Brands for the future.
Mirage is an independent strategy, design and communications agency based in Berlin and Amsterdam. We offer a wide range of creative disciplines including branding, consulting and digital services.
We are focused on creating meaningful brand experiences which seek to redefine the relation between endurance, impact and resonation. With an anticipating attitude, we prepare our clients for the future by delivering creative solutions that accelerate growth.
Brand Identity / Design Systems / Communications / Packaging / Art Direction / Consulting / Digital Services / Marketing / Campaigns / Strategy / Workshops / Content / Website Design & Development
headquarters
other locations
Focus
Portfolio
Villa Borobudur Resort, TiHive, Ancar-s
Taste Java
Taste Java is the critically acclaimed bar & restaurant from Villa Borobudur Resort. Located in the resort, next to Villa Mahayana, on the slopes of the Javanese Menoreh mountains in Indonesia, overlooking the Borobudur Temple. Taste Java is more than a culinary experience alone – it’s an authentic Javanese cultural institution. Traditional ceremonial events, cooking classes, fruit gardens, a sundeck providing unforgettable views of the rugged Javanese landscapes surrounded by the vibrant jungle and volcanoes. An immersive, secluded and impressive experience.
Taste Java had to be shaped as a conscious and organic Javanese brand, embracing the local environment prominently. Its newly formed core-values had to be incorporated as a foundation; sustainability, purity and harmony. How do we find a balance between authenticity and progression, while building an identity which connects seamlessly to the resort? TJ had to be positioned on such way, it would be attracting both a local- and international audience while contributing genuinely to the memorable experiences of its guests.
Mirage created a completely new identity for Taste Java, with a Joglo-inspired custom icon as the core of the renewed brand. We approached the new identity for Taste Java as an extension of VBR, using similar earthy tones and a vibrant visual language. Various content strategies have been conceptualised and executed, to position TJ as a lifestyle destination. Besides the new brand identity, our teams have created marketing- and communication strategies, webdesign, photography and a wide variety of touch points.
See full case on our website: www.thisismirage.com/tastejava
Yellowstone Development
Yellowstone Development is a multidirectional estate-development company based in Chelyabinsk, Russia. It specialises in the creation of sustainable capitalisation concepts for real estate projects. The company is focused on the visualisation and marketing of real estate objects, brokerage, investment potential restorations and architectural solutions.
Challenge
Yellowstone wanted to update their corporate identity by starting with the implementation of an innovative and modern approach while sticking to a minimalist core: the usage of black and white building blocks. Our main objective was to keep a high sense of maturity and to maintain a corporate character, but to infuse it with innovation and progressive thinking. By revamping the brand we seek to connect organically with a new category of clients — younger, riskier and more future oriented. Yellowstone creates up to 30 extensive corporate presentations a year and was in need of various, innovative presentation templates that include supportive and expressive brand elements.
Outcome
We developed the Yellowstone brand by shaping a new corporate identity that is focused on contrasts and composition, typography, an adaptive ‘Fibonacci’ grid, and three fundamental base-colours. A natural, misty forest-green is used as an accent color, that is applied as an imagery filter as well, for all external and internal communication efforts; from presentations to on-boarding manuals and stationery. We emphasised on the innovative usage of materials for Yellowstone’s presentation of business ideas; proposals, books and brochures wrapped in air-tight silver foil envelopes — to add the unpacking surprise effect and bring an additional experiential value.
See full case on our website: www.thisismirage.com/yellowstone
Klein Media
Klein Media is a data-driven, digitally-focused agency based in the heart of Amsterdam. This progressive initiative is formed by a collective of hands-on achievers who want to make an impact by delivering cutting-edge solutions that are defining the digital ecosystem of tomorrow. To build experiences that activate and endure. The ambitious team of Klein Media works with a remarkable portfolio of clients, from Heineken to Nestlé, to Coca-Cola.
Challenge
Our lives are defined by digital products, ranging from addictive mobile applications to disruptive online platforms that influence our behaviour significantly. It’s an incredibly dynamic and demanding world that requires digitally oriented agencies to be flexible and perceptive. Klein Media’s objective was to reintroduce itself as a brand with a high sense of durability and steadfastness, in order to engage with the fast-paced digital world of today and tomorrow. How exactly do we renew this agency while incorporating an attitude of strength and determination? The moment had arrived to ignite an evolutionary transformation for Klein Media, both online and offline.
Outcome
Our friends from Klein Media asked us to rebrand their agency. And we did. The corporate identity had to be redone entirely from scratch, giving it the resilience and attitude it needs. We created a custom made logotype infused with boldness and consisting of sharp edges to form the core of the new identity, supported by a vibrant color palette and a trademark inspired icon. Various, multidimensional touch points have been created on which the new visual language is applied, inspired by the dynamic forms and edges of the new logotype. The result is a modern and powerful visual environment that emphasises on Klein Media’s mission: to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions.
Specter
Specter is a leading contemporary art initiative representing a roster of both emerging- and established artists, and is providing extensive art advisory services for a select clientele. Based in Berlin, Amsterdam and Hongkong, Specter aims to provide a unique and carefully curated selection of artworks and is committed to dedicate itself as a multidimensional platform to ignite and support visionary art projects worldwide that include curation, management and consultancy.
Challenge
Specter is seeking to redefine the experience of culturally diverse contemporary art. Providing both artists and collectors with a platform to challenge and expand the interpretation of art on a global scale. Mirage was invited to shape the Specter brand strategy and its expressions through various touch points, both online and offline. The goal was to find a balance between exclusivity and attainment while establishing a strong positioning in the saturated and highly competitive world of arts. Do we want to be the canvas, or the painting?
Outcome
Mirage has shaped a balanced and sophisticated brand identity for Specter with distinctive hints of character without demanding too much attention, in order to keep the focus on the art. Various touch points have been created that result in a minimalistic environment that focused heavily on the usage of special materials. From brochures to a website, to actual exhibition- and gallery designs. Our strategy team has created and executed various content- and social media strategies for Specter. Instagram: @spectercontemporary.
TiHive
Tihive is a tech start-up based in Grenoble, France that disrupts and innovates the entire industry of quality control. Combining Artificial Intelligence with Terahertz, a unique solution is provided that helps companies to increase production efficiency, quality and sustainability. TiHive enables its clients to have supervision.
Case in progress!
Ancar S
Case in progress.
3E the solution
The Solution wants to simplify the way we clean and sanitise, effectively. The German startup offers a device that can create three sustainable detergent solutions: multipurpose, kitchen and bathroom. It’s a one-stop-shop that replaces all the usual plastic detergent bottles while at the same time providing an aesthetically appealing product that blends in seamlessly with households. For better environments. For caring people.
Challenge
Cleaning and sanitising is important. Unmistakably important, but also something we don’t necessarily like to do. The Solution wants to enhance this process. To ultimately create an effortless and straightforward dynamic that can be relied upon. Turning the need into a want. How do we build a distinctive brand in the ever-evolving industry of cleaning and sanitising products by not trying to emphasise on disruption? Mirage was invited to shape a brand strategy for The Solution and to develop its related expressions through the usage of various touch points, both online and offline. The goal was to shape an environment that embraces innovation, reliability and harmony.
Outcome
We developed an approachable and straightforward visual environment with a confident and humanistic brand identity at its core. The Solution became a friendly and confident entity that accepts instead of denies by embracing and emphasising the source of its existence: surfaces that need to be treated. A minimalistic environment arises that combines its components in a balanced manner: a vibrant colour palette, modern typography pairings and a progressive-modular grid that allows us to create artistic yet functional layouts, applied to a wide variety of touch points. The Solution is a symbiosis of function and emotion.
Villa Borobudur Resort
Villa Borobudur Resort is an award-winning luxury destination located on the slopes of the Javanese Menoreh mountains in Indonesia, overlooking the Borobudur Temple, a breathtaking Unesco World Heritage site. The resort consists of seven unique, separate villas with all distinctive characteristics and designs. VBR offers secluded high-end Javanese luxury in an unforgettable setting, surrounded by the lush and energetic Indonesian jungle. The Queen of Denmark is one of the frequent guests. Staying at VBR is definitely a royal experience.
The resort wanted to increase the amount of native bookings generated with its own website and saw an overall gap between targets, engagement and actual brand performance. How do we connect better with the target groups to make sure people convert into guests and eventually dedicated ‘ambassadors’ of the brand? How do we strengthen VBR’s online presence and brand positioning in order to ignite more bookings and develop better retention- and engagement rates? These were the main objectives we had to tackle. VBR had to be established as one of South-East Asia’s ultimate travel lifestyle destinations.
We shaped an entire new identity for VBR, embracing the Borobudur Temple as the core of the renewed brand. We have implemented various value-based content strategies for establishing VBR as a lifestyle destination, in order to stimulate the connection with the target groups deeply. During our efforts we have acquired the critically-acclaimed ‘Hall of Fame’ award from TripAdvisor. Besides the initial brand audit and following new brand identity, our team has created marketing- and communication strategies, sales strategies and a wide variety of touch-point designs.
See full case on our website: www.thisismirage.com/vbr
Reviews
the project
Branding Services for Digital Agency
"Their dedication and passion for achieving the best results imaginable was very inspiring to experience."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Founder & Managing Partner for digital agency specialised in start-up incubation.
For what projects/services did your company hire Mirage?
Mirage Berlin created an extensive corporate identity for one of our clients, including an international brand positioning as well as various marketing- and communication strategies.
What were your goals for this project?
To shape a resilient and multidimensional brand identity together with a wide variety of touch points, both online and offline. Mirage helped us get a thorough understanding of various target audiences to ultimately shape marketing strategies to communicate effectively with our selected audiences.
How did you select Mirage?
Mirage was recommended to us through our professional network.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Our collaboration started with extensive market research and ‘user-persona’ identification. Then we moved forward with establishing a foundation for the creation of a new brand identity, to be followed with the execution of various touch point designs (and production).
Besides the identity related tasks, Mirage created various marketing strategies specified to the selected audiences and selected countries. Identity & Positioning, Touch Points, Strategy & Marketing.
What was the team composition?
From our side we worked with three people: Managing Partner and two Account Managers. Mirage worked with a team of five members; their Creative Director, two Strategists, an Art Director and their Senior Account Manager.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The results have been great so far; exceeded our KPI targets. Our brand performance indicators have been showing incredibly good feedback. The engagement- and retention rates have never before, shown such a good progressive development.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Our collaboration has been truly effective and overall very positive. Straight-forward and direct communication was key in our efforts. The dialogue was continually ongoing and Mirage has always shown interest and importance in understanding and valuing our point of views.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their dedication and passion for achieving the best results imaginable was very inspiring to experience. Their communication is on-point and their work-ethics and company culture is unique; open, direct and also fun.
Are there any areas for improvement?
We can’t come up with areas of improvement as we are totally satisfied with our collaboration.
the project
Consumer Research & Marketing Strategy for Media Company
"Their strongest aspect is their skill to get to the core of the situation and translate this in copy and artwork."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
We are the biggest publisher in the Netherlands and Belgium. As a Account Consultant Digital I am responsible for helping advertisers like Ikea and Auping to achieve there online marketing objectives.
For what projects/services did your company hire Mirage?
The corona crisis had a major impact on revenues generated by adds. For example the travel market is our biggest source of advertising income. Slowly but steady things were getting back to normal and company's were starting up again. To get advertisers back on board we needed to send a strong message. We reached out to Mike/Mirage in what way we could best get this message across. Mirage conducted multiple interviews and captured our proposition very suiting with the core message #nlstartop.
What were your goals for this project?
Push optimistic content of companys with our in-house channels and reach out to company's who needed a partner to make the best out of this difficult time.
How did you select this vendor?
Back in Holland I used to work with Mirage (Victus Sports). I noticed Mike had a great combination between creativity and a practical follow-up. On top of that the artwork was exceptional.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
We contacted Mirage as a an external partner to discuss the best way to get our message accross. Even in the corona crisis there our plenty of opportunities to conduct business. At our company, we conducted research to consumer behaviour and when the consumer trusth came back we wanted to launch our campaign. Mirage functioned as a sparring partner to capture the gist of our message. They were in the lead for creating the right look-and-feel of the artwork and created a roadmap for pushing our message to the dutch market.
What was the team composition?
We worked with a team consisting of 6 key people including myself. Mirage assembled a team specifically for our project; their art director, head of strategy and two strategic/project managers.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The campaign was connected to lead generation true various of our channels. The leads created a additional sales uplift of 240K. 80% of the target audience was positive regarding the message and tought I would help get the economy back on track.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Mirage was very involved during the process. They checkd in almost on a daily basis to share their insights and achievments. Their service was excellent and it felt like a real partnership all the way.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their strongest aspect is in my opinion their skill to get to core of the situation and translate this in copy and artwork.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Personally I like to work face-to-face because it creates more creativity and traction. I would like to see Mirage get a offical headquarters in the area of Amsterdam.
the project
Corporate Rebranding & Strategy for Lifestyle Business
"he project has been more successful than anticipated."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the founder of a health & lifestyle startup based in Amsterdam. We reinvent the way people approach and experience the health industry digitally. My experiences lay in the fields of entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, e-commerce and strategy.
For what projects/services did your company hire Mirage?
We hired Mirage for a rebranding of our corporate identity, as well as the design and execution of various strategies including positioning, sales and marketing.
What were your goals for this project?
To shape a distinctive brand identity in harmony with our company's core values and market positioning. Besides that we collaboratively executed international strategies to achieve both our short and long term business goals.
How did you select this vendor?
Mirage got recommended by someone in my professional network.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
We started with a workshop in one of our offices where the team of Mirage together with us shaped the foundation of our project. This workshop was focused on brainstorming, positioning, design, marketing en branding. As a next step Mirage took control of the rebranding process and maintained a high sense of interaction along the way.
After an inspiring first phase of the project we collaboratively focused both our teams on identifying elements for shaping strategies aimed for brand performance, positioning, e-commerce targets and overall international awareness for our company.
Mirage functioned as partners who continuously kept striving for the best results imaginable. A creative, inspiring and motivation process.
What was the team composition?
We worked with a team consisting of 4 people including myself. Mirage assembled a team specifically for our project; their art director, head of strategy and two strategic/project managers
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We have achieved our internal business-goals accordingly with the valuable input, steering and overall guidance of Mirage. The project has been more successful than anticipated.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
It was a highly effective collaboration with frequent on-site meetings and daily conference calls, that enabled us all to work smoothly as a team.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The vision of the founder together with the dynamic and creative modus operandi of their team resulted in a very fruitful collaboration with great results and a strong foundation for future collaborative perspectives. Mirage communicated clearly, attached the utmost value to a dialogue with us, throughout the entire project and truly inspired us on various ways.
Are there any areas for improvement?
We don't see any specific factors that should be improved.
the project
Ad & Marketing for Startup Incubator
"They offer an endless source of imagination and creativity."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I fulfilled the position as Head of Strategy and operations for a start-up incubator in Amsterdam.
For what projects/services did your company hire Mirage | Berlin - Amsterdam?
For brand consulting, content strategies, marketing communication and e-commerce services.
What were your goals for this project?
To shape two distinctively shaped content strategies supported by marketing communication plans
How did you select this vendor?
I met the founder of Mirage at a meet-up event in Berlin.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Mirage analysed the designated target groups for our two start-ups, shaped highly creative brand identities upon a meticulously organised process by their Art Director and Strategist. Based on these identities, Mirage shaped multiple content strategies, backed up by tailored marketing and communication plans, built upon data provided by our teams.
What was the team composition?
We worked with Mirage's Art Director, two Strategists backed up by their Head of CCO and Founder. Our team consisted of myself as head of operations and strategy and my two junior business development managers and senior content manager.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The start-ups are about to be launched in summer 2020. Results will follow.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Highly effective direct communication via online tools as well as frequent physical meetings.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
They offer an endless source of imagination and creativity in line with their hands-on mentality and attitude in striving for the best results, together with us. Winner mentality. Our team members enjoyed the processes and respected their input and criticism
Are there any areas for improvement?
Not necessarily.
the project
Branding Package for Advertising & Marketing Firm
"The capability to think through the brain of our client easily was impressive."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the founder of Klein Media. We build data-driven digital products and solutions for smaller and big enterprises.
For what projects/services did your company hire Mirage?
We partner with Mirage for a high-end brand and design projects.
What were your goals for this project?
The goal was to create a high-end brand recognizable for the target/buyer audience which was succeeded.
How did you select Mirage?
Mirage's portfolio and founder were especially suitable since recent work was of high level and fit the profile.
Describe the project in detail.
- Create a corporate identity
- Brand book a
- Several design elements to lay the base for future deliverables
What was the team composition?
I communicated directly to the founder of Mirage, we communicated with our client.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The client was happy with the deliverables.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Communication went through Phone, Email, Asana, and Slack which is our preferred form of communication.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The capability to think through the brain of our client easily was impressive.
Are there any areas for improvement?
None.
The company is quite satisfied with the KPI results of the project so far. The engagement, retention rate, and feedback all point towards the company's progressive development. Overall, the collaboration between the two was both positive and effective.