The Creative Folk on Design, Trends and Typefaces
The Creative Folk Team
The Creative Folk was initially a one-woman design studio which after some time, patience, and practice — then grew to be a home for both local and international women creatives. With the common passion for graphic design, the all-female design studio now consists of 7 young women that values branding and design at the heart of innovation.
Startup Design Set for Motéa
WHAT IS IT LIKE RUNNING A BRANDING AND DESIGN STUDIO IN THE PHILIPPINES?
We have had clients who at first, were surprised with the faces of our team. Running a design studio based in the context of the Philippines definitely showcases a fine line of hardships and celebrations battled with the corporate stereotype. There is a stigma that we lack “experience” and need to attain a certain level of professionalism, but fortunately, our team strives to divert these challenges into lessons that help us grow and maximize our potential.
Initially targeting local online startup brands, eventually people started inquiring about us from Australia, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, USA, and other unexpected places. We saw this as a great opportunity to dissolve limitations and deliver our services globally. With clients abroad, TCF prides itself as a locally-grown design studio, and we strive to continue running our business to worldwide clients.
Advice from The Creative Folk
WHERE DO YOU OFTEN DRAW INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGNS? HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED WITH ALL THE TRENDS?
We make sure to be surrounded by a growing creative community wherein we derive inspiration from, most actively on Instagram! Sometimes, we even use our own team members’ personal Instagram art accounts as pegs for branding inspiration. Our following list consists of famous illustrators, starting graphic designers, and also other branding studios. We keep it in our initiative to involve the team with artists that radiate the same energy and motivation.
It’s also through interacting with artists outside of the team that we are able to explore different and unique styles that help us catch up with ever-changing trends. And though we are trying to develop a collective style of our own as a studio, we diligently remain open-minded to try out new things that could convey our works for brands better, because designing serves as our language in communicating our vision and mission.
Community Discussion on their IG Page
WHAT DESIGN ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NOVICE DESIGNERS, CREATORS OR BUSINESSES?
Trust every second of the process! We all start somewhere, and we’ve most probably made designs or decisions in the past we aren’t entirely proud of, but without those cringy works, we won’t be able to sharpen our skills and heighten our potential.
In line with this, treat design as a priority. For both businesses and creators alike, design is a substantial medium that allows you to communicate with your target public. If you do not invest in appropriate design, there is a higher tendency that your business won’t turn out as you hoped.
Lastly, have fun! Be proud of yourself for stepping outside of your comfort zone, actualizing your passions. Celebrate your thought becoming a reality.
Applying Type to Business
WHAT IS YOUR TOP FAVE FONT AT THE MOMENT?
Right now, our top favorite font would be Gopher–as seen in our social media posts, particularly on TikTok. Of course, this answer isn’t definitive, though what we look for in determining a favorite font (which will eventually change over time) is its subtle quirks and flexibility in any collateral. In the case of Gopher, its quirk is its line weight being heavy on one side and light on the other, which is why we love it!
Learn more from The Creative Folk or commission them for your next branding project by following them on Instagram and Tiktok!