The best branding happens when story and design work as one.
There’s a science to it.

And that’s where we come in.

Good design gets attention.
Good strategy gives it direction.

atomicvibe design lab is a Baltimore-area independent brand strategy and design studio, partnering with organizations nationwide to build distinctive brands from the ground up, while also helping established ones evolve.

We uncover what makes an organization tick, then mix strategy and creativity into something that connects with the people who matter most.

Sounds simple enough, but that formula has taken years to refine.

Our work spans technology, finance, real estate, home services, sports, hospitality, food & beverage, education, science, and wellness, but immersion in public health communications has deepened our appreciation for storytelling that connects on a human level.

Turns out, that’s a pretty good foundation for any brand.

Our services.

Brand consulting

brand strategy

brand guidelines

Visual identity

Logo design

Naming & tagline development

Copywriting

campaign development

UX/UI design

Web design

Illustration

Packaging

Motion design

Our recognition.

ADDY Awards

Brand New

Brands of the World Awards

Computer Arts Magazine

Design and Design Book of the Year

Design: Logo

Educational Advertising Awards

Education Digital Marketing Awards

I Heart Logos

Letterhead + Logo Design 12

LogoLounge

Logonest 02

Logopond v1

Paragon Awards

Rockport Publishers

Typism Book two

UCDA Creative Summit Keynote

UCDA Design Awards

The catalyst behind atomicvibe design lab.

Jon Stapp is the founder and creative director of atomicvibe design lab. An award-winning brand strategist and designer, he has helped shape brands for organizations of every size, including Freddie Mac, Four Seasons, Volkswagen, Inspirato, NIH, CDC, HRSA, and SAMHSA.

He’s obsessed with that a-ha moment when words and visuals click and complicated ideas suddenly feel clear. That same instinct shapes his witty critiques for Brand New and his speaking engagements, and follows him into everyday life, where he can’t help noticing how things work and wondering how they might work better.

Spark a connection.

Good chemistry makes great work.

Brilliant ideas don’t happen in a vacuum. We build relationships with our clients around open communication, creative collaboration, and mutual trust, making the process as rewarding as the work itself.

Join the mix.

Our formula for success.

Behind every strong brand is a precise chemistry of story, strategy, and design.
Here’s how we mix the elements to spark something radiant.

Phase 01

Data collection

We start by listening. Questionnaires and stakeholder conversations give us a clear view of the challenge and the information needed to move forward with purpose.

    • Client Questionnaire

    • Creative Brief

    • Any subsequent client communication and materials

    • Stakeholder interviews

Phase 02

Research & discovery

With data in hand, we look for what others miss. Competitor research and audience insight reveal where your brand can stand apart, and what it has the credibility to stand for.

    • Client discovery sessions

    • Researching client’s offerings, marketplace presence, industry, audience, and competitors to uncover unique openings

    • Surveys

    • Mood boards

Phase 03

Synthesis

This is where the thinking takes form. Messaging and design converge, each sharpening the other until the brand feels just right.

  • Writing

    • Strategic brand building copywriting to define Brand Idea, Consumer Insight, Brand Pillars, Brand Promise (USP), Brand Personality, Brand Voice & Tone, Brand Positioning, Mission, Tagline

    • Naming

    • Copywriting for sample applications

    • Messaging & tagline development

    Design

    • Sketching

    • Logo system

    • Visual identity: colors, typography, graphic elements, icons, illustrations, patterns, etc.

    • Photographic style

    • Animations (if applicable)

    • Sample application mockups

    • Client presentation showcasing how strategy, storytelling, and visuals align seamlessly across key marketing and communication touchpoints

Phase 04

Deployment & activation

A brand only works when you can use it and your audience can feel it. We prepare the tools for launch and stay involved as the system moves into the world.

    • Preparing all final branding assets

    • Brand guidelines

    • Rollout of launch materials such as website, social posts, digital ads, OOH ads, signage & wayfinding, merch, packaging, other marketing & communication materials

That’s the formula.

But the results are far from formulaic.

catalyze your brand.

Don’t just take our word for it.

See what others have to say.