Ayo Fagbemi

Other · Strategist · Co-Founder

5 articles · May 2021Dec 2025

Studios:Explorers ClubMother DesignPlay Nice

In their own words


Articles & interviews

  • Explorers Club on scaling with intention and designing for the brave

    Creative Boom interviews Explorers Club founders Ayo Fagbemi and Aaron Skipper about their rapid growth, philosophy of brave and playful design, and projects for major brands like Atlantic Records, Coca-Cola, and Instacart. The duo discuss how strategy and design intertwine to create culture-shaping work, emphasizing community, clarity, and collaboration. The article explores their process, from generative identities to tactile book design and live event branding.

    Explorers ClubWieden+KennedyAtlantic RecordsCoca-Colabranding
  • "The Studio: 2025's Top Networking and Learning Hub for Creatives"

    Creative Boom has launched The Studio, a private online community for creative professionals that has quickly grown into a global hub for learning and networking. The platform offers curated events, workshops, and discussions led by industry leaders, providing freelancers and creatives with meaningful connections and practical insights. The article highlights its rapid growth, notable speakers, and upcoming sessions throughout 2025.

    Creative BoomZagGF SmithPinterestTinderdigital
  • ‘Play is the Highest Form of Research’ champions unfettered curiosity

    The Brand Identity interviews Explorers Club co-founder Aaron Skipper about their new book 'Play is the Highest Form of Research,' which celebrates curiosity and play as essential creative tools. The publication features quotes from diverse creatives and showcases a tactile, hand-finished design approach. Skipper discusses the studio’s philosophy of blending strategy and spontaneity to foster innovation and community engagement.

    Explorers ClubAtlantic RecordsSound Internationaleditorial
  • On brand copy, community, and the craft of writing: an in-depth dive into Between The Lines

    The Brand Identity’s interview with Opening Line’s Zosia Swidlicka and Extract’s Chris Vickers explores the creation of 'Between The Lines,' a publication dedicated to the craft of brand language. The conversation delves into the design process, the importance of writing in branding, and the collaboration with illustrator Olga Prader. The project celebrates verbal identity as a vital yet often overlooked part of brand design.

    Opening LineExtracteditorial
  • Style, Strategy & Story: what role does strategy play within the design process?

    The Brand Identity’s feature, part of its A Paper series with Antalis Creative Power, explores the relationship between strategy and design. Through interviews with strategists and creative leaders from Two Times Elliott, The District, and Mother Design, the article discusses how strategic thinking shapes, supports, and enhances the creative process. The conversation highlights the balance between structure and creativity and the importance of integrating strategy within design practice.

    Two Times ElliottThe DistrictMother Designeditorial
Ayo Fagbemi — Designer Profile · D1S1 Design Spotlight