AE BRANDING
May 9, 2024
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We’ve had the honor of talking to the founders of one of the top, women-run branding agencies, @ae.branding
Name your favorite brand, and it’s probably Ants & Elephants that meticulously crafted their identity. Brand strategy, visual identity to narration, what is it that they do not do?
Also check out the branding crash course, and savor all that you might want to know about the branding stars.
Genesis: Chapter AE
Ants & Elephants was established in the year 2020.
I was working in the branding field for 4 years before starting the agency. I was always driven by a vision of entrepreneurial success that defied all conventions and made a meaningful impact on the world, and that’s what drove me to create Ants & Elephants.
Yara, my partner, shared a similar trajectory, having immersed herself in the world of design and art through her years in the industry. Our paths met during a freelance project, sparking the beginning of our partnership. Together, we set out to carve a unique agency in the business world, one that would inspire others and leave a lasting positive imprint on our industry and beyond.”
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An Epiphany: The Power of Branding
When a brand we crafted launched alongside five industry giants and emerged as the most captivating and successful, the immense influence of brand perception was clear, which often surpasses the value of the product or service itself.
Ants Vs. Elephants:
The Ants, also known as the young start-ups, rely on us for guidance, needing branding strategies that prioritize recognition, credibility, and attention-grabbing tactics.
However the Elephants have well-defined goals, so they seek assistance in actualizing their vision and growth plans. This might involve a complete revamp or repositioning, or enhancing existing equity and perception with innovation and relevancy.
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Replenishing Inspiration:
We're constantly immersed in inspiration, drawing from things we find on the streets, whether that is in Cairo or when traveling. Also staying up to date with global trends and regularly devouring insights from design magazines and workshops is quite helpful.
This is basically how we fuel our creativity and ensure our work remains fresh and innovative. Our team serves as a magnet of inspiration, with each member bringing their unique perspectives and personalities to the table.
This diversity enriches our creative environment, exposing us to a wide range of design styles and fostering continuous learning from one another.
Additionally, we regularly host internal workshops across departments to share talents, knowledge, and insights, further enhancing our collaborative culture and collective growth.
If there is one thing you would change about AE’s branding, what would it be?
‘Perfecting your own craft can be the most challenging endeavor, especially when it's your livelihood.’
When we look at our own branding, we think
we would add a little more color because that’s more of our personality. However, to balance it out with all the brands we create, we had to keep it neutral.
One thing I wish everyone knew about AE Branding is that we are a women-run agency, with an all-female team dedicated to creating exceptional brands!
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Where’s AE at?
Winning Branding Agency Of The Year 2024 was one of our biggest accomplishments this year, as well as global features across multiple platforms.
Becoming a global Branding Agency in just 4 years.
Working in 18 industries, achieving impact in every industry
Becoming a key speaker representing our field for start-up accelerators like
“She Wins Arabia”, “Plug” & “Play New York”.