Koto

An AI companion for everyone. We were lucky enough to work with the Microsoft team to refresh the Copilot brand. The aim was to create a more intuitive design system that reflects the calmer, more helpful and supportive era of technology that Copilot is ushering in. The use of kinetic type and images bring to life Copilot’s speedy and fluent responses, reflecting the dynamics of natural conversation. As a system, it’s able to support Copilot’s advanced capabilities like Voice and Vision, adapting to you with a warm tone and distinct style that provides not only information but encouragement and advice as you navigate life’s everyday challenges.

Putting the process centre stage 📽️ When Kit (formerly ConvertKit) approached us to develop their new brand, the team asked to ‘rebrand in public’: to pull back the curtain and offer an inside look at our collaboration, in real time. Sharing the brand development out in the open was about more than transparency. As a leader in the creator economy, Kit has always focussed on building in public to give the community a real, authentic voice in key decisions. So we helped bring creators along for our journey by documenting our work together: sharing key milestones, unveiling brand assets and inviting conversation—every step of the way. Check out the full series on YouTube, and see the new brand in action on Kit’s new website. A special thank you to Nathan, Charli, David, Dave for the great partnership, and for trusting us to share the mic with you 🎤

Revolution or evolution? 🔁 When you recognize the need for brand change, the next question is: how much? How far should you go? What should you expect from each approach? Deep dive in OFF Brand Newsletter 4, to explore when to evolve, how to align business objectives with a rebrand, the pros and cons of each approach, and key examples to guide your decision-making. More → https://lnkd.in/eCSQ23gV

Seven years on from our initial project, we reunited with the Freetrade team as they launch a wave of product and service upgrades; a new dawn for the business and its customers. Together we’ve crafted a new digitally-led brand identity, with vibrant gradients, illuminated illustrations and aurora-inspired animations, that combine to bring Freetrade’s bold vision for investing to life. Full case study live now → https://lnkd.in/eVnDm_yz

Mars required a complete marketing overhaul for the next five years. We worked closely with them to develop a clearly articulated, future-focused strategy that could flex across their iconic confectionery to essential pet care, food, and nutrition. Given the scale and complexity of the challenge, we focused on creating a robust navigation system to create a consistent thread in their long-form animation.In collaboration with TwentyFirstCenturyBrand and Beginners.

Once upon a time in Claynotopia, cute, colorful, and clay-made dinosaurs roamed the lands. They searched for adventure, they danced, they ate snacks, and most importantly they made friends. Just who are these creatures? Meet the Claynosaurz. Some are big, some are small. Some sprint, some stroll. All of them are cheeky in their own way. (Dinosaurs, they’re just like us!) Claynosaurz produce short-form media, create digital collectibles, and cultivate community. All in service of shaping a new future for entertainment. When they came to Koto and showed us the characters they had created, we were like, “Dinos? LFG.” And that spirit embodied our entire time working together on this assignment to build out their brand identity. From getting to know the cast of characters at the company (human and dino), the community, and epic enthusiasm from the collectors of Claynosaurz, every day was a saur-ing delight. So much so that we infused that joy and positivity into the visual and verbal system, creating a colorful and vibrant brand experience that brought to life what makes the world of Claynosaurz so great: humour, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Shoutout to Claynosaurz for all the great collaboration and one of our most imaginative projects yet. We can’t see what comes next for the most epic set of dinosaurs we’ve met in the last 200 million years. And remember: heroes aren’t made—they’re moulded.

How do we approach the first creative share at Koto? Arthur Foliard, our Executive Creative Director, explains the process of selling — and building — brands that are meaningfully different, right from the beginning. Finding the perfect balance of finding a big, bold vision for the brand — a visual and verbal statement, deeply rooted in emotion - and a meaningful narrative that will resonate with clients and their audience. More than color and type, it’s about creating a series of consistent yet compelling experiences that open up the imagination and blend function with form. During Brand New’s First Round in New York, Arthur shared this approach, using Bolt as a case study. To learn more about Bolt, check the full case study: https://lnkd.in/gPu4zsaR

The full story of how we helped to grow the Pairpoint brand now lives on our website. See the full case study → https://lnkd.in/ejtkeaHi

Berlin is looking to hire a motion intern. Join our crew of optimists here in Kreuzberg. The role is full-time, in-person, with WFH one day a week. Send your best work to berlin@koto.studio, or tag others in the comments.

Fitbit Ace LTE is a new kids wearable brought to you by Google. It’s the first ever connected smartwatch designed to get kids off the couch and into the chicken-space-race (yeah, that’s a thing). With 4G LTE and a gazillion games, you’re always close to home, and never far from fun. Google approached us to build a brand system around Ace LTE's four core attributes—Bold, Playful, Weird and Lovable—that speaks to the zest of childhood and the independence they long for. We worked closely with the Ace team to make sure the new brand authentically represented that childhood zeal, while ensuring its seamless integration across all touchpoints. High fives all round to the amazing Ace team—particularly Natalie Beaconsfield, Elliott Burford, and Anil Sabharwal—who have been the most incredible partners since 2022. Massive shout out to the supremely talented external partners who helped make this work come to life: Photography: Tonje Thilesen Device renders: Kühl & Han® ; STEL Design® Campaign video: Kühl & Han® ; Nexus Studios Check out the full case study —> https://lnkd.in/gefbVwE3