Good branding is engaging narratives and meaningful design in symbiosis.

It’s science.

And it’s what we do best.

The fusion of art and science.

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.

By fusing sharp storytelling, strategic thinking, and bold design, we help brands resonate, differentiate, and endure. Our process is equal parts microscope and telescope: meticulous in the details, expansive in the vision. The result? Cohesive brand systems that inspire, engage, and drive growth.

Our work spans real estate, finance, technology, sports, food & beverage, nonprofits, education, science, and public health — always with one goal in mind: connecting brands with the right audiences in the right way.

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 & Creative Director of atomicvibe design lab. An award-winning brand strategist and designer, he has more than two decades of experience shaping bold, story-driven identities, and has worked with startups, Fortune 500s, and industry leaders such as Freddie Mac, Four Seasons, Volkswagen, Inspirato, and numerous HHS agencies and offices: NIH, NHLBI, CDC, HRSA, and SAMHSA.

He’s obsessed with great branding and how words and visuals combine to spark emotion, build trust, and inspire action. When he’s not dissecting brand DNA, you’ll find him writing witty critiques on Brand New, speaking at creative conferences, or chasing the elusive balance between curiosity and clarity.

Spark a connection.

Good chemistry makes great work.

Truly 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 gather intelligence, align objectives, and calibrate everyone from the start. Through questionnaires, stakeholder interviews, and collaborative discussions, we uncover the insights that matter most, starting the foundation of a strategic, informed brand process.

    • Client Questionnaire

    • Creative Brief

    • Any subsequent client communication and materials

    • Stakeholder interviews

Phase 02

Research & discovery

With data in hand, we dig deeper. By analyzing competitors and mapping opportunities for differentiation, we surface the white space where your brand can not only stand out but stand for something.

    • Client discovery sessions

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

    • Surveys

    • Mood boards

Phase 03

Synthesis

Insights become direction. We refine concepts, shape messaging, and craft narratives that align with your positioning, while design exploration brings form and personality to the brand. Strategy and creativity converge to build an identity with purpose.

  • 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

Once the brand development phase is complete, we guide the rollout to ensure your brand launches with impact and consistency across every touchpoint. From guidelines to campaigns and beyond, we stay engaged to help your brand resonate.

    • 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

catalyze your brand.

Don’t just take our word for it.

See what others have to say.