O
ur name comes from the drop cap — a typographic term and storytelling device used to begin a story. We see our brands like a drop cap - both part of a paragraph and standing out from it. We are dedicated to developing and telling the stories of online brands who want to make a profound impact and do something different than the competition. We know that through branding we can connect ideas to the people who need to hear them, and as your boutique branding studio, we promise to help you stand out.
this is a
drop cap
We use design as a strategic tool to set the tone, infuse personality, and capture attention so that your audience is ready to hear what you have to say.
We use design as a strategic tool to set the tone,
infuse personality, and capture attention so that your audience
is ready to hear what you have to say.
KADIE SMITH
founder, art director,
brand strategist
With a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in English Literature, I have a natural love of storytelling - both judging a book
by its cover as well as what’s inside.
With a Bachelors of Fine Arts
in Graphic Design and a minor in English Literature,
I have a natural love of storytelling - both judging a book
by its cover as well as what’s inside.
In 2014, I started my studio out of a desire to support my friends in the creative industry — the artists who had talent and potential that was hidden from the world. Along the way, I’ve worked with over 200 small businesses to help tell their story to a captivated audience. In many cases, I’ve had the privilege of further developing brands once they’ve found success post-launch.
I’d love to help you, too.
read more
As an avid reader and the oldest of four, I am deeply curious and a self-starter. I let my imagination run wild and tend to do something about it, which is why I love branding so much - it’s all about dreaming and then acting on those dreams to make something magical. I have fallen in love with branding for the impact that it has, and the way starting a business changed my own life, and the lives of my clients and friends.
But I’ve also experienced the overwhelm from finding yourself with too many options. Starting a business is one thing, but building a brand is another. When it comes to telling your own story, it’s kind of like trying to read a label from inside the bottle. From your own perspective, things may feel scattered and disconnected. But from another’s point of view, you’ll find that your inspiration has patterns to it, and your business holds an inherent story that’s desperate to be told.
I am the creative director and lead designer for all branding projects, making sure each element aligns with the overall brand vision and works as a seamless whole to put brands in their best light.
READY TO STAND OUT?
the principles
THAT GUIDE OUR STUDIO
EXCELLENCE
We give our best ideas to each client every time, continuously raising the bar (and not just with design). As a studio, we aim to remain composed, consistent, prepared, gracious, heartfelt, and intentional. We know that it is an honor to shape the direction of your business and a privilege to be doing what we love each day.
HOSPITALITY
Your experience developing your brand is our highest priority. It’s not enough to deliver a solution, it’s about the journey of arriving there. We want you to enjoy the process of creating your logo and building your website — even if you’ve never gone through the process before — maybe even especially then!
ORIGINALITY
We don’t get our ideas from the competition, we keep our brands distinct, we do not recycle designs, and we stay hungry for new solutions. We promote a holistic approach to branding by creating opportunities for self-discovery, personal development, and curiosity. Ultimately, we want you to feel aligned, connected, and inspired by your business - and that comes with a level of experimentation, risk, and careful analysis of what’s working, and what’s not.
LEISURE
We do not subscribe to hustle mentality, and we charge what our time is worth so we can enjoy the work we’re doing and live full lives as well. We honor boundaries and our own capacity so we can give our full attention to each project that comes our way and avoid burnout that’s common among creatives. Freedom is at the heart of our business. Our goal is to build and support profitable and sustainable businesses that encourage travel, adventure, and growth.
A DROP CAP BRAND
Exudes elegance and sophistication; is cultured and compassionate. It’s a business that understands the importance of building something of quality and consistently showING up with their best each day.
EXUDES ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATION, IS CULTURED AND COMPASSIONATE. IT’S A BUSINESS THAT UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING SOMETHING OF QUALITY, CONSISTENTLY SHOWING UP WITH THEIR BEST EACH DAY.
A Drop Cap brand pursues original ideas and is not afraid of standing out. In fact they prefer to make both an entrance and a statement. They crave an experience that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also intelligent, timeless, and purposeful. Our brands care more about substance than popularity and are more interested in new ideas than bandwagon beliefs. A Drop Cap brand will speak openly and honestly about their convictions and values, leaning into their unique power and putting intentional thought into the impact of their actions. They are ambitious while also honoring the need to rest. They want to be a part of a collaborative studio of self-starters who are dedicated to slow growth and building a legacy.
We are your studio if you want to do this the way.
right
You may have heard about us
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
PODCAST
THE FIERCE LAB
GUEST feature
YELLOW CO.
speaking
VINTAGE ROUNDUP
The Sunday Edition is a weekly digital newspaper and an invitation to slow down, find inspiration, and learn something new about entrepreneurship, branding, and productivity. Pour your favorite beverage, settle in, and read the latest in design + [small] business.
The Sunday Edition is the kind of inspirational content I want to ingest, It’s a way to begin the week with some positivity and motivation. It ignites my drive to continue my work and strive for results.
- ALISA
The Edit
Explore The Edit - our collective list of tools, programs, products, travel finds, and resources to guide you on the path towards entrepreneurship, with our signature dose of style & adventure. We’ve tried it all so you don’t have to — this edited list is curated especially for you.
SEE MORE
