It’s simple. Seeing the “lightbulb” turn on is what it’s all about. Inspiring people and organizations to discover who they are is what moves me. And I love creating identity systems to represent that change.

For over 17 years Derrick Kempf has been helping businesses of all sizes find their own mark with smart and simple design. My goal is to ensure what I design can create a lasting impact.

 
 

Born in Santa Fe, NM and raised in Phoenix, AZ I grew up painting, drawing and illustrating everywhere I could. I have spent my design career designing brand identities and illustrating with people and organizations looking to leave a memorable, long-lasting mark.

I combine my passion for helping people and natural artistic instincts with my design knowledge to create holistic solutions. I like to nurture my curiosity for life and I love exploring problems from multiple angles. I design with a thoughtful, hands-on approach and value the human aspect in all parts of the design process.

The greatest challenge that we can solve with identity design is finding a way to elevate the mission, essence, or conversation for the people that live on behind the mark we leave.

SERVICES

Branding and Identity, Strategy, Art Direction, Campaign, Packaging, Print and Editorial, Illustration, Lettering, Concept Development, Typography

SELECT CLIENTS

GoDaddy, Cartel Coffee Lab, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Desert Financial, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Insight Enterprises, Blancco

Process and approach.

 

Investigate

To lay the foundation of a solid strategy, I start by listening, observing and understanding your business, defining the opportunities, and aligning the goals.

Research

After gaining clarity on your goals, pain points and graphic opportunities for the brand, I research the market to find out how best to set you apart.

 

Ideate

Concept, concept, concept. The ideation phase is all about generating as many possible design directions to find out what fits and what’s the strongest solutions.

Design

With strategic ideas and insights, I design and refine collaboratively and iteratively with the users, channels, and identity touchpoints in mind.

 

Deliver

Launching your brand starts with the delivery of files, assets and all the materials and guidelines necessary for maintaining a consistent brand presence.

Measure

After the work is deployed, we can analyze the results and behaviors to make discoveries, refine strategies and pursue new opportunities to grow your brand.

 

Logo Design

Strong logos separate you from industry competition. I take a strategic approach to building a visual identity that stands out and represents your unique story.

Brand Identity

The visual identity systems I design cover color, typography, and symbolism across various applications and reveal your unique attributes.

Strategy

Through research and collaborative sessions, I dig deep to unearth your brand’s unique purpose, mission, position, and personality.

Illustration

I create concept sketches, custom icons, one off pieces and employ illustration to add emotion to any type of component of your brand.

Let’s make something together