A multidisciplinary design-driven, motion studio with a passion for creativity, collaboration, and human connection.
SERVICES /
Brand Strategy
Branding Design
Web Design
ABOUT /
Latinx-Owned
Richmond, CA
LOGO ANIMATION BY EIGHTYFIVE STUDIO
OVERVIEW /
Eightyfive Studio is an animation and motion design studio that wanted to move beyond its startup phase and step into a more confident, defined brand presence. Joel reached out after realizing that managing branding tasks alone wasn’t enough to communicate the full vision of the studio. They were seeking a brand identity that could express who they were, how they work, and the values that fuel their creative direction, while stading apart from the competition.

CHALLENGE /
As a founder wearing many hats, Joe's biggest challenge was finding the time and clarity to develop the brand in a meaningful way. The studio had grown and had been successful in working with dream clients but lacked a cohesive identity that reflected its values, culture, and creative process. Previously, the brand was focused solely on showcasing portfolio work, with little messaging and no consistent visual identity. There was also a gap between how the studio wanted to be perceived and how it was showing up—making it hard to communicatewho they were beyond their work. We wanted to shift that narrative.
As a founder wearing many hats, Joe's biggest challenge was finding the time and clarity to develop the brand in a meaningful way. The studio had grown and had been successful in working with dream clients but lacked a cohesive identity that reflected its values, culture, and creative process. Previously, the brand was focused solely on showcasing portfolio work, with little messaging and no consistent visual identity. There was also a gap between how the studio wanted to be perceived and how it was showing up—making it hard to communicatewho they were beyond their work. We wanted to shift that narrative.
As a founder wearing many hats, Joe's biggest challenge was finding the time and clarity to develop the brand in a meaningful way. The studio had grown and had been successful in working with dream clients but lacked a cohesive identity that reflected its values, culture, and creative process. Previously, the brand was focused solely on showcasing portfolio work, with little messaging and no consistent visual identity. There was also a gap between how the studio wanted to be perceived and how it was showing up—making it hard to communicatewho they were beyond their work. We wanted to shift that narrative.
APPROACH /
Through our process, we clarified what Eightyfive truly wanted to communicate and how the brand should resonate with potential clients. We explored Joel’s vision for the studio, their collaborative approach, deep attention to detail, and desire to stand out in a space where many studios feel cold and disconnected. The goal was to create a brand that felt modern and clean—appealing to design-driven companies—yet warm, approachable, and clearly human. A brand where clients could instantly sense they’d be seen, supported, and creatively cared for.
We laid the foundation using minimalist Swiss design principles: refined typography, a minimal color palette, and clean layouts for a crisp, contemporary feel. To balance this, we introduced playful line iconography—perfect for subtle animations that bring the website to life.
We also transitioned from the old blackletter-style logo to a timeless, more legible mark, along with a secondary graphic “85” version that adds visual flexibility and impact.
While the design remains sleek and elevated, the tone is still warm and welcoming, featuring Joel and Abigail in their creative space—to make the brand feel personal and grounded. Clients can now see exactly who they’re working with and the heart behind the work.
Through our process, we clarified what Eightyfive truly wanted to communicate and how the brand should resonate with potential clients. We explored Joel’s vision for the studio, their collaborative approach, deep attention to detail, and desire to stand out in a space where many studios feel cold and disconnected. The goal was to create a brand that felt modern and clean—appealing to design-driven companies—yet warm, approachable, and clearly human. A brand where clients could instantly sense they’d be seen, supported, and creatively cared for.
We laid the foundation using minimalist Swiss design principles: refined typography, a minimal color palette, and clean layouts for a crisp, contemporary feel. To balance this, we introduced playful line iconography—perfect for subtle animations that bring the website to life.
We also transitioned from the old blackletter-style logo to a timeless, more legible mark, along with a secondary graphic “85” version that adds visual flexibility and impact.
While the design remains sleek and elevated, the tone is still warm and welcoming, featuring Joel and Abigail in their creative space—to make the brand feel personal and grounded. Clients can now see exactly who they’re working with and the heart behind the work.
Through our process, we clarified what Eightyfive truly wanted to communicate and how the brand should resonate with potential clients. We explored Joel’s vision for the studio, their collaborative approach, deep attention to detail, and desire to stand out in a space where many studios feel cold and disconnected. The goal was to create a brand that felt modern and clean—appealing to design-driven companies—yet warm, approachable, and clearly human. A brand where clients could instantly sense they’d be seen, supported, and creatively cared for.
We laid the foundation using minimalist Swiss design principles: refined typography, a minimal color palette, and clean layouts for a crisp, contemporary feel. To balance this, we introduced playful line iconography—perfect for subtle animations that bring the website to life.
We also transitioned from the old blackletter-style logo to a timeless, more legible mark, along with a secondary graphic “85” version that adds visual flexibility and impact.
While the design remains sleek and elevated, the tone is still warm and welcoming, featuring Joel and Abigail in their creative space—to make the brand feel personal and grounded. Clients can now see exactly who they’re working with and the heart behind the work.
IMPACT /
The brand strategy and design process gave Eightyfive a clear sense of identity and direction. The new brand helped Joel articulate their purpose, feel confident in reaching out to dream clients, and present themselves with pride, knowing the values they wanted to carry through their business as they worked with clients. It also created a framework for growth—both in team-building and in attracting larger, values-aligned brands. The result was a brand that not only looked good but felt deeply authentic to who they are and who they’re becoming.
The brand strategy and design process gave Eightyfive a clear sense of identity and direction. The new brand helped Joel articulate their purpose, feel confident in reaching out to dream clients, and present themselves with pride, knowing the values they wanted to carry through their business as they worked with clients. It also created a framework for growth—both in team-building and in attracting larger, values-aligned brands. The result was a brand that not only looked good but felt deeply authentic to who they are and who they’re becoming.
The brand strategy and design process gave Eightyfive a clear sense of identity and direction. The new brand helped Joel articulate their purpose, feel confident in reaching out to dream clients, and present themselves with pride, knowing the values they wanted to carry through their business as they worked with clients. It also created a framework for growth—both in team-building and in attracting larger, values-aligned brands. The result was a brand that not only looked good but felt deeply authentic to who they are and who they’re becoming.

◆
Where innovation meets joy.
EIGHTYFIVE STUDIO
◆
Where innovation meets joy.
EIGHTYFIVE STUDIO








“
CLIENT
Testimonial

RICHMOND
California
JOEL BERROTERAN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, EIGHTYFIVE STUDIO
Now we're feeling confident we can show this off, know where we stand, and reach out to bigger clients.
JOEL BERROTERAN
Founder & Creative Director
Website ➔
From the beginning, I felt confident Donají was gonna do something amazing. I could have done this myself again but it was just a lot to think about and I didn't wanna do it again. I needed to go through this process in order to go to the next level of what I saw for the studio.
What we had before was just okay—you can tell that we were starting off. Now, we’re feeling confident we can show this off and know where we stand, as well as being confident in reaching out to bigger clients. Before, we were just showing the type of work we do, but now we can approach them and say “this is who we are as a company”. That was like a big breakthrough for us.
Donají overdelivered. I can see her passion she has in this and the dedication she has in her work, which I truly saw from the beginning. She's devoted to what she does and cares about it too. It's a baby that she's handing off, hoping it's gonna grow and develop well. That's something that really captivated us.
+ CASE
STUDIES +
•
LET'S WORK
TOGETHER
READY TO PUSH BOUNDARIES,
MOVE HEARTS, & SHAKE THE WORLD?
Get Started with
The Brand Magic
Workshop

◆
UNAPOLOGETIC BRANDS FOR UNAPOLOGETIC HUMANS
FOR FOUNDERS ROOTED IN UNSHAKABLE VALUES
◆
Brand strategy, branding design, and website design for women of color entrepreneurs, founders, leaders and BIPOC-led organizations in the Bay Area and beyond.
Latina-Owned / Veteran-Owned
© Donaji Mejia 2025











