The Newsletter 124

Projects, jobs, mockups, books and more

Case studies

The ‘nonna’s brand’

Imperia’s refreshed logo – hot off the heels of a rebrand – has been turned into a pasta rolling machine, whipping out perfect ribbons of fettuccine and tagliatelle. This is the clever work of Landor Milano, who took up the task of reimagining the look and feel of Imperia, which has been making the best pasta machines in the business. To chart a visual direction for the legacy company with a 90-year-long history, the studio, quite naturally, had to look back at its past. “Imperia is a brand rooted in the history of our country,” Alessio Galdi, Design Director of Landor Milano tells us. For Galdi and his team, the task at hand was complex – the rebrand had to take notes from Imperia’s history, but at the same time, it also had to appeal “to the new, no longer just Italian image of Imperia,” he adds.

1984, but in 2024

For anyone who’s read and enjoyed George Orwell’s 1984 – a dystopian, seminal piece of work by the English writer – Audible’s audio-drama interpretation of the iconic tale promises to be both a literary and visual treat. A literary treat because Orwell’s story, which touches upon themes of totalitarianism, privacy and surveillance, feels just as relevant today as when it was first published, offering fresh food for thought. And a visual treat thanks to the immersive world crafted by London-based design agency Alphabetical for the release of the audiobook.

All smiles

In an industry that’s often associated with cold, clinical environments and impersonal service, The Modern Dentist is setting a new standard, offering a unique blend of personalised service and cutting-edge techniques. With a brand identity that’s as vibrant and unique as the smiles it enhances, this dental practice is challenging norms and transforming perceptions about dentistry.

Healing Hoops

Cupping therapy, an ancient form of alternative medicine, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among athletes and celebrities. This practice, which involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and increase blood flow, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. Today, it’s often used for pain management, relaxation, and overall well-being. In the midst of this resurgence, Lulu Wellness, a Singaporean company focusing on modernising traditional wellness practices, has made it their mission to promote the healing powers of cupping. Their identity, crafted by Singapore-based design agency Sunny Side Up, not only encapsulates the health benefits of this ancient practice but also appeals to a modern audience through a calming and inviting design system.

A Tetris-like identity

CSince its creation in 1987 – nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Château de La Tour-de-Peilz – the Swiss Museum of Games has held a reputation as a one-of-a-kind institution in Switzerland. Dedicated to the rich history of games, from traditional board games to modern video games, it is a mecca of gaming. Under the new leadership of Selim Krichane, the institution readied itself for a fresh brand image, calling on Lausanne-based design agency Hymn to revamp its identity, effectively positioning itself as a revolutionary player in its field – a game-changer, if you will.

But first, Portoro

Born from a multi-generational love of great coffee, Portoro is resurrecting the authentic Italian espresso and introducing its rich, tantalising flavours to the world. Their pledge is pure and uncomplicated – to craft and present the quintessential Italian espresso, brewed with passion. To communicate this commitment clearly and establish a compelling brand identity, they reached out to the team at the London-based IYA Studio.

6 identities for online-only brands

Interviews

The Freelancers

In our interview series, The Freelancers, we dive into the challenging world of self-employment; discussing the highs, lows, and day-to-day requirements of freelancing at different design studios and brands as a career choice. For the thirteenth entry in the series, we caught up with Kevin Högger whose progression in design has – very literally – taken him across the globe and back again. Now based in Zurich, the graphic designer details the impact of contemporary Swiss design on his practice, the numerous benefits of being his own boss, and why working in a studio, immersed in a vibrant creative community and a collaborative atmosphere, not only amplifies the quality of his work but significantly boosts his wellbeing.

News

From Japanese gradients to 8-bit sound effects, we’ve got the assets your next project needs

Design assets can provide a much-needed helping hand in any project, but finding the good ones can be a daunting task. Have you noticed how many online marketplaces claim to be curating the best ones but in reality, they offer a few gems within an overwhelming, low-quality selection? By the time you’ve found something useful, you probably could have created something better yourself, right? We’re taking a slower approach at the TBI Store – only adding top-notch assets that we’ve hand-picked, strenuously tested and know will add value to your design process.

Mockups

BL44 – iPad Pro Mockup
by Directory

BL38 – Vision Pro Mockup
by Directory

“We believe audio should be considered as a fundamental pillar of a brand.”

Josh Shires, Here
22nd April 2024

Books

The Tiny Book: Volume One

The forty thoughts in this tiny book are excerpts from the seventy-six interviews published by The Brand Identity between January and October 2023. It features thoughts from Saint Urbain, Whitman Emorson, FAY, Charlie Nash, Whitney Badge, Office Of Overview, Ribant & Co, Hype Type, 21–87, Praline, RAWTY, InCol, SDCO Partners, Rice, Orchidea Agency, Alright Studio, Pauline Le Pape, Mark Blackler, ACRE, DIA, Smith & Diction, Haritos Constantinos, IYA Studio, Forth + Back, Butter Studio and Gregory Page.

Jobs

Lead Digital Designer at Commerce-UI
Gdansk, Poland / Remote

Design Director at Ragged Edge
London / Hybrid

Useful links