PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy is about finding authenticity; Identifying and clarifying our client's unique story and message and then developing creative ways through words & images to convey that message and engage our target audiences.

Working closely with our clients we determine the underlying project and communication objectives, which in turn, drive the design development process. Whether that message takes the form of a beautifully designed Corporate Mark, Wine Label or Product Brand, we then creatively apply that unique positioning to myriad applications in a strategically consistent, yet visually diverse presentation of the core message in order to generate lasting Brand equity in today's competitive marketplace.

Established in 1982, Studio Black's focus is on helping companies and products or services establish leading market presence through strong identity and brand image development.

Bringing over 40 years of experience, one of our key strengths and areas of expertise is in developing successful brands and marketing programs for the wine industry.

The firm enjoys many close and long term creative partnerships with its clients, some lasting several decades.

Creative Partnerships

"Stephen has been an outstanding partner for us, and I say partner because more than any designer that we had worked with in the past, he embraced Fetzer—the Fetzer culture and the Fetzer people,” says Gillespie “and he gave us designs that did exactly what we were hoping for."

—Douglas Gillespie, U.S brand Director, Fetzer Vineyards/Brown Forman

Although a consultant, Stephen was an integral member of the marketing team and participated in sales meetings and new product launches. We would not have been as successful for so many years without Stephen’s talent and dedication."

—Leslie Gardner, VP Marketing and Group VP Strategic Marketing—Sola Optical U.S.A. and SOLA International

"I consider Stephen Black a talented creative collaborator, and part of our team in helping us to achieve our specific brand marketing objectives”.

—Allen Shoup, Founder—Long Shadows Vintners