Special
AI, Seed
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Design
- Motion
- Web Design
Special is modernizing critical American industries with AI. The studio partnered with them ahead of their launch to evolve their brand into something iconic and memorable, along with their vertical brands within the holding company.
The company revolves around a simple idea: you know it when you see it. We leaned in to this, crafting a narrative that sparked awe and wonder. This was then translated to a new web presence, visual system, and out of home campaign.
Special thanks to Arne van Kautner, Wesley Bancroft, Scott Bair, and the Andreessen Horowitz New Media team.
![[Stealth]](/media/work/stealth-2/1@2x.jpg?dpl=dpl_5EBMPN6jmLZLa3w5pSNR8twxayZH)
*Work at Capital and Cash App was completed while in house as Head of Design and Design Lead, respectively
Kainoa is the independent practice of Brandon (Kainoa) Jacoby
While we often collaborate with a small group of trusted world-class creatives, work is never outsourced or bait-and-switch subcontracted to others. We set ambitious goals, and bring in others when necessary.
Said by others:
“Great companies need great partners to discover, show, and tell their stories. With Brandon, our companies are in skilled hands.”
Partner, Slow Ventures
“Working with Brandon was critical in building Special's brand. The output was above and beyond what we thought was possible.”
CEO & Co-Founder, Special
Over the course of his career, Brandon has helped build some of the most consequential products and brands in the world. Now, he specializes in shaping the products and brands that will lead the next generation in doing the same.
He combines a deep craftsmanship with technical expertise and human instinct. The result is work that feels timeless and iconic, while pushing the boundaries of the status quo.
Prior to Kainoa, Brandon designed and led in house teams at X / xAI, Capital (fka Party Round), and was one of the early members of the Cash App design team.
We are a full-service studio, with a pointed focus on delivering world class experiences across brand and product mediums.
Industries
- Artificial Intelligence
- Hard Tech
- Consumer
- Fintech
- Services
- Enterprise Software
- Venture Capital
Capabilities
- Product Design
- Prototyping
- Brand Strategy
- Identity Design
- Website Design + Build
- Motion
How we can work together
Project Based
Dedicated and focused sprints based on a set of deliverables, milestones, or a combination of both. No two projects are the same, but most run 4-8 weeks, with time for revisions and iteration included.
Forward Deployed
For a (very) small number of clients, you’ll get Brandon, sometimes along with 1 or 2 associates, embedded into your team. Best suited for early and small teams that need a experienced partner in exploration, definition, and vision creation.
Advisory
We will come alongside your current leadership and design teams to provide feedback, review work, and help strategize plans to help uplevel things.
Kainoa is insatiably dedicated to creating the most beautiful, and meaningful work possible. If that resonates, get in touch: