Casey Martin
Creative Director · Founder
In their own words
The multilayered paper trail of the research world, documents, sticky notes and messy bulletin boards all informed our design which blends academic rigour with an entrepreneurial spirit.
We also wanted to capture the inquisitive passion propelling the human search for answers.
When combined, our trio of typefaces – National 2, Atlas Grotesk and Atlas Typewriter – feels bookish and contemporary, whether online or in print.
We wanted to create something that would really speak to the DevDay attendees.
Why not build a design system centred around the foundational building block of computer data – the bit?
Its simplicity proved to be an incredibly strong asset, and it allowed for amazing flexibility.
The range of colours also did a wonderful job of reflecting and speaking to the diversity of ideas and people at the event.
We wanted each logo to represent the product features as clearly as possible.
In different communication channels, we expand or abstract the logo to make the Cantos universe feel larger.
Cantos’ mission is to imagine a more elegant and more functional future.
Articles & interviews
- Play’s identity for OpenResearch focuses on the physicality of the research that drives their work
Play Studio created a new brand identity for OpenResearch, the rebranded Y Combinator Research, emphasizing the tangible and human aspects of research. The design draws inspiration from academic materials and the physical process of inquiry, using layered typography, collage, and duotone imagery to balance rigor and creativity. The flexible system adapts from expressive digital moments to minimal, information-heavy documents.
- Bit by bit: how Play designed a fresh and fitting identity for OpenAI’s first DevDay conference
The article details how San Francisco-based studio Play created the brand identity for OpenAI’s first DevDay conference. Centered around the concept of the 'bit,' the design system translated across event materials, stage design, and merchandise, balancing experimentation with familiarity through OpenAI’s existing typefaces and color palette. The result is a flexible, modular identity that reflects the diversity and innovation of the developer community.
- Play partner with Dropbox to create a striking series of logos for its expanded product offering
San Francisco-based design studio Play collaborated with Dropbox’s internal brand studio to create a cohesive series of logos for Dropbox’s expanding suite of products, including Capture, Sign, Forms, Fax, and DocSend. The project focused on balancing simplicity, geometry, and brand consistency through the use of Dropbox’s core colors and visual system. The resulting icon set strengthens Dropbox’s brand architecture while maintaining visual harmony across its sub-brands.
- Play’s identity for Cantos epitomises the elegant and functional future-led mission of the VC firm
Design studio Play created a new brand identity for venture capital firm Cantos, reflecting its technology-driven and future-focused mission. The identity features a flexible logo system, ambient gradients in deep blues and purples, and the utilitarian PX Grotesk typeface to balance expressive visuals. The result conveys an elegant yet functional aesthetic aligned with Cantos’ forward-looking ethos.
- Play’s identity for Refactor Capital reflects the radical investment firm’s compassionate calling
San Francisco-based studio Play created a new brand identity for Californian investment firm Refactor Capital, reflecting its mission to reform traditional finance through sustainability and compassion. The identity combines a customised Fellix sans with Self Modern serif, geometric circular motifs, and an earthy 'Refactor Red' palette. The result is a warm, approachable system that balances trust and innovation.
- Play’s identity for Worldcoin upholds the collectively-owned currency’s drive for global equality
The article highlights Play’s brand identity for Worldcoin, a collectively-owned global cryptocurrency aiming for equality through biometric technology. The identity features a 3D logo inspired by global unity, a sophisticated typographic system, and a muted yet professional color palette that conveys trust and optimism.