ukiyo
kór
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ukiyo-kór is a creative agency
based in Reykjavík, Iceland
we are committed to the A-Z and the Ю, Č, and Þ of all your creative needs. the whole alphabet. every character. in your voice.
we work with brands, scientists, journalists and individuals to get to the heart of their story and how they want to introduce themselves to the world. through visual storytelling, inclusive design and creative strategy we help you find your voice.
that’s a weird name you have
yes, it is, but it’s also meaningful:
ukiyo
noun / japanese
浮世[floating world]
originally a buddhist concept translating to “sorrowful world” it shifted to mean “floating world.” eventually it came to be associated with Japan’s edo-period pleasure-seeking middle classes. the word has a double meaning, describing both the joys and hardships of life.
kór
noun/icelandic, from greek
χορός [chorus]
a group of stage players providing background information, inner monologues, commentary on themes. the chorus is the “ideal spectator,” the audience’s representative on stage.
we are storytellers. a chorus helping narrate your story to your audiences, curious bystanders and your mum who’s not quite sure what is that you do.
why ukiyo-kór?
because we’re agile, and because we love a good challenge. put differently, there are more ways to shuffle a deck of cards than there are stars in the universe. we’re here to make the bold claim that you could reach similar numbers by mixing and matching our services to your needs. here’s just some of them.
brand
name, logo, action!
uh… then what?
we love a hot brand guide as much as the next guy, but looks will only get you so far. audiences seek connection in the din of voices vying for their attention. a strong brand has personality, a sense of humor and a reputation that keeps people coming back. so, after we’ve designed your logo and produced a brand guide we also help you define your promise, find your voice and build lasting relationships.
storytelling and creative solutions
there is more than one way to tell a story. we believe this so firmly that it’s the reason we started this company. we work with words, graphics, sounds, film, illustrations, games and other media to find the most effective way to communicate. interpretive dance performance on laugavegur? sure! let’s go! (weather permitting.)
strategy
launching your brand, organization or campaign without a strategy is a little like baking a cake without measuring out your ingredients. which is to say, maybe accidentally innovative, but generally ill-advised. strategy involves goal setting, audience insights, research, and a campaign plan. we work to understand you and your values before we head out into the big wide world together to find your audience. together we can create lasting impact and connections.
experience design
isn’t it nice when things just… work? websites look beautiful and run smoothly, apps are navigable, the buttons make sense, doors open as you intend them to. in a world increasingly overwhelming, devices increasingly frustrating, we work to make your websites and apps user friendly and memorable. we design solutions that go beyond endless scrolling and create expansive experiences online and offline.
our values
cynicism is easy. it’s not accountable. it does not take initiative. optimism on the other hand… optimism drives action, it inspires hope, joy and inclusion. our company is built on a foundation of optimism that inspires our values.
inclusive design
we believe that design is for everyone and every person deserves smooth access to online and offline spaces. legible fonts, adaptable layout and branding, navigable websites and apps are our priority. we strive to be culturally sensitive, mindful of abilities, aptitudes and localization.
human-built and human-centered
our work is built on connections, creativity and empathy. we are committed to centering people, always. this means that our work will always be done by a human, emails always answered by a human, and you will always speak to a human.
got some examples?
sure! here’s a few of our creative projects which are playful, inclusive, experiential and center the user.
living with Alzheimer’s disease is devastating not only for the patients, but for their caregivers as well. the gamified multimedia project, “Help the helper”, gives voice to the quiet, relentless carers, and introduces visitors to the diligent helper cells that brains cannot function without. commissioned by the molecular neurodegeneration lab, department of human genetics at Amsterdam UMC.
Storytelling
Design
Project management
Scripting
Experience design
Sound design
of the caspian →
corruption, money laundering, and state capture are deeply complex subjects. this innovative storytelling prototype used a range of media to crystalize the effects of dictatorship and grand corruption on ordinary individuals. readers were invited to guide themselves through the comic, going on small interactive side-quests and diving as deeply into explanatory stories as they wanted.
Story design
Scripting
Project management
Copy
how do you develop inclusive branding? how do you design graphics that do not rely only on sight? working with the Georgia Blind Sports Association on their identity, we developed adaptable branding, designed not just for blind people, but also their sighted friends and family. braille and the visual logo coexist together as one, such that it can be used across digital and physical media.
Branding
Identity
Design
Acessibility
our clients
a political blog, a tech company we can’t tell you much about, a travel agency, and a spacefaring art gallery… our clients are as varied as their creative needs. these are just some of the wonderful companies and individuals we’ve had the opportunity to work with.
let's be friends
lejla sarcevic
creative strategy director
lejla@ukiyo-kor.is
Lejla is a strategist and wordsmith. deeply curious about people and their drive, she works with clients to identify values, find audiences, and set strategy. she is a writer, editor, film maker and storyteller. she is an occasional chef, and self-appointed kerning police.
natalia vish
creative director
nat@ukiyo-kor.is
Nat is the visual heart of our agency. she has experience in graphic, web, UI/UX and game design, as well as front-end development. Nat navigates clients’ needs to develop visual, storytelling and design assets. she’s a ukulele enthusiast and an instant personal meme generator.
got a story to tell? give us a shout and let’s talk. first coffee’s on us.
contact us at
friends@ukiyo-kor.is
