ONE Brand Studio


We are a brand-focused creative studio serving non-profit and corporate clients. We are lovers of vision and fans of clarity. We ask questions. We think about problems. And we design solutions to help solve them. Just imagine what we can do for you.

About



Based in suburban Detroit, ONE Brand Studio serves non-profit, corporate and individual clients with a focus on graphic design, digital video and new media.

The studio is led by DJ Hurula, who draws from more than 20 years experience in the field. ONE Brand Studio brings together the talents of creative professionals whose core competencies include design, copywriting, video production, audio production, web development, brand strategy and communications project management.

Too often, clients define creative firms by the products they produce – things like annual reports, logos, identities or direct mail. It’s true, we produce some really cool stuff. But we prefer to define what we do in a more strategic sense. At the most basic level, our process can be summarized in three words: clarify, connect and compel.

CLARIFY means we work with clients to make certain their goals are clear and attainable. There's no point moving forward until we've agreed on a purpose. CONNECT means we develop creative concepts with a sharp focus on audience and objective. Who matters? What do you need them to do, think, say, feel, believe or buy? Our work reflects the answers to these questions. Everything we do is designed to engage a target audience and provide them with the information and motivation they need to process the decisions they're being asked to make. COMPEL means we deliver solutions that stir the passions of your target audience. Our work helps them care about what you have to offer and act on their conviction with a purchase, donation, change of opinion or another show of support.


What’s in a name?


People ask, “Why ONE? What's the story behind your name?” Simply put, we work with one goal in mind: helping our clients achieve theirs. And we do it as a strategic partner for design and video that lead to powerful collateral, annual reports, logos and identities, advertising, donor communications, web design, displays, photography, copywriting, consulting and brand strategy.


Principal


DJ Hurula is principal and lead creative for ONE Brand Studio. He uses design and video to build strategic solutions that answer communication challenges. Clients are relieved to learn that DJ is not a tortured artist, and as a result, suffers none of the related syndromes. He explains, “Good design may be beautiful but ultimately is not pure art because it carries requirements that do not burden the fine artist. Design is primarily a problem solving discipline. And for the record, I'm cool with that.”

His concept of branding is simple: everything matters. Each touchpoint has the potential to build up or tear down. He believes every project should have a clear focus and lead to demonstrated results. Because without results, even the best ideas amount to little more than ink on paper and pixels on screen.

DJ holds a communications degree from DePaul University in Chicago. He is a member of AIGA and believes strongly in mentoring the next generation of designers. DJ and his wife, Rebecca, have two daughters – the creative projects of which he is clearly most proud.


Services



Brand Thinking


Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter? We help clients process hard questions, confirm their unique place in the market and plan for what's next.

Design


We use line, shape and color to create order from chaos. We create logos, identity systems and layouts that communicate the core essence of what a brand is all about.

Video


We shoot, edit and produce video to tell stories that inspire passion and generate buy-in. Talking heads, animation, sales support and fund-raising – we've handled them all.

 


Copywriting


“Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you.” False. Words matter. Content matters even more. We help brands speak wisely and with style.

Photography


Images pick up where words leave off. We produce custom photography to help brands tell stories that are personal, authentic and unforgettable.


Change is the only constant on the Web. We are a partner for planning, design, content and programming, wherever and however your audience connects.


Portfolio


Samples of our work are shown in the gallery below. From print design and identities to video and digital media, ONE Brand Studio approaches each project with a relentless commitment to excellence. As a result, we believe our work speaks for itself. Client testimonials are available on request.

  • SMDI – Life Cycle Assessment

    Auto industry explainer video

    Watch
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  • SMDI – Steel vs Aluminum

    Auto industry explainer video

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  • Driving Automotive Innovation

    Sample NAIAS 2018 content produced for Steel Market Development Institute

    Watch
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  • “Every City Tells A Story”

    Downtown Detroit Partnership annual meeting theme video

    Watch
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  • Downtown Detroit Partnership

    Mission anthem video for DDP

    Watch
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  • MoGo Detroit Bike Share

    Launch day celebration for Downtown Detroit's bike share program

    Watch
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  • Euro-Peds Foundation – Korie

    Impact story for Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy

    Watch
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  • DDP Annual Meeting

    Downtown Detroit Partnership annual meeting theme video

    Watch
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  • Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit

    Non-profit impact story – Ingrid

    Watch
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  • Detroit Regional Chamber – MPC

    Mackinac Policy Conference sizzle reel

    Watch
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  • Detroit Regional Chamber – Etiquette

    Pre-show conference etiquette video

    Watch
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  • What Makes Detroit Glow?

    Theme video for DDP's Detroit Aglow holiday celebration

    Watch
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  • Comerica Cares

    Surprise and delight series produced for Comerica Bank in Metro Detroit

    Watch
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  • Euro-Peds Foundation – Fatima

    Impact story for Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy

    Watch
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  • Euro-Peds Foundation – Nick

    Impact story for Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy

    Watch
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  • PO – World Safety Day

    Plastic Omnium World Safety Day video produced for a global auto supplier in Chattanooga, Tennessee

    Watch
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  • This Is Central

    Creative direction for edit of Central Michigan University recruitment ad in collaboration with Production Café

    Watch
    Screen shot 2011-03-21 at 4.32.22 PM
  • Bed & Bread Club Profile

    Constance Hargrove – A true story from The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club

    Watch
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  • Harrison’s First Day

    3D character animation featuring Detroit radio legend Dick Purtan - produced in collaboration with Mark DeRidder Animation

    Watch
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  • SMDI – Great Designs In Steel

    Conference opener for gathering of vehicle designers and auto industry partners

    Watch
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  • Young Life – Capernaum

    Impact story for Young Life special needs program in Metro Detroit

    Watch
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  • EPC World Outreach

    Advertising campaign and brand identity

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  • EPC World Outreach

    Brand building brochure

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  • The Salvation Army

    Capital campaign identity

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  • The Salvation Army

    Capital campaign case statement and donor communications

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  • The Salvation Army

    Annual report and client stories brochure

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  • Oakwood Healthcare

    Gala event invitation and program book design

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  • WOMC-FM

    CD packaging design

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  • Various Clients

    Logos and identities

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  • EaglePicher

    Corporate capabilities brochure

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  • EaglePicher

    Product literature

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  • Goodwill Industries

    Annual report and program brochure

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  • Forgotten Harvest

    Capital campaign brochure

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  • Forgotten Harvest

    Annual report and donor communication

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  • Forgotten Harvest

    Website concept and interface design

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  • Echo Grove Retreat Center

    Sales and marketing collateral

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  • Kensington Community Church

    Fund-raising prospectus

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  • The Salvation Army

    School-based fundraising campaign

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  • The Salvation Army

    Brand building brochure

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  • THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund)

    Charity event invitations and promotion design

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  • Panera Bread

    Event promotion and retail offer designs

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  • Genesis: The Church

    CD package design

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  • Genesis: The Church

    Event promotion and teaching series graphics

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  • Genesis: The Church

    Website concept and interface design

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  • Genesis: The Church

    Capital campaign case statement and fund-raising materials

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  • Freshly Ground Productions

    Brand identity and business papers

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  • RTT

    Advertising for industry trade publications

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  • Legal Aid & Defender

    Invitation set, program book and promotion materials for non-profit gala event

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  • Detroit Public Library

    Strategic directions book for boards, patrons and organization stakeholders

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  • Legacy Vineyard

    Capital campaign case statement, brand identity and fund-raising materials

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  • Delta Dental

    Creative direction and design for public service advertising campaign in broadcast and print media

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Contact


We're glad you found us and we appreciate your interest in ONE Brand Studio. Use the form below to contact our office and we'll follow up soon. To request a preliminary estimate, please provide details about your project including deadline, budget, audience, goals and deliverables.