"Inspiration from the Best: Who Should a Designer Follow?"

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Leaders often focus their attention on those who dare to innovate and take action that others only dream of.

Art Director Emil Iskhakov recommends paying attention to some designers and independent studios worth saving in your bookmarks.

Artistic Director of ONY Studio

Mouthwash. While they currently focus on branding, their roots lie in digital technology. Their creations draw inspiration from modernist aesthetics, giving them a unique character. This combination of traditional modernism with a new "low-cognitive" approach to interfaces creates a special appeal. This unity is most clearly manifested in identities and design systems, where it sounds especially expressive.

Studio Airport is somewhat similar to Mouthwash, but focuses more on graphic design. Their projects primarily cover cultural institutions, publishing, fashion, and small exhibitions. Their aesthetic is sensual and artistic, with an emphasis on typography and interaction with content. This approach is unlikely to be suitable for large, mass-market brands, but as a source of inspiration, it offers a rich source of ideas.

OK-RM is a UK-based studio working in editorial design and exhibition initiatives. They create books and visual concepts for artists, designers, and fashion designers. Their clients include such renowned figures as Virgil Abloh, Jonathan Anderson, and rapper Yung Lean.

Their artistic approach combines modern European typographic traditions with classical typography techniques, some dating back to the Renaissance. This allows for works with depth and texture. Their experience in publishing and exhibitions also informs their branding, lending it a unique and unconventional feel. Careful photography is essential, as is a cinematic style and craftsmanship.

Studio Yukiko is an avant-garde collective actively engaged in experiments at the intersection of artistic graphic design. Their work, at first glance, may seem traditional within the framework of graphic design, but in fact, it is imbued with daring and sometimes marginal techniques. Specializing in graphics, animation, and typography, Yukiko often collaborates with festivals, musicians, and other fields where expressiveness and radical ideas are important.

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"I am impressed by designers from Asia": who a professional in this field should watch Collins and Porto Rocha can be seen as interconnected studios, as Porto Rocha was founded by former Collins employees. Collins is renowned for its narrative-driven approach, allowing them to create entire mythological constructs and engaging character-driven stories, adding depth and emotional richness to their work. Their visual style is recognizable: children's books with slightly quirky and playful illustrations, as well as a touch of nostalgia. All of this is presented in a relevant and modern way, making the design effective not only aesthetically but also psychologically. Porto Rocha takes this concept further, adding its own unique twist.

Studio Dumbar / Dept® is a Dutch studio that initially functioned as a traditional graphics team, creating logos, color palettes, photo styles, and implementing projects for municipalities and cultural organizations. However, in the last three years, their focus has shifted towards experimental motion design. Dumbar actively explores new tools, including generative design and platforms such as Cavalry. Their animated works are characterized by a fresh, expressive, and vibrant feel. Today, Dumbar can be considered a model for how innovation in motion can transform branding. They are a true benchmark for the entire industry.

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• Design teams use Telegram channels for several reasons. Firstly, such channels serve as an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and inspiration. Visual materials, which can be easily shared in this format, allow teams to share their work, findings, and new design trends.

  Furthermore, Telegram channels help improve internal communication. Team members can discuss projects, share feedback, and receive prompt comments, which facilitates more effective collaboration.

  Another important feature is the ability to create communities. Designers can connect with colleagues and like-minded individuals, which not only helps them grow professionally but also expand their network.

  Finally, Telegram channels can be used to share information about new courses, webinars, or events, facilitating ongoing learning and development for professionals. This approach allows teams to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and improve their skills.