Brands that hit the mark, and sell like hot cakes.
We define what makes you special, and why it matters. We specialise in branding and identity, capturing the essence of who you are and communicating it well. We're here to help you get your projects off the ground, and have a great time doing it. It's such a privilege to help each business thrive by not just making branding or spaces beautiful – but by making them hit the mark with customers and really work.
If you're working on a project that you'd love the world to see, we're here to help you get it there.
Brand Strategy
It's essential for you to know who you're talking to, where you're headed, and why.
We'll help you dial in on what really matters and set you up to hit the bullseye with future projects and campaigns. This process includes dicovery sessions to dial in on your audience and messaging, and strategy to help you get there.
Identity Design
Your brand identity captures the essence of who you are. It's so much more than a logo – it's the foundation for every conversation that you have with your customers.
We'll help you to build a trustworthy and innovative identity, allowing you to communicate well. This includes logos, colour palettes and your core assets to hit the ground running.
Marketing Campaigns
Make the most of your brand by being where your customers are. We'll develop and produce campaigns that push the envelope and represent you well. Across both digital and printed media, we'll help you to connect with your community nad sell your services.
1 Language
- English
4 Timezones
- EST
- ECT
- PST
- MST
headquarters
Branding & Web Design Services for Outdoor Trails Company
the project
"Very good and thorough creative process."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
I am the Owner & Director, Wild Things of Wild Things
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.Wild Things is here to inspire, equip and empower each other to get out and enjoy New Zealand's epic trails.
- New brand identity
- New website design
Referral, Other
Why did you select Calico Studio over others?Close to my geographic location, Great culture fit, Good value for cost, Company values aligned
What was the size of Calico Studio’s team?1 Employee
What was your primary form of communication with Calico Studio?In-Person Meeting
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Brand refresh - creating new brand identity, whilst keeping a nod to existing/old brand, and then a full website redesign (visuals) and associated marketing collateral (social media assets, stickers etc)
- My satisfaction in the final product
Really good - handled my slow responses and changes to timescale really well.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?Very good and thorough creative process.
Are there any areas for improvement or something {provider_name} could have done differently?Nope.
Focus
Portfolio
Sucker – Brand Identity / Packaging Design
Sucker are breaking into the sustainable utensil market, bringing a range of glass straws to offer a classy and eco-friendly option.
Beautiful and cheeky, this concept pulls on patterns from crystal cocktail glasses. Dainty and structured fine line illustrations are paired with chunky arms and fingers, looping throughout assets to develop the light-hearted personality of the name. Select imagery is filtered with glass overlays, playing with the curved shape of your straws and alluding to the altered view when looking through glass.
With a focus on sustainability and reducing New Zealand’s use of single-use plastic, branding and packaging appeals to both the eco-conscious and tasteful consumer.
Sage & Grace – Branding / Packaging / Illustration
A local cake-maker and whole-foods caterer, Sage & Grace are all about food that is nutritious, delicious, and easy for anybody to make.
Our task was to create a cohesive identity for the different arms of the business, along with packaging for their latest organic and gluten-free Cake Kits. We worked with the team to create a soft and beautiful brand that’s based on watercolour illustrations and peaceful tones (inspired by the childhood classic - The Very Hungry Caterpillar).
Tyre Software Solutions – Brand Identity
Tyre Software Solutions are the parent company for a range of digital products and services. Our task was to create an identity that represents capability and trustworthiness, connecting with both those in commercial offices and those behind the wheel themselves.
Building upon the recognisable pattern of tyre tread and coupled with technical drawings, this brand identity builds on their core offering; the green light to keep driving safely and well informed.
Nothing Naughty – Branding / Packaging
Catering to the ‘everyday athletes’ and those who are careful with what they consume, Nothing Naughty develop and produce their own organic products and supplements.
Calico was brought on board to create a cohesive and recognisable identity for such a tried and true brand. We developed a bold and fun aesthetic, incorporating loose line illustrations that nod to the notion that their business is transparent and there’s nothing naughty hidden inside their products.
Fertility New Zealand / Campaign Story & Design
Fertility New Zealand are dedicated to providing information, support and advocacy to people experiencing fertility issues.
This year’s Fertility Week is focused on the statistic that one in four people struggle with fertility, and the concept of building the whānau you dream of. We came on board to share their message, with a range of printed and digital illustrations.
Rain Bar – Exterior Fitout
The exterior space at Rain Bar needed three things: weather-proofing, privacy, and character.
We came on board to reimagine the space, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow and a range of seating options.
With the addition of a structure with retractable roof and walls, the courtyard is perfect for rain, shine, and shelter from the howling coastal gales.
Wooden booth seating leads the eye throughout the space, complimented by custom tiled leaners and black steel furniture. With the ability to be sealed for private functions or opened up for afternoon drinks, this is a versatile, intimate and comfortable space that will welcome locals for years to come.
Neighbourhood Kitchen – Exterior Fitout
From polished concrete floor and robust industrial decor to soft lighting and warm, earthy tones — this is a courtyard that accommodates where Neighbourhood Kitchen is now, and also where it’s going.
A variety of furniture fluctuating in height and size give the courtyard depth, while inviting visitors into a private, but spacious atmosphere. Festoon lights and flowering vines draped overhead provide character, wrapping the courtyard in a feeling of warmth and intimacy.
With the established customer base in mind, we have designed an area which maximises the use of existing space and ensures that functionality and comfort are still the focus. We see enjoying the courtyard as fundamental to the experience at Neighbourhood Kitchen.
Rain Bar – Interior Fitout
We created a space for catching up with old friends, and making new ones.
From new menus and illustrated brand assets to their interior fit-out, we’ve worked with Rain Bar over the last few years to seamlessly upgrade their look and feel. The final piece of the puzzle was the installation of new furniture – especially the custom leaners, tiled in Rain Bar’s iconic blue.
Furnishings were chosen to mix the best of a vintage whiskey bar with the local heritage of Papamoa. Masculine tones are foundational throughout the space, pulling on dark charcoals and deep blues to maintain a strong and stable presence. Plenty of plants break up the room, softening noise and creating private areas.
Comfort is key, with every seat chosen to keep customers there for a good time and a long time. Cheers to an afternoon drink at Rain!
Northern Easter Camp – Brand Identity / Campaign
Northern Easter Camp is an annual multi-day event for churches and youth groups from the Upper North Island of New Zealand.
Building on the theme 'Awaken;, we were tasked with creating a visual identity that allows for strong and powerful storytelling across a range of mediums. To be awake and alive is to be moving. This concept is centred around a beam of light that breathes fresh life into everything it touches. Weaving through everyday life, it's an iridescent thread of hope that connects people and ideas and breaks out of the contained shapes of the last few years. Bright and futuristic, neon colours are used to create an ethereal space and awaken the dormant potential within our youth.
Night Vision – Branding / Packaging / Illustration
The old wives’ tale of carrots helping us see at night was originally a piece of WW2 British propaganda, shared in a bid to explain the improved accuracy of their airforce pilots who were using groundbreaking new radar technology.
Night Vision is a delicious carrot juice that plays on the topic, highlighting the origin of the myth that’s been passed down through generations. Calico was on board right from the beginning, from the naming process through to creating an identity and packaging.
Reviews
the project
Branding Services for E-Commerce Brand
"They were far more comprehensive than I expected."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I'm the Owner and Director of an outdoors ecommerce brand.
For what projects/services did your company hire Calico Studio?
We needed a way to put into images and designs, what we felt about our brand.
- Logo
- Brand guidelines
- Clarity on our vision
- How to communicate with future creatives It can be hard to find a designer who takes the time to deeply understand your vision for the business and capture your thoughts.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
Calico had done some great work on other products I have seen across different platforms and I've heard good things about them in the past. I was looking for:
- Quality end product above all else
- Personality (not too corporate)
- A good connection
- I knew that I needed to be able to communicate with them clearly and have them understand and bounce ideas around.
Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.
Initial stages were the usual phone calls, emails and then an in person meeting. Emily from Calico laid out the different directions I could go and what that would look like from her end. She walked me through the process and we discussed deliverables and expectations. She got to work and was very effective.
How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
Worked with two people from her team
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Three main outcomes Website came together quickly and easily, able to stay consistent with the brand identity provided. Product design centred more around the brand. It fleshed out our company values so people who are more visual 'get' what we are about. Feedback has been amazing, have had countless compliments
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very effective. Communication was clear and professional, but their personality also showed which was nice! Everything was delivered on time, above the level of quality that was expected.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
They were far more comprehensive than I expected. Covered so much ground with them, that I don't have to do myself.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Honestly? Not really. Myself and the team are very happy, we received so much value - when something pops up in the future I will definitely be calling Calico Studio!
the project
Product Packaging & Label Design for Cake Company
"They weren't a design studio that focused only on trends but more on the brand."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Sage and Grace creates dietary inclusive cakes using whole ingredients! We have started to create Cake in a jar for anyone to be able to make and create at home! I am the founder of this brand!
For what projects/services did your company hire Calico Studio?
We used Calico Studio to design our cake kit labels. We wanted product packaging that would be timeless, but fun
How did you select this vendor?
We love to keep everything as local to us as possible, including where we source ingredients. Calico is based in our city Mount Maunganui, NZ and is also an incredible illustrator which is an element we wanted to incorporate.
Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.
I gave Emily a lot of creative freedom for this project. We sat down and decided on a few elements that I wanted incorporated but otherwise I left her to come up with a concept, and she nailed it first time around.
We have a few minor adjustments with colours and placements but otherwise it was beautiful from the beginning! Emily is really efficient with the communication so I felt in the loop with the design process!
How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
I worked directly with Emily the founder of Calico Studio.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
People love the design and feel of this packaging label that was created! I get so many comments from people on how beautiful the labels are all the time and it is such a wonderful feeling knowing the packaging represents the contents so well! Top quality packaging for a top quality product using high end ingredients.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Calico Studio (Emily) was wonderful to communicate with, quick on the email responses when required or a quick phone call to clear up any changes! it was all a very smooth process!
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
I love the variety of work Calico studio have done for so many different clients! It really shows the creative ability they have to create anything and to think laterally! They weren't a design studio that focused only on trends but more on the brand. You already have interpreted concepts or elements you like into something that is beautiful to the eyes but will last time.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
I have found it all really easy dealing with Emily through the whole process and we have now designed four labels and I will continue to use them for any future designs.
the project
Branding & Packaging Design for Glass Straw Company
"Their high ratings and our company values aligned were the deciding factor to hire Calico Studio."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
I am the Director, Sucker of Sucker
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.Glass straw company
- Brand creating
- Packaging
Online Search
Why did you select Calico Studio over others?High ratings, Company values aligned
What was the size of Calico Studio’s team?1 Employee
What was your primary form of communication with Calico Studio?Virtual Meeting
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Design of logo and create a brand around 2key products plus packaging of those products
- Sales
Very prompt communication and quick to get work done
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?Ability to meet our requirements and gauge what we were after only from a short online call
Are there any areas for improvement or something {provider_name} could have done differently?No
the project
Branding & Web Design Services for Outdoor Trails Company
"Very good and thorough creative process."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
I am the Owner & Director, Wild Things of Wild Things
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.Wild Things is here to inspire, equip and empower each other to get out and enjoy New Zealand's epic trails.
- New brand identity
- New website design
Referral, Other
Why did you select Calico Studio over others?Close to my geographic location, Great culture fit, Good value for cost, Company values aligned
What was the size of Calico Studio’s team?1 Employee
What was your primary form of communication with Calico Studio?In-Person Meeting
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Brand refresh - creating new brand identity, whilst keeping a nod to existing/old brand, and then a full website redesign (visuals) and associated marketing collateral (social media assets, stickers etc)
- My satisfaction in the final product
Really good - handled my slow responses and changes to timescale really well.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?Very good and thorough creative process.
Are there any areas for improvement or something {provider_name} could have done differently?Nope.
the project
Web Dev, Design & Branding for Interior Design Company
"They did a great job and delivered a great design as expected."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the owner of Shaw Design, an Interior Design Company
For what projects/services did your company hire Calico Studio, and what were your goals?
She re-designed the Shaw Design branding and re-designed the website.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
I knew Emily personally, and thought she would be a great person for the job, due to her style and work ethic
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
New business branding from scratch, overhaul of website, including new website platform
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
Just myself
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
They did a great job and delivered a great design as expected Emily captured my brand/business and managed to develop a website that reflects myself and business
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
Emily worked efficiently and communicated with me through each step, showing me as she went so I could give feedback for adjustments
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Emily works closely with you, has a relaxed but professional manner and nothing is to much trouble
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
I was impressed with the overall experience.
The client was satisfied with the final product, thanks to Calico Studio's work. The team was very good at handling the client's slow responses and changes to the timescale.