We believe all design is brand design.
We build from the inside-out, or outside-in.
Monica Ellis is an independent Art Director and Designer with more than 15 years of experience. She works closely with brands like Rimowa, Nike, On Running, Moncler and more.
We believe all design is brand design.
We can build from the inside-out, or the outside-in.
We believe all design is brand design.
We can build from the inside-out, or the outside-in.
We work in small teams,
forging stronger relationships with
our partners by creating with them,
not just for them.
We work in small teams,
forging stronger relationships with
our partners by creating with them,
not just for them.
Our Process
Our Process
Our Process
01
Listen
We start by understanding your moonshot and contextualizing it in terms of your customers, company, category and the culture in which you operate.
02
Think
We concentrate on the essential aspects of your vision, not overly complicated frameworks. From your brand's strategic storytelling components, to UX road maps, this is where we'll define the path forward.
03
Form
We give shape to the visual and verbal systems that will become the foundation of all future creative work, from core brand identity elements (logo, messaging, color and type), to core product design elements (components, modules and templates).
04
Build
We apply the systems we've designed to your most urgent and highest-impact touchpoints. From your core product to investor communications, websites, packaging, events and product launches, this is where your vision becomes a reality.
01
Listen
We start by understanding what your moonshot looks like and contextualizing it in terms of your customers, company, category and the culture in which you operate.
02
Think
We concentrate on the essential aspects of your vision, not overly complicated frameworks. From your brand's strategic storytelling components, to UX road maps, this is where we'll define how we'll get where we're going.
03
Form
We give shape to the visual and verbal systems that will become the foundation of all future creative work, from core brand identity elements like logo, messaging, color and type, to core product design elements like components, modules and templates.
04
Build
We apply the systems we've designed to your most urgent and highest-impact touchpoints. From your core product to investor communications, websites, packaging, events and product launches, this is where your vision becomes a reality.
Services
Services
Services
Purpose Definition
Purpose Definition
Purpose Definition
Vision Setting
Vision Setting
Vision Setting
Values & Mindset
Values & Mindset
Values & Mindset
Audience Segmentation
Audience Segmentation
Audience Segmentation
Brand Architecture
Brand Architecture
Brand Architecture
Creative Strategy
Creative Strategy
Creative Strategy
Naming
Naming
Naming
Visual & Verbal Brand Identity
Visual & Verbal Brand Identity
Visual & Verbal Brand Identity
Messaging Architecture
Messaging Architecture
Messaging Architecture
Creative Playbooks
Creative Playbooks
Creative Playbooks
Communications Design
Communications Design
Communications Design
UI Kit Development
UI Kit Development
UI Kit Development
UX Strategy
UX Strategy
UX Strategy
Website Design
Website Design
Website Design
App & Digital Product Design
App & Digital Product Design
App & Digital Product Design
Environmental/Event Branding
Environmental/Event Branding
Environmental/Event Branding
Wayfinding Systems
Wayfinding Systems
Wayfinding Systems
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
Packaging Design
The Studio
The Studio
The Studio
Our name, Small Forest, is an English translation of Shaolin — the mystical birthplace of Zen Buddhism, Kung Fu and the soul of the Wu-Tang Clan. Our approach fuses all three: monastic mindfulness, tiger-style visual arts and strategic chessboxing.
Our work blends craftsmanship and business results through strategy, messaging, graphic design, sound and motion, products and packaging, digital experiences, advertising
and communications.
Our name, Small Forest, is an English translation of Shaolin — the mystical birthplace of Zen Buddhism, Kung Fu and the soul of the Wu-Tang Clan. Our approach fuses all three: monastic mindfulness, tiger-style visual arts and strategic chessboxing.
Our work blends craftsmanship and business results through strategy, messaging, graphic design, sound and motion, products and packaging, digital experiences, advertising and communications.