Today, creative duo Jye Smith and Baptiste David are defying convention as many businesses constrict, with the launch of new studio DOUBLESTAR to meet the growing demand for visually-led communications in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
Specialising in brand identity, design and creative strategy – the creative studio launches with several Australian clients already including sustainability start-up ClayCups, new-era construction collective RICC, and off-the-grid experience brand Unyoked.
Other DOUBLESTAR services will include podcast production, product prototyping, and motorcycle concepting.
The studio’s unique partnership model will see DOUBLESTAR partner with agencies like Undigital, Disruptor’s Co and Fluro Digital, as well as independents like Ginnie Brown to challenge the traditional network agency system and develop a trusted and collaborative collective with like-minded founders.
Client relationships will also introduce a unique model of both cash arrangements and equity to support growth. “The pandemic has accelerated the future of work across industries, and we exist to support the brands who are making fast decisions to grow and scale customer communications, and meet the demands of a visual-first approach,” says Smith.
“Traditional agency models and client engagements need to evolve – and we are here to partner with progressive agencies and brands alike. We live in a hyper-visual world, the industry is post-digital and creativity is more critical than ever.”
Smith and David were also influenced by the impact of COVID-19 on their own industry, joining the ranks of more and more creatives wanting to collaborate and work with multiple organisation and embrace side hustle culture, or needing work-life flexibility more than ever.
Explains David, “Working in creative departments you can burn out so quickly, and traditional agencies are not equipped to help you adapt. With two kids under two, being a father will always come first – but our new engagement model with clients and partner agencies, allows the greatest flexibility to do what I love and support the ones I love at the same time.”
Both Smith and David also continue to consult part-time with other agencies on culture transformation, organisational strategy with You’re Good, Get Better.
