We apply design strategies and artistic methods to bring clarity to the complexities brands face.
We hone in on what makes a brand unique and craft experiences that move people, building brands that are instantly recognizable and often iconic.
We bring brand meaning to life.

Our values

Easy
—01
Authentic
—02
Bold
—03
Collaborative
—04

Before we founded Applied arts we had leading roles at other renowned creative agencies and inside of Fortune 500 companies. We’ve walked in your shoes—01 and we know that the best agency partners don't just deliver brilliant work. They make your lives easier. From scoping projects to executing creative, count on us to uncomplicate things.

It's our aim to build long-term relationships—02 with our clients and partners, which we do by modeling the behaviors we like best in others (spoiler, our favorite people are genuine, honest, and caring). We align our approach to suit your unique needs and we work hard to understand your goals and challenges.

Delivering your project is our first priority, but know that we're ready to raise our voice—03 when wild ideas beckon, or latent business opportunities arise. We seek out the implausible, the unhinged, the inadvisable, and work with optimism that there are more world-changing ideas out there.

Great work is rarely done alone—04. At Applied arts we invite you into the sandbox to brainstorm, or to share ideas, or to ask questions. We believe diverse perspectives lead to greater design outcomes. So join us in Slack, Miro or Figma. Better yet join us in-person. We'll make something great together.

Animated black and white illustration of pants and shoes walking forwards.
Animated black and white illustration of a secret handshake, going from a conventional handshake to fist bumps and hand slaps demonstrating a close and friendly connection.
Scene from the movie Ghost where a man and woman are happily making pottery.
A stylized 3D rendering of a metallic banana with duct tape applied to secure it to the background as if it were taped to a wall.
Easy
—01

Before we founded Applied arts we had leading roles at other renowned creative agencies and inside of Fortune 500 companies. We’ve walked in your shoes—01 and we know that the best agency partners don't just deliver brilliant work. They make your lives easier. From scoping projects to executing creative, count on us to uncomplicate things.

Animated black and white illustration of pants and shoes walking forwards.
Authentic
—02

It's our aim to build long-term relationships—02 with our clients and partners, which we do by modeling the behaviors we like best in others (spoiler, our favorite people are genuine, honest, and caring). We align our approach to suit your unique needs and we work hard to understand your goals and challenges.

Animated black and white illustration of a secret handshake, going from a conventional handshake to fist bumps and hand slaps demonstrating a close and friendly connection.
Collaborative
—03

Great work is rarely done alone.—03 At Applied arts we invite you into the sandbox to brainstorm, or to share ideas, or to ask questions. We believe diverse perspectives leads to greater design outcomes. So join us in Slack, Miro or Figma. Better yet join us in-person. We'll make something great together.

Scene from the movie Ghost where a man and woman are happily making pottery.
Bold
—04

Delivering your project is our first priority, but know that we're ready to raise our voice—04 when wild ideas beckon, or latent business opportunities arise. We seek out the implausible, the unhinged, the inadvisable, and work with optimism that there are more world-changing ideas out there.

A stylized 3D rendering of a metallic banana with duct tape applied to secure it to the background as if it were taped to a wall.

Our team

Your Aa team. Trained at the world’s best creative agencies and inside Fortune 500 companies, we bring a unique perspective to the complex challenges brands face.

Daliah Ammar
Visual Designer
Los Angeles, CA
Derek Smith
Founding Partner
Chicago, IL
Greg Littleton
COO
New York, NY
Jed Skillins
Design Director
New York, NY
Lindsay Haas
Operations Lead
New York, NY
Tyson Thorne
Founding Partner
Stevensville, MI

Our capabilities

Strategy
Brand Equity & Positioning
Brand Architecture
Content Strategy
Experience Mapping
Naming
Naming
Tone & Voice
Copywriting
Brand Messaging
Branding
Identity Design
Visual System Design
Brand Guidelines
Print Design
Merchandising
Point-of-purchase
Sales Materials
Social Media
Swag
Packaging
Concepting
Packaging Design
Rapid Prototyping
Mechanicals
Production Oversight
3D Modeling
CGI
Environment
Environmental Design
Signage & Wayfinding
Exhibition Design
Event Design
Installation Design
Activation
In-Store
CAD Rendering
Digital
Journey Mapping
User Research
Information Architecture
Interface Design
User Experience
Website Design
App Design
Front-end Development
Activation
Art direction & styling
Photography
Video
Production
Motion graphics
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Client testimonials

Patrick D. Sniffen
Executive Director Marketing
Cirrus Aircraft

The digital work they have done for our brand, products and services demonstrate they are aptly able to design experiences that build brand equity as well as maximize sales.

In addition, they are great to work with and bring exciting and innovative ideas that keep our marketing on the leading edge.”

Stefanie Raptis
Global Head of Design
Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

During my 22 years in managing brands, I’ve worked with countless agencies. The team at Applied arts is a rare find.

They have the unique ability to submerge themselves into complex markets and consumer dynamics and distill all this information into the few key communication points that motivate and delight consumers.”

Courtney Smith
Co-founder
Honed™

The team at Applied arts always gives me confidence that my projects will be delivered thoughtfully and beautifully. Their strategic thinking, paired with their refined aesthetic, has fostered a partnership that has spanned over 3 years and counting.

They are true partners, and a great team of people to work with.”