FAQs

  • How is your studio different from others?
    We work across marketing and campaigns, but our true focus is packaging and branding. That’s our difference and where we deliver the greatest impact. We believe that with a strong brand, every marketing effort performs better. We also focus in commercial design, creating solutions that not only look great but also drive measurable business results.

    What exactly do you do?
    We design brands that make people stop scrolling, start noticing, and actually remember you. Our main focus is FMCG packaging, where standing out on the shelf matters most, but we don’t stop there. We develop brand strategies, brand identities, and create marketing that ties it all together. From strategy to visuals, we build identities that work in the real world, not just in a presentation deck.

    Why does your name sound like a dental brand and what does it mean?
    Because it sounds cool, and it stuck. We believe every great brand deserves the touch of professionals who help it shine bright, taste great, and keep its glow lasting.

    Also our name comes from this way of thinking. Branding is about making choices with intent. There are always many directions to explore, some bold, some subtle, some unexpected, some right and some wrong. Real strength comes from balancing research with gut feeling, knowing what matters, saying it simply and standing by it.

    How is your design style different?
    We prioritize versatility, and our style always adapts to your brand’s personality, ensuring longevity and relevance rather than following fleeting design fads.

    Why do clients say working with you feels different?
    Because we focus on partnership, not transactions. We educate, challenge, and guide clients toward the best strategic outcomes, while keeping the process creative.

    How many people work in your studio?
    Our core team is intentionally small and focused: Tony Dianoff leads the studio, supported by Marika Luoto. For specific projects, we collaborate with a network of skilled colleagues who bring expertise in illustration, web development, copywriting, and other specialized areas. This keeps us nimble, highly collaborative, and fully engaged on each project.

    What’s Tony’s background?
    Tony has 20+ years in the creative field, shaping brands as Art Director, Packaging Designer, Brand Teacher, Creative Director, Design Lead, Design Director, and Business Owner. Along the way, he’s earned numerous design awards for both creativity and strategic thinking. Tony blends strategy, creativity, and a touch of humor, and he’s not afraid to say no if something doesn’t serve your brand.

    Why should we work with you?
    Because your brand deserves more than ‘meh‘. We turn ideas into brands that stand out, and often make your competitors jealous.

    Who do you work with?
    Founders with big ideas, businesses in growth mode, and brands ready for their next chapter. Whether you’re starting fresh or evolving, we meet you where you are.

    Do you work remotely or on-site?
    We’re fully equipped to work remotely, but we can also meet on-site for workshops or presentations when needed. Flexibility ensures smooth collaboration.

  • How much does a brand design package cost?
    Before we talk numbers, we first take the time to understand your needs, the scope of the project, your goals, and your budget. This helps us determine how much time and depth we can invest in building your brand. The final cost depends on whether it includes elements such as visual identity, brand strategy, brand guidelines, or supporting materials, as well as the number of concepts, rounds of revisions, and level of detail required.

    Why is there such a wide price range?
    Every project is different. A simple visual identity requires less time and resources, while a full brand strategy with guidelines and assets involves deeper research, strategy, and design.

    Shouldn’t AI make branding cheaper?
    The simple answer is no. AI is a useful tool, and we sometimes use it to speed up parts of the process. But a powerful brand isn’t about tools, it’s about creating a cohesive story that people connect with and trust. In fact, I’ve often noticed that AI can also steal time; if something useful comes out of it, the real value is that it can help us showcase possibilities for clients faster and in new ways. We know some businesses have gone fully AI, but we think about the long run, if a brand becomes associated with being fake, that’s probably not a good thing. We can still beat an AI-generated concept design idea easily

  • Do you use AI in your design process?
    Yes, we use AI as a tool, but never as a replacement for strategy, creativity, or human judgment. AI may support us with repetitive tasks, but every final design is crafted by people, not machines. And truth be told, AI can sometimes slow things down. That’s why we use it selectively, only where it truly adds value.

    Can AI create a full brand for me?
    AI alone cannot replace the strategy, market research, and nuanced decision-making that go into a strong brand. We leverage AI to support our team, but a human-led process ensures your brand has personality, purpose, and longevity.

    How does AI affect pricing or timelines?
    AI can speed up certain research or ideation steps, but branding is still a strategic, human-centered process. We don’t cut corners; AI simply helps us work smarter, not cheaper.

    How do you stay ahead of AI trends in branding?
    We experiment with AI responsibly to explore efficiencies and possibilities but always prioritize strategic thinking, storytelling, and human-centered design. This ensures innovation without compromising quality.

    How do you see AI shaping the future of branding?
    AI will become a powerful tool for exploration, efficiency, and idea generation. But it doesn’t know what’s really happening on the retail shelves and surroundings. Strong brands will always need human insight, strategy, and storytelling to create meaningful, differentiated identities.

    How do you ensure AI doesn’t create biased or stereotypical designs?
    We carefully monitor AI outputs, filter results, and always make human-led decisions. Strategy, inclusivity, and cultural awareness guide every choice.

    What is real anymore?
    Maybe your dog. Definitely taxes. Honestly, who knows anymore? Real is what you make of it.

    Can AI replace the team’s creativity?
    Nope. AI is our sidekick, not our creative brain. It suggests, we refine, we add personality, humor, and soul.

    What is your perception of AI?
    Honestly we don’t like AI. But we have to use it to keep up with the pace of the world.

  • How do you structure your services, by project, retainer, or hourly?
    We like to keep things simple and flexible. Whether it’s a single project, ongoing support, or just a few hours of consultation, you tell us what you need, and we make it work.

    Do you work on spec (designing before a contract)?
    We believe great design deserves commitment, not guesswork. We’ll consider spec work only for high-level projects with clear, fair terms, ensuring the creative process remains strategic, impactful, and worthy of your brand’s ambitions. Spec work carries risk for both sides. We want to protect your brand and our creative integrity. We only take it on when the project is ambitious enough and the potential impact justifies the risk, with clearly defined scope, expectations, and compensation.

  • What if I’ve never worked with a agency/designer before?
    No problem. Our process is collaborative and transparent. We guide you step by step, so it feels exciting, not overwhelming.

    How collaborative is the process?
    Very. We believe the best brands are co-created in some shape or form. You bring the business insight, we bring the design expertise, and together we build something that lasts.

    What’s your typical project workflow?
    We follow a structured process: Discovery → Strategy → Concept Design → Refinement → Delivery → Implementation Support. Each stage ensures clarity, alignment, and results.

    How do you make creative decisions?
    Every decision is guided by research, strategy, and your business goals. We balance creativity with purpose to ensure each element strengthens your brand.

    How do you approach risk-taking in design?
    We explore bold ideas within the context of your brand’s strategy and time-line. Calculated risks help differentiate your brand while keeping it appropriate and effective.

    Will you ever run out of ideas?
    Never. We have a bottomless creative well.

    How do you ensure the brand feels authentic?
    We immerse ourselves in your business, culture, and audience, making sure the brand reflects who you really are, not just what’s trendy.

    Do you involve clients in brainstorming sessions?
    Yes! If time/process allows, clients are invited to workshops and ideation sessions to provide input, spark ideas, and ensure the brand reflects your vision.

    Why do branding projects sometimes take months to complete?
    Because a strong brand isn’t just a logo, it’s research, strategy, design, testing, and refinement. Rushing often results in a brand that doesn’t align with your goals or audience.

    Can branding be done faster if needed?
    Sometimes. Expedited timelines are possible, but they usually require additional resources and may increase costs. Fast-tracking can also limit exploration and refinement.

    How do you manage overlapping projects if I have multiple initiatives?
    We create a detailed project plan and timeline, clearly allocating time for each deliverable, feedback, and approvals to ensure no conflicts or bottlenecks.

    Can you work miracles on a tight deadline?
    We can’t promise divine intervention, but we can deliver smart, high-quality work efficiently… and maybe surprise you a little.

    What happens if I don’t like the first concept?
    That’s part of the process. Branding is iterative. We refine, explore, and adjust until the work feels right for you and right for your audience.

    How do you ensure smooth handoff to clients or partners?
    We provide complete brand guidelines, organized files, and detailed documentation to ensure anyone working with the brand can use it correctly.

  • How do you know when a brand needs a refresh?
    If your visuals feel dated, inconsistent, or no longer reflect who you are, it’s time. A brand should work for where you’re going, not just where you’ve been. Other signs include:

    • Sales are declining despite your best efforts, your brand may not be connecting with your audience.

    • Competitors are outshining you visually or strategically, making it harder to stand out in your market.

    • Your audience or offerings have evolved, your brand should grow with your business, not hold you back.

    • Internal misalignment, if your team struggles to communicate your brand consistently, a refresh can bring clarity.

    Can branding actually affect my sales?
    Yes. A strong brand lets you charge more, attract better clients/customers, and shorten the time it takes for someone to say “yes.” Tony has seen it firsthand. He has helped struggling brands find their identity, rebuild trust, and turn things around before it was too late.

    Do you offer templates or custom work?
    We create custom work. If you need reusable templates (like Canva) for your own use, we can make those for you after the branding.

    Will my brand look outdated in a few years?
    We design for longevity, not trends. Your identity should feel fresh for a good amount of time.

    How much of branding is visual vs. verbal?
    Both matter. We focus on design, but we also help shape your brand voice, tone, and messaging so everything feels cohesive.

    Do you only work with certain industries?
    Nope. We’ve worked with everything from tech startups to lifestyle brands. What matters most is ambition—the drive to stand out and make an impact.

    Is branding worth it if my business is small or local?
    Absolutely. Even small or local businesses benefit from clarity, consistency, and memorability. A strong brand levels the playing field against bigger competitors.

    Do I need a full rebrand or just an update?
    It depends. If your visuals don’t align with your current positioning, an update may do the trick. If your strategy has shifted, a full rebrand creates a clean slate.

    Can you just refresh my existing brand?
    Absolutely. If you’ve outgrown your current look but don’t need a total overhaul, we can give your brand the update it deserves.

    How do I know I’m ready to invest in branding?
    If you’re serious about growth, if you want to look credible, or if you’re tired of blending in, that’s your sign.

  • Do you handle implementation of the brand?
    Yes, we can help apply the brand to packaging, websites, social media, signage, and other marketing materials. We also provide guidance so your team can implement it independently if preferred.

    What if I need more than branding?
    We often support clients beyond branding, like websites, campaigns, and collateral. Think of us as your creative partner, not just a one-time project.

    Do you offer photography & video production?
    Yes! While we don’t have in-house photographers or videographers, we have a wide network of trusted professionals and can source the right talent for your brand. We also provide art direction, guidance and production planning to ensure every shoot aligns with your brand style, project goals, and budget. We’re not bound to a single creative, so we can deliver the perfect visual solution for each project.

    Can you help me roll out my new brand?
    Definitely. We don’t just hand over files, we help you launch with confidence, whether that means designing your packaging, website, marketing, or other brand collateral.

    Do you provide ongoing brand consulting after the project?
    Yes. We offer support, advice, and updates to help your brand evolve while staying consistent with your original strategy.

    What happens after the project is done?
    We don’t disappear. You’ll have a toolkit and guidelines, but you’ll also have us as a resource if you need ongoing support or future brand expansions.

  • How do we get started?
    Simply reach out through our contact form or email us. We’ll set up a discovery call to learn about your business and goals, then propose the best path forward.