Stop Copying Competitors.

Start Building Something Real.

Brands that copy competitors or chase trends get ignored — no matter how beautiful they look.

I help ambitious founders strip away the bullshit and build brand identities rooted in what makes them genuinely different.

Because the brands that win aren't the prettiest. They're the most authentic.

What I do

10+ years experience with Harman/Samsung, Mitsui ventures, and Accenture Song.

Based in Tokyo, working globally

  • Conducting market and competitor research, identifying key problems and opportunities, and developing strategic design solutions that align with business goals.

  • Creating brand logos, visual systems, and brand guidelines that express your company’s personality and values.

  • Designing packaging, corporate materials, and editorial layouts that strengthen your brand’s presence both on-shelf and in print.

  • Designing websites and social media systems that translate your brand into cohesive, high-impact digital experiences.

Let's build something real

The Problem

Your Brand Looks Fine. But It's Not Working.

Your brand looks professional. Maybe even beautiful. But it's not driving the results you expected.

Maybe you studied successful competitors and implemented what worked for them — but it's not working for you.

Maybe you hired a designer who gave you something trendy that doesn't reflect your actual business.

Maybe your identity worked when you launched, but now feels generic as you've grown.

The result? Your brand blends in. Customers scroll past you to choose competitors. You're investing in something that should drive growth but instead just... exists.

It's not rare. Most brands are built this way — borrowed ideas and surface-level storytelling that look good in pitch decks but create no meaningful connection.

You deserve better. I can help you get there.

Why I Do This

After 10+ years building brands for companies from Harman/Samsung to venture studios backed by Mitsui, I got tired of the game.

At agencies, I watched brands get built on buzzwords and followed competitors. Beautiful identities disconnected from reality. Strategies that sounded good in meetings but fell apart in market.

I got tired of spotting these disconnects — watching how the gap between what brands claimed to be and what they actually were made them identical, meaningless, and ignored.

I went solo to work only with founders ready to stop pretending and start building brands that tell the truth.

Because the brands that actually work — the ones customers remember and choose — aren't the prettiest. They're the realest.

How We'll Build Your Brand

No templates. No copying competitors.
Just truth-finding and strategic design.


I start by challenging everything you think you know about your brand. What are you trying to be? Why? Is it true?

Question Everything

Through research, competitive analysis, and honest conversation, we uncover what's authentically different about your business — even if it's uncomfortable.

Find What's Real



I create your brand identity, messaging, and visual system rooted in that authenticity. No borrowed ideas. No trend-chasing. Just you, clearly expressed.

Build on Truth

Result

A brand that feels true to who you are and attracts customers who value authenticity—leading to stronger connections, better conversions, and longer customer relationships.

Learn more

Brands Built on Truth

Over 10 years, I've helped brands from luxury startups to global corporations find their authentic voice and build identities that last.
See all

What Clients Say:

“Kate's ability to conceptualize and deliver cohesive identity systems had positive impact for both Moon and our ventures. She's fast, thoughtful, with exceptional taste — the kind of designer others love collaborating with.”

Peter Antonelli


VP Global Head of Design, Moon Creative Lab


"Kate was instrumental in defining our brand. Her passion, talent, and creativity made her invaluable. She's the best art director a brand could have — she can lead any global brand to success."

Joshua Fischer

Former Design Director, Cleer Audio

"Kate is unquestionably committed to excellence — it shows in her work and in the work of those around her. She was invaluable in building out an authentic packaging and graphic design team at Harman where one had never existed."

Cristian Lorca

Former UIUX Design Lead, Harman International

Is This For You?

+

  • You're building something meaningful (not just chasing money)

  • You know your current brand isn't working but can't articulate why

  • You're willing to hear hard truths about your positioning

  • You value authenticity over following trends

  • You're a startup/scale up ready to invest in strategic branding (projects start at $3k)

You're ready if:

—

  • You just want something that "looks good"

  • You're not open to questioning your assumptions

  • You want to copy what competitors are doing

  • You're looking for the cheapest option

  • You need work done yesterday

This isn't for you if:

Ready to Build Something Real?

Let's talk about what makes your brand actually different — and how to express that honestly.

Currently booking: February 2026 and beyond. 
I only take on 6-8 strategic projects per year to ensure quality and focus.