Alphabet, a branding agency based in Manchester, was established in 2016 and has become known for its innovative approach, inspired by a quote from designer Saul Bass. Abbas Mushtaq, co-founder and creative director, emphasizes the importance of understanding clients‘ visions and bringing them to life creatively.
With a diverse portfolio spanning various industries, Alphabet has worked on projects ranging from Gen Z consumer brands to corporate B2B messages. The agency’s work with Sova Assessment, an AI platform, focused on refreshing its visual identity to stand out in a competitive market.
For Erba, a health and wellness brand, Alphabet was involved in every aspect from strategy to packaging for its launch in Dubai. The agency’s work with Pekok, a lager brand, showcased their ability to balance contemporary design with cultural heritage.
Alphabet values trust and open communication, both internally and with clients. Collaboration and effective project management are key components of their work philosophy. Mushtaq emphasizes the importance of giving the agency creative freedom to achieve the best results.
Through experience, Alphabet has learned the importance of being honest and vocal in their client relationships to ensure efficient processes and strong final results. „We have developed the ability to recognize and address these issues early on, leading to smoother collaboration and better results.
PEKOK by Alphabet
„We appreciate our clients‘ input. However, it is essential for the project leader to trust their instincts when deciding whether to fully implement that feedback. The key to successful collaboration lies in trusting your intuition, making the right decisions, and having confidence in your work.“
„As a small and agile studio with a team size in the single digits, Alphabet’s collaborative culture thrives because it is easy for the team to stay informed about projects and share their ideas. When working on projects, we always plan for development stages, working with clients to incorporate their feedback while using our own judgement to stay on course and deliver the best results,“ he explains. „Ultimately, we trust each other’s opinions.“
„While trust, collaboration, and confidence are timeless essentials for designers, Mushtaq believes that the design landscape has evolved significantly since he graduated from his graphic design program at Leeds University a decade ago. One of the major changes, in his opinion, is that design is becoming less confined by the limitations of print, opening up new and exciting opportunities for designers – despite his love for print.
„I see graphic design, particularly branding, as a reflection of society and technological advancements. Today, brand identities are increasingly influenced by how we consume information,“ he observes.