FROM THE DESK | ISSUE 006

FIELD NOTES | A DEEP DIVE INTO THE BEST BRAND STYLE GUIDES ON THE INTERNET

We stumbled across brandingstyleguides.com a while ago, and it’s become one of our favourite bookmarks. It’s a huge (and free) archive of brand style guides from some of the biggest names out there, and it’s a goldmine for both designers and business owners.

We’re talking NASA, Spotify, Uber, Asana, Slack, TikTok, Netflix. Massive brands with tight visual systems and thoughtful voice guidelines. And it’s all just sitting there for you to scroll, get inspired, and download.

But it’s not just the heavy hitters. There are smaller businesses and independent studios in the mix too. The kind of brands that might not have global recognition, but still have super dialed systems, strong point of view, and beautiful design behind them. Which, honestly, makes them just as useful (if not more) when you’re building something of your own.

Even if you’re not planning a rebrand right now, it’s worth a look. You’ll start to see just how much intention goes into great branding, and how many small details actually make the big picture work.

Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or fine-tuning what you’ve already got, this is the kind of resource that makes you ask better questions (and spot your own inconsistencies real quick).

FRESH OFF THE DESK | SCANDI BONES FOR A LOCAL BUILD

Adison first reached out to us back in 2022, just as he was laying the foundation for AD Projects. He had a clear vision for the kind of work he wanted to be known for, and we got to work shaping a brand that would stand up to it.

Like a lot of good builds, it wasn’t a straight line. We explored Adison’s initial vision for the vibe he wanted to bring to AD, and it didn’t quite sit right. After a bit of back and forth, we pivoted toward something calmer. A brand built around Scandinavian principles: clean, minimal, and intentional.

Since then, we’ve worked on everything from identity to print, merch to web. All built to reflect how AD Projects works: precise, understated, and made to last.

It’s been a thoughtful process throughout. Just the way we like it. Check out the full project page below.

ON OUR RADAR | ALPINE CABIN CALM

If you didn’t know, in between studio work, raising two little ones, and trying to remember to drink water, we’ve been renovating a 1910 miner’s shack here in Fernie. (check it out here) It’s been a labour of love (and dust), and when we need a little calm-through-chaos inspiration, we go straight to Martijn Doolard.

He’s documenting the slow, steady renovation of two stone cabins in the Italian Alps, and it’s everything we love. No fluff, no filler. Just quiet progress, real craft, and the kind of film-making that makes you want to pause your day and go chop wood.

It’s not only the cabins that inspire us. How he captures the process is slow, honest, and considered. The kind of work that feels good, right in your chest. Pretty much the opposite of most YouTubers.

No frantic edits. No chaotic voiceovers. Just calm, thoughful work, and the occasional espresso. Check it out below.

That’s a wrap on this one. Whether you clicked every link or just came for the cabin content, thanks for being here.

Until next week, stay inspired (and maybe touch some grass).

Rory & Suz