About
Based in Thebarton, Adelaide, we are a boutique creative studio with a mission to give a strong voice to our clients through thoughtful, creative and practical design solutions.
Our team have extensive experience and wide-ranging skills, having worked in agencies in Australia and Europe servicing a broad client base. Drawing on our collective experience and technical expertise, we are able to offer a fully integrated service to our clients – providing an efficient and collaborative approach to every project.
Some clients we have worked with:
Our Process
We listen, we develop, we create, we apply and we track.
01. Analysis
Understand the landscape: This initial phase involves listening to our client, gathering information about your organisation, target audience, and competitors. It's about deeply understanding the market and identifying opportunities.
02. Strategy
Develop the brand's foundation: Based on the research, we create the core brand strategy. This includes defining your brand's unique selling proposition, positioning and key messaging.
03. Design
Create the visual identity: This is where the brand's look and feel are developed. It includes designing the logo, selecting a colour palette and typography, and creating other visual assets.
04. Execution
Apply the brand to all touchpoints: Put the brand identity into action. This means applying the visual and verbal elements to all aspects of the business, from the website and social media to products and packaging.
05. Monitoring
Track performance: After the brand is launched, it's crucial to monitor how it's performing and how it's being perceived by the audience.
Our Team
Leo Tolo
Director
Leo has a long track record spanning almost 30 years in design practices. Leo joined Motiv in 2002, bringing with him his design capability and specialist skills in integrated production and project management. Leo's role at Motiv is varied and extensive. It includes everything from strategy, creative direction, and design through to all facets of production and project management.
In addition to design and management, his responsibility extends to the supervision of all in-house technical systems, computer networks and the overseeing of internal production standards and external supplier quality control. Leo became a Director of Motiv in 2015.
Hannah McEwan
Director
Hannah is a passionate creative who loves bringing designs to life. Working both in Adelaide and Brisbane, her experience of over 30 years in the industry covers a diverse range of areas, including LGA and government, food and wine, the arts, retail and health industries, as well as corporate sectors; giving her well-rounded experience and organisational skills required for delivering successful projects. Hannah became a Director of Motiv in 2015.
Jim McGuinness
Senior Designer
Jim's journey in graphic design, illustration and photography began in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. He has honed his craft and ventured into international territories, including the USA and London. Throughout his career, Jim has amassed a wealth of experience in various sectors with a focus on corporate and brand design. Jim's portfolio boasts collaborations with clients such as U2, Philip Morris, MTV and Eircom. In 2008, Jim joined Motiv after relocating from Dublin, quickly becoming an invaluable member of the team.
Peter Hirte
Senior Designer
Peter brings multidisciplinary design experience within a variety of industry sectors. Peter started his professional career in Germany working as Art Director with various advertising agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis FCB and Targis Healthcare Communication. Then, moving to London, where he worked for several years as Creative Director for MHG Design. Following his move to Australia, he joined the Motiv team in 2008. Peter services many of our government and corporate clients and has extensive experience putting together complex documents as well as brand standards and style guides.