Story Protocol is reimagining storytelling. When creators seek to build a narrative universe, they must choose between the limitations of a publisher, or the uncertainty of independence. Utilizing web3 allows Story Protocol to realize the potential of the next great narrative universe, with a future of networked IP development where creativity operates on open-source principles with ownership rights and economic incentives built in.

Slope Agency worked with Story Protocol from brand strategy through brand identity and web design to craft a system that honors the history of storytelling while conveying the excitement of a new era of narratives. 3D designs with textures and shapes inspired by letterforms and different genres—like mythology, fantasy, and science fiction—help to visually represent this shift from past to future.

At its core, Story Protocol is building open infrastructure that allows creators to collaboratively build narrative universes in a new era of storytelling. Slope designed a bold and geometric logomark reminiscent of building blocks and inspired by the collaboration and co-creation possible on the protocol. Within the mark, and in the 3D animations showcased on through the website design, there is an acknowledgment that all pieces of a narrative universe hold meaning and power in shaping a story, fitting together to create something impactful.

The brand typefaces are Reckless Neue and Acronym. ABC Diatype served as the base for the wordmark.

See the full case study on Slope Agency's website.

Le Fanfare is not just a concept store. It’s a unique combination of lifestyle, clothing and toys. A store where people can play. Het Echte Werk was asked to help build the brand ‘from scratch’. Together with our client we had a clear view of what the store should radiate: an amassment of fun stuff and excess in shapes and colours. Like a candy store for children and adults.

The name was very important for the total concept of the store. The goal was to come up with a name that radiates guts, adventure and authenticity at the same time. It had to stand out in the crowd. We came up with the name Le Fanfare. If something happens with a fanfare, it happens or is announced with a lot of publicity and that fits the core values of the concept store perfectly.

The shapes of the instruments of a fanfare have all these playful and adventurous elements in itself. The typography is based on the shapes of the brass instruments, the contrast of the fine lines and big horns express exactly the perfect brand sense.

The selected font for the identity, Beastly, was used to create additional shapes. By cutting the shapes of the letters in pieces or to mirror them there arrises an endless series of fantasy figures that can be used through the whole identity. From postcards to wrapping paper. The shapes have a certain abstraction level and because of that they stimulate your imagination. You see what you want to see. At the same time we wanted to make a statement and create recognizability with a bold and an eye catching appearance. With a bold statement in shapes and colour we wanted to inspire and amaze the visitor with the identity through the whole customer journey. In this innovative concept, nostalgia and craft are not lost sight of but are combined in a contemporary way. With this in mind we’ve applied the identity in the entire with, from the webshop to the interior of the physical shop. Nobody is forgotten.

Le Fanfare had a successful launch in 2020, despite the Covid pandemic. They’re very conscious about the environment. Webshop orders are sent in recycled boxes, all the printed materials are printed on eco friendly paper and most of the objects in the physical shop are eco-friendly.

On the website, Vanitas is used for headlines; body copy is set in Universal Sans.

Logo design for the “Didone il nulla pare” theatre show in Rome.

Pentagram:

Color was essential to Matisse’s work, and Miller’s design for the book utilizes a brilliant palette inspired by the artist.

Among its extraordinary masterworks of Post-Impressionist and early Modernist art, the Barnes Foundation contains one of the most significant holdings of Matisse in the world. The museum played a pivotal role in the artist's career: Dr. Albert C. Barnes, the founder of the Barnes, was Matisse's most serious American collector and in 1932 commissioned the painter to create the mural The Dance for the Foundation’s main gallery, leading to an important new phase of work. Pentagram’s Abbott Miller and his team have designed Matisse in the Barnes Foundation, a landmark three-volume set that is the first authoritative publication to document this remarkable collection in full. The beautifully produced book builds on the identity, environmental graphics, website and publications that Miller has developed for the museum since it relocated to its new home in downtown Philadelphia.

There are other Grace of Monaco posters set in a sloppy copperplate script and ITC Avant Garde Gothic, of all things. This (New Zealand?) design is by far the most graceful. Vanitas doesn’t hold up from a distance when small, however. Perhaps Optima, Condor or Timonium would have been a better choice for the little type. Or even better, a classical sans serif without stroke contrast.

Cover design by Clare Skeats. Photograph by Marc Atkins.
Client: Pushkin Press