Unfiltered thoughts on what’s working and what’s not in packaging, branding, and visual strategy.
Short, sharp takes from the studio perspective sometimes from our own work, sometimes from the world around us. No fluff. Just what creative teams, marketers, and decision-makers need to hear.
Design Hot Takes
Top Graphic Design Studio | Woman-Owned Boston Design Agency
Certified woman-owned graphic design studio in Boston, trusted by Nike, Disney & Powerade for elite packaging, branding, and creative content.
Stop Chasing: Why Brands Need to Quit the Viral Parody Race
“Last week, brands jumped on the orange-glitter Taylor Swift parody train, filling feeds with the same templated garbage to look ‘relevant.’ But chasing trends doesn’t build brand equity—it dilutes it. The brands that last are the ones that invest in creativity, originality, and work that actually reflects who they are.”
Design Refinery Certified as an LGBTQ+ Owned Graphic Design Agency by Clutch in 2025
Design Refinery has been officially certified by Clutch as an LGBTQ+ Owned Graphic Design Agency in 2025. While we’ve always been LGBTQ+ and women owned, this certification validates our identity, our leadership, and the creativity that defines our studio. For clients, it’s more than recognition—it’s proof that partnering with Design Refinery means working with a team that is both creatively inspiring and strategically smart.
When (and Why) It’s Time for a Brand Redesign
Is your brand still telling the right story? Discover the key signs it’s time for a redesign and how a strategic refresh can help you stand out, scale, and stay consistent.
How We Brought Powerade Into the Freezer Aisle
When Powerade expanded into the freezer aisle, we created a bold packaging and digital design system to match. From cartons and stick film to Amazon hero images and branded website visuals, Design Refinery led the creative rollout—delivering a cohesive, high-impact launch across shelf and screen.