We’re a creative studio partnering with ambitious companies to craft brand identities and design systems that shape culture and commerce.
We help brands define who they are, how they show up, and where they’re headed — visually, verbally, and emotionally. From new identities to campaigns and launches, we build scalable design systems and actionable tools for early stage and evolving companies. Our work is design-led, strategy-driven and built to move brands, culture and business forward.
We believe that creativity is wildly underrated as a driver for brands. We also believe that exceptional design and partnerships start with curiosity — about your business, your audience, and the ideas you’re putting into the world. We uncover what truly matters, and transform it into work that moves people and can’t be ignored. We blend strategy and play, systems and storytelling, and we trust that the best collaborations are built on generosity, shared purpose, and staying open to surprise.
Projects → Creative collaborations with clear goals and deliverables. From foundational brand identities and campaign creative, to content systems and digital design, our project work is best suited for teams looking to drive progress on defined initiatives. Request our offerings here or please view our à la carte capabilities below.
Fractional Creative Direction → For growing teams who need consistent creative leadership — without hiring in-house. We act as a fractional creative director or team, helping shape direction, build tools, and guide the creative process day-to-day via flexible retainer-based engagements.
Pro & Low Bono → Mission-driven work taken on selectively, based on team capacity and alignment with Rudy's values. These services are available to organizations advancing cultural, social, or environmental progress at reduced or no-cost. Inquiries welcome.
In House
Positioning
Visual Identity
Verbal Identity
Naming
Tone of Voice
Guidelines
Design Systems
Packaging
Environmental
Campaigns
Websites
Digital & Product
In Partnership
GTM Strategy
Content Strategy
Social Content
Film & Video
Ad Buying
Editorial
Illustration
Books & Covers
Magazine
Art Direction
Commissions
We work with founders, creative leads, and marketing teams who need exceptional design, strategic thinking and an experienced partner who can flex with them. Select clients below.
The Atlantic
Audible
Away
Barron’s
Brooklyn Brewery
Capsule
Cerebelly
Christie’s
Columbia University
Engine
Fort Health
Framework
Goodles
Google
Heywell
Humanscale
Marz Brewing
MetLife
The New York Times
Oscar
RISD
Sotheby’s
Speed & Scale
State Street
Ursa Major
Waltz Health
WeWork
Zagat
About the Studio
Rudy is a team of designers, artists, strategists, and thinkers led by award-winning creative director Michael Freimuth. Together, we bring deep experience in branding and storytelling, paired with a love of experimentation and exceptional design. Before founding Rudy, Michael co-founded and led the studio Franklyn for 15 years. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and former adjunct faculty at SVA.
Intentionally small and decidely hands-on, all of our team works across every one of our projects. We believe that the best work is deeply collaborative and that different perspectives inform better outcomes. We reserve space for play so that we can continually bring out-there energy into everything we do. We’re also proud of a commitment to balance for ourselves, our work and our clients:
• A 35-hour work week
• Competitive, industry-benchmarked salaries
• Team-wide profit sharing
• Professional dev course coverage
• An annual all-company retreat
• Two weeks a year to work from any time zone
• Robust time off and culture-forward holidays
• A fully remote, fully connected team
• Medical, dental and vision benefits
Causes → our studio supports and subscribes to efforts close to our hearts and our future.
Press
Design, Culture and Controlled Chaos: Rudy Launches, Creative Boom
Take A Turn for the Betterment, Brand New
2025 Design Trends, AI and Weirdness, Creative Boom
The Importance of Play, CB Podcast
WeWork’s Brand Evolution, The Brand Identity
Open Positions
Design Intern → Interns design and build from day one, supporting the team and working across all project and client types. You’re curious, eager to learn, and open to experimenting with new tools as part of the creative process. Strong visual instincts are key, and skills in motion or animation are a welcome bonus.