Studio D

Project Overview

Studio D is a printing and custom fabrication studio that goes beyond traditional paper printing. They specialize in printing on wood, metal cutting, engraving, and custom LED light designs.

The goal of this project was to create a modern and fun brand identity that reflected their youthful energy and the versatility of their services. While the founders didn’t initially have a reason for the name "Studio D," I developed a concept that gave "D" multiple layers of meaning—Dolany (their location), Design, Documents, and more.

🔹 My Role: Logo & Basic Branding
🔹 Scope: Logo Design, Brand Identity
🔹 Challenge: Creating a vibrant, engaging identity that reflects the printing industry’s heritage while feeling fresh and modern.

Problem Statement

Studio D wanted a brand identity that felt youthful and dynamic while staying rooted in the printing industry’s traditions. Many printing businesses rely on CMYK color schemes, but they often look rigid and outdated in branding.

The challenge was to reinvent these traditional printing colors into something that felt fun, engaging, and fresh.

Design Process

Typography & Logo Concept

To keep things clean and approachable, I chose Arial as the primary typeface. While Arial is simple and widely recognized, I rounded the edges of the logo to soften its appearance and give it a more welcoming, modern feel.

The logo itself is a white "D" with four overlapping "D"s behind it—each in one of the CMYK colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). This design is inspired by a swatch fan, a nod to traditional printing techniques while keeping the design playful.

Color Inspiration

Since CMYK colors are a printing standard, they were the natural choice for the brand palette. However, instead of using them in a stiff, corporate way, I layered them dynamically in the logo, making them feel youthful and vibrant.

Iterations & Refinements

The biggest design iteration involved adjusting the visibility and positioning of the CMYK colors behind the white "D." The client wanted to fine-tune how bold or subtle the colors appeared, but aside from this, the overall design remained consistent from concept to final execution.

Challenges & Solutions

1. Language Barrier

The biggest challenge was communication. Since their English was limited and my Czech was not fluent, we had to rely on visual references, sketches, and simple explanations to ensure we were aligned. This experience reinforced the power of clear, visual communication in design.

2. Making CMYK Feel Modern

CMYK is heavily associated with printing, but it often looks outdated in branding. By integrating the CMYK colors in a layered, dynamic way, I transformed a traditional printing palette into a vibrant, modern identity.

Final Outcome

✔ A clean, modern logo featuring a bold "D" with layered CMYK colors, referencing both printing swatch fans and creative versatility.
✔ A balanced identity that blends printing industry tradition with a fresh, youthful look.
✔ A simple yet effective typographic choice (Arial with softened edges) that keeps the brand friendly and modern.

‍