NO SPICE, NO GLORY. DESIGN THAT ENDURES.
Studio Picante is an independent creative practice that partners with ambitious teams who aren’t interested in playing it safe. We work side by side with founders and decision-makers, bringing strategic clarity and a willingness to challenge assumptions in pursuit of work that actually stands out.
Every project is built with a custom-designed team, carefully selected to deliver the highest level of craft and thinking for the task at hand. We believe great design lives in the tension between boldness and restraint, never conservative, never trend-chasing. We add spice where it matters, shaping work with a strong point of view, lasting aesthetic value, and unmistakable character. No spice, no glory.
NOT APOLOGETIC. NEVER CONSERVATIVE.
At Studio Picante, there’s no fixed recipe, and that’s intentional.
Every collaboration starts with strategy and alignment, working closely with founders and leadership teams to understand not just what needs to be designed, but why. We challenge assumptions early, define a clear point of view, and establish a strong creative direction before a single pixel or layout is finalized.
From there, we build bespoke creative teams tailored to each project, bringing together the right mix of talent for the challenge at hand. This flexible, curated model allows us to move fast without cutting corners, maintain a high standard of craft, and stay deeply involved at every stage. We aim for work that lives between bold expression and lasting design, never conservative, never trend-dependent, always intentional.
HUMAN-LED. AI-ENABLED.
We work with AI as a strategic and creative tool, not as a shortcut and never as a replacement for human judgment.
Studio Picante's founder actively collaborates with a top-level AI research lab, contributing to the training and evaluation of machine-generated creative work. This involvement gives us a practical, first-hand understanding of how AI interprets design, quality, accessibility, and usability, and where human insight remains essential.
Within our own practice, we use AI to accelerate processes, expand creative exploration, and optimize development workflows, allowing us to focus more deeply on direction, decision-making, and craft. The machine supports efficiency and scale. The thinking, taste, and responsibility stay human.
EXCELLENCE IN EVERY LAYER
We pursue excellence in every detail — from concept to execution, from bold typography to carefully structured systems. Every decision we make is grounded in purpose and crafted to serve both the brand and the people it speaks to: clients, users, audiences, and communities.
But we also design for ourselves — for the joy of creating meaningful work that challenges our thinking, sharpens our skills, and fuels our own creative ambition. We believe the best outcomes happen when business impact and creative satisfaction align — when work performs in the market and fulfills something deeper for the team behind it.
Our commitment to design excellence has been recognized by industry leaders:
+ Shortlisted at Pentawards 2025 (More to be announced soon)
+ Best Marketing for Jump! Festival at the 2025 ODA Annual Awards Ceremony
+ Best Packaging (Category Winner) for Cric-Crac Snacks at ODA Awards 2024-Q2
+ Gold in Branding for Cric-Crac Snacks at ODA Awards 2024-Q2
+ Best Packaging (Category Winner) for Glorious at American Graphic Design Awards 61st Edition
+ Best Event Marketing Design for Jump! Festival at ODA Awards 2024-Q3
+ Gold in Branding for Jump! Festival at at ODA Awards 2024-Q3
We believe that daring ideas deserve exceptional execution — and that great design, when grounded in strategy, can shift perception, influence behavior, and drive real results.
THE MIND BEHIND
Studio Picante is led by Chris Bernay, a Strategic Creative Director and Senior Designer with over 25 years of experience across branding, digital, product, and creative leadership.
Chris’s background spans global agencies and independent practice, including roles as Regional Creative Director at Leo Burnett, Strategic Creative Director at Glorious Gaming, and Creative Director for cultural and music-led projects. His work blends strategic thinking with hands-on design, bridging big-picture direction and detailed execution.
Beyond client work, Chris is actively involved in the creative community through mentorship and education, supporting emerging talent through initiatives such as Adobe’s Creative Apprenticeship Program in the U.S. and U.K., participating in live AMA sessions, and leading portfolio reviews. This ongoing exchange with the next generation keeps Studio Picante sharp, curious, and grounded in where the industry is headed.
WHAT WE DO
We offer a focused set of services designed to support bold ideas from strategy to execution.
+ Brand Strategy & Positioning
+ Packaging Strategy & Design
+ Logo & Visual Identity Systems
+ UI/UX Design for Web & Product
+ Event Marketing & Collateral
+ Icon Design
+ Illustration
+ Naming & Verbal Identity
+ Custom Lettering
+ Type Design
+ Color Design
+ Marketing & Campaign Assets
+ Creative & Art Direction
+ AI Creativity & Photography
Let’s set up a discovery call and take your brand & product to the next level
United States
San Francisco, California
hello@studiopicante.com
LATAM
Buenos Aires, Argentina
hola@studiopicante.com
Press Inquiries
press@studiopicante.com
Job Opportunities
jobs@studiopicante.com
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