Shoug
Brand & Web Designer / Founder of Kope Studio
London, UK
Q What do you do?
“I run a brand and web design studio for businesses that bring comfort.”
The brands I build aren’t a place or a person; they’re a feeling. It’s a sanctuary for you to nurture and nourish your business comfortably. I hone in on the business owner; their purpose and passion and turn that into a visual identity for their brand. It’s a process of magic; capturing the energy and ethos and reshaping it into colors, typography and illustrations.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve been designing for years and decided to venture full-time into the freelance world after a tough time landing a job. The decision also came as I already had secured clients. I started off with social media management and then realized that my heart was leaning more towards branding and design. In 2021, I decided to pivot to design and the rest is history.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Kope is about giving your brand the space it needs to stand on its own without trends or fads that dilute its message. Instead, I focus on bringing it to life in a way that uplifts your presence to reach new people and connect deeper with clients. It’s Kope’s softer and more sustainable approach to standing out in saturated crowds.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a squarespace template shop, the aim is to give new businesses a bit more accessibility without breaking the bank.
Q What’s your style?
The best way to describe my style in design is comfort chic, the aim is to look both clean and comfortable while connecting through emotions. My most recent project, Skin Clinic, represents this. It brings together an element of chic through an elegant script font with comfort through a san-serif font. The colors are easy on the eyes and the aim is to give the everyday person a sense of luxury through professional skin care services.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
At the moment, I am working on building my web development skills. I find it exciting learning a language that can transform so much within the online space. Coding has been an exciting element to be able to add to my website and learning to improve on UI and UX skills has been exciting.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Running your own business comes with its obstacles and challenges, and although there are a few tasks I’d love to take off my plate, at the moment I’d have to say cleaning up my CRM and re-organising all my processes. I know what needs to be done but it keeps getting pushed down because it’s such a large task
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
There are a few, from sales & onboarding to admin and marketing strategies would all be things that would make my day easier. I would also love to hire a business consultant to help me with planning my business and going forward with things.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
If I could go back in time, I would go back to two years ago when I was going through a tough time and tell myself that it takes time, but it’s all going to work out!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It would be about sales and making connections. I’m naturally an introvert and will stay in my own space until people come to me. I have a difficult time reaching out and would love to gain insight on outreach.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Brand & Web design projects and opportunities, either white labeling or client work. I am currently open to all brand and web opportunities including internships.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal clients are brands that bring comfort, from pilates and yoga studios to the beauty industry. If it’s a business that aims to make people feel good, then I’m here to help them feel good.
I’d also love to work with studios such as ilovecreatives, Lustre and Wildflower Design Co.
Q: What is your rate?
Brand design services start at $1800 and can range from a one day intensive to month long projects. The price depends on the scope of the project and how long the project lasts for.
Website projects start at $2500, however pricing depends on the complexity of the project and pages required.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can apply via my website www.kopestudio.com or send over an email at hello@kopestudio.com
If you’re unsure of what you might need and want to talk things through, we can talk things through over a cup of coffee, all you’d have to do is book a call
hello.kopestudio.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Leche.studio - Their style is unique, and really brings a twist to the industry.
@leche.studio
atnndesign - Alyssa's work is very much a mature take on the Gen Z style. It's elevated fun designs.
@atnndesign
Raralab.co - Rachel is amazing at mixing styles up and making them look clean and fun
@raralab.co
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
A walk or cuddle with my little pup Kali!
This member profile was originally published in May 2022, Updated May 2023.