I have been able to work with Silk Studios / UseAllFive twice more. Over the years I have watched as their studio has grown in people and skillsets -- they are actively working on improving the process between clients and their internal team to become more efficient. As they pick up more clients, I have no doubt that they will become even more equipped to tackle large-scale projects with the same highly-personalized and creative approach.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder / Designer for Ulsi Omen is a collection of creative jewelry pieces that can be passed on from generation to generation. It is inspired by sculptural silhouettes enhancing subtle forms from everyday moments. Ulsi Omen is the ring you notice while you type, the necklace you fiddle with when you are nervous or those earrings you feel when you are dancing.

Jewelry is personal, and we aim to minimize waste by making each piece especially for the client, so all our pieces are made to order. We believe in reducing the environmental impact and using only materials and tools as needed. Ulsi Omen continues to experiment with materials, focusing on silver-smithing, incorporating gold and semi-precious stones to explore themes of nature. All our designs are unique and handcrafted in our studio in Mount Washington, Los Angeles.

For what projects/services did your company hire Silk Studio?

For NAMING workshop and branding, and logo design, packaging material

What were your goals for this project?

Create a visual identity that reflected and complemented the jewelry

How did you select this vendor?

I selected this vendor based on the agency's past projects and I wanted to work with Creative Director Troy Curtis Kreiner!

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The process began with market research, understanding the current aesthetic and pulling similar inspirational images and mood boards. Then the creative director and I sat down and went through a naming workshop, where we identified key aesthetics and overall branding. Once we narrowed down a name and the elements they developed several custom logos.

Once a logo was chosen, they helped source logo production material. They also worked on special branding projects, where they developed a packing identity with the brand's capsule project for a Tennis Open at Anza Borrego. They also were a huge collaborator in the art direction of the first campaign shoot, where they helped photograph the shoot.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with the Creative Director Tory Curtis Kreiner,

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Since the campaign, Ulsi Omen has gained significant growth in clients and is now working on a website. Since we are still a small brand we are hoping to grow however at a pace that suits our production. We are a small handmade studio that develops client consumer relationships so growth needs to be slow but thanks to the branding we can see endless possibilities for the future.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Silk Studio is very innovative and understands our vision which makes them an amazing studio to work with! They also listen to our client's needs and help us develop our aesthetic. They developed a brand that we feel confident about, which is extremely important with our small studio. We look forward to collaborating with Silk Studio for future campaigns.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Silk Studio was incredibly attentive and really helped us develop our aesthetic language. Even though we are a small client never did I not feel that my needs were not met. I was thoroughly impressed by the level of commitment and the fast turn around. I felt they were as passionate about our practice as we are!

Are there any areas for improvement?

NONE! They are great