Jake Sannes Studio

Approach

Good design isn’t decoration — it’s clarity.

Good design isn’t decoration
— it’s clarity.

Good design gives a brand life — even when the logo isn’t present.

My approach is built around creating work that feels unmistakably like the brand.

The goal is consistency, clarity, and momentum — so every touchpoint tells the same story, with intention.

That only happens when research leads, restraint guides decisions, and the work is built as a system — not a collection of one-off visuals.

Start with understanding

I don’t design without context.

Before anything is made, I take the time to understand the brand from every angle: its goals, audience, voice, competitive landscape, and long-term vision. A strong brief isn’t a formality — it’s the foundation that allows ideas to expand and stay focused.

Skipping this step almost always leads to unnecessary revisions, unclear feedback, and work that misses the mark. I’d rather slow down here so everything else moves faster.

Mood before execution

Mood boarding is a non-negotiable part of my process — especially for brand identity work.

Early on, I’ll develop 3–5 visual directions that explore tone, energy, and aesthetic. This step creates alignment early, gives the client real ownership in the outcome, and sets a clear visual north star.

It also becomes a touchstone throughout the project — something we can confidently point back to when decisions need to be grounded in intent, not opinion.

Design as a system

I design brands as systems, not assets.

That means thinking beyond the logo and focusing on how everything works together:

• color, typography, and layout with purpose

• rules that keep the brand consistent

• flexibility that allows the brand to grow

When done right, the work feels cohesive across platforms — whether it’s a website, campaign, email, or internal document.

Fewer ideas, stronger execution

I explore broadly behind the scenes, but I present intentionally.

Rather than overwhelming clients with endless options, I hone in on one primary direction that best captures the essence of the brief — presented with depth, detail, and clear reasoning behind every decision.

This avoids decision fatigue, keeps feedback focused on solving the right problem, and leads to stronger outcomes. If a project needs additional exploration, I’ll expand thoughtfully — not reactively.

Collaboration with clarity

I value real conversations.

Whenever possible, feedback happens live — over Zoom or Google Meet — where we can walk through the work together, align quickly, and make confident decisions. When schedules don’t line up, I create clear, well-structured decks that explain the thinking so clients can review on their own time and respond meaningfully.

Either way, you’ll always know why something was designed the way it was.

Built to last

The work isn’t finished when it looks good.

I deliver clean, organized files, along with documentation or systems that make the brand easy to use moving forward. The goal is sustainability — not dependence. Whether I’m working with a small team or stepping in as an extension of an existing one, the handoff should feel seamless.

The kind of look we look for

I’m drawn to meaningful projects — brands that are ready to invest in growth and clarity.

That might look like:

• a full brand overhaul

• refining and expanding an existing identity

• strengthening email or lifecycle systems

•building campaign frameworks that scale

While much of my background is rooted in sports and entertainment, the principles behind that work — energy, consistency, storytelling, precision — translate far beyond it.

A good fit

I work best with clients who value trust, communication, and partnership.

If you’re looking for a quick logo and nothing more, I may not be the right fit. But if you want a designer who thinks deeply, cares about your business, and aims to become a long-term creative partner — we’ll get along well.

Work Inquiries

design@jakesannes.com

About

Jake Sannes Studio is a design practice focused on building brand identities and visual systems that feel considered, durable, and clear. The work prioritizes structure over decoration and experience over excess—creating identities that function in the real world and age with intention.

Work Inquiries

design@jakesannes.com

About

Jake Sannes Studio

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