A brief look at how Lincoln Design Co got started

Summary

In this video, the founders of Lincoln Design Co. recount their journey from a small studio in San Diego to a thriving design community in Portland, Oregon. Celebrating six years in business, they discuss their beginnings, the importance of personal branding, and the evolution of their client base from action sports to major companies like Nike and Hasbro. They highlight their unique approach to design, emphasizing the value of tangible portfolios and the impact of their creative branding materials on client acquisition. The video also teases future projects, including an 'Illustration Mayhem' book and the addition of an animator to their team.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lincoln Design Co. is a design studio that started in San Diego, California, and later moved to Portland, Oregon.
• 🏗 The studio was founded by Dan, who had previously worked at a studio in San Diego for 11 years, alongside Dustin Dimaso and Brandon Davey.
• 📅 April 1st marks the sixth year of Lincoln Design Co.'s establishment.
• 🌲 The move to Portland was inspired by the city's vibrant design community and the value placed on design by local businesses.
• 🚚 The initial studio in Portland was a small loft located in Southeast Portland, near a train track.
• 🛹 The studio eventually outgrew its initial space and moved to a new location with a basement, where they installed a mini-ramp for skateboarding.
• 🏢 Lincoln Design Co. has a history of working with major clients in the skateboard and motocross industries, which led to collaborations with brands like Nike, Adidas, Nerf, and Hot Wheels.
• 📚 They have produced various printed materials to showcase their work, including books, newspapers, and zines, emphasizing the importance of tangible portfolios.
• 🔄 The studio is known for its dynamic and ever-evolving approach to branding, often using multiple logos and designs to keep their identity fresh.
• 🎨 Lincoln Design Co. is expanding its services by hiring an animator, indicating a move into animation and further diversification of their design offerings.

Q & A

How long has Lincoln Design Co been in operation?

Lincoln Design Co has been in operation for six years by the time of the transcript.

Where was the initial studio of Lincoln Design Co located?

The initial studio was located in San Diego, California.

Why did Lincoln Design Co decide to move from San Diego to Portland, Oregon?

They moved to Portland, Oregon because they liked the area, the design community, and the value that local businesses placed on design.

What was the initial workspace of Lincoln Design Co in Portland like?

The initial workspace was a small loft in Southeast Portland, next to a train track.

How did Lincoln Design Co establish its name and brand?

They established their name and brand through personal branding, creating various posters and patches with their logos, and sending them out to clients.

What is unique about the studio's approach to client work?

The studio has a unique approach where they don't stick to a single style or logo, but instead keep their design broad and flowing, using a variety of logos and styles.

What was the significance of the first book 'Volume One' created by Lincoln Design Co?

Volume One was significant as it was the first book they created, containing 200 pages of client work and showcasing their design capabilities.

How does Lincoln Design Co approach print media as part of their branding strategy?

They use print media extensively, creating books, newspapers, and zines to showcase their work and send to clients, which helps in establishing their brand and attracting new clients.

What is the 'Logo Mayhem' book and why was it created?

The 'Logo Mayhem' book is a collection of every single logo designed by Lincoln Design Co. It was created to serve as a reference piece and to showcase their extensive logo design work.

What new addition to the team is Lincoln Design Co excited about?

They are excited about bringing on an animator, which will allow them to expand their capabilities into animation.

What is the significance of the skateboard and motocross industry to Lincoln Design Co's client base?

The skateboard and motocross industry was significant as it helped them establish a solid foundation of clients and later allowed them to expand into other industries.