Jacob Heftmann
Other · Founder · Designer
In their own words
We work very hard at closing the gap between our intentions and reality.
We encourage people to do their work and then go live their lives.
Articles & interviews
- “The people are more important than the work.” Alright Studio’s recipe for happiness and success
The Brand Identity interviews Alright Studio’s partners Garrett DeRossett, Spencer Joynt, and Tucker Schoos about their evolving agency, new website, and focus on mental health and collaboration. The New York-based studio has grown to a team of eight and emphasizes a full-service approach spanning strategy, design, and technology. The conversation highlights their culture of balance, flexibility, and valuing people over output.
- “It’s all about people!” Jacob Heftmann on XXIX’s democratic and dazzlingly talented studio
The Brand Identity interviews Jacob Heftmann, founder of New York-based design and technology studio XXIX, about the studio’s democratic structure and people-first philosophy. Heftmann discusses XXIX’s profit-sharing model, transparent salaries, and collective decision-making processes that prioritize fairness and empathy. The conversation also touches on XXIX’s sister studios within the garden3d collective and self-initiated projects like Index and Seaborne.
- Anthony Zukofsky on the multidisciplinary balance of design, education and writing in his practice
The Brand Identity interviews New York-based designer and educator Anthony Zukofsky about his multidisciplinary practice that spans design, teaching, and writing. Zukofsky discusses his career path through studios like Pentagram, Google, and Instrument, his teaching role at the School of Visual Arts, and his approach to balancing creative and academic work. The conversation highlights his reflections on leadership, learning, and the evolving nature of design practice.