I'm Derek, Founder and Art Director at Studiotheory.

Your brand is your business's biggest advocate. It is responsible for providing that first impression, sparking interest in what you do, and creating a memory your customers can't shake. Over the past  20 years, I've worked with clients across a wide range of sectors to discover and develop brands with presence. I've collaborated with architects, documentary filmmakers, animation studios, magazine editors, copywriters, and namers to develop over 60 brands in five countries—and have had a lot of fun doing it. Whether you're starting up a new venture, merging with a partner, or simply need a fresh look, I'm ready to help you develop a brand that confidently represents who you are and what you do.
Let's create something awesome together!

Derek Coté portrait
Derek Coté shooting video in Shishmaref, Alaska with old wooden boat in foreground

Studiotheory is a practice.

The ongoing pursuit of a craft or profession in an effort to improve or master. It's a process of perceiving the physical and how others respond to the structures we create. It is diverse, experimental and innovative. It allows time and space to explore and foster growth.

I believe it's important to get out there and experiment in this space to become better at what I do and better serve my clients.

Sometimes, it's as simple as noticing how paint cracking on an old wooden boat resembles a kind of time fingerprint. Other times, it is understanding the psychology of type and color and their ability to evoke a response.