May marks six years in business for Kenfolk. Six whole years. Time clearly flies when you’re doing great work for great people.
From a business set up to last only a few months during lockdown, to an agency with a studio at the North East BIC – we’ve learned a few things over the last six years.
Most clients wanting rebrands actually need clarity
Clients often think they need a new logo, new colours or a new website. But what they really need is sharper positioning, clearer messaging and stronger differentiation. Over the years we’ve learned that great design becomes more effective when the business knows exactly who it is, what it stands for, and why it matters.
Simplicity is difficult
The best identities are usually the ones that feel obvious in hindsight. Most logos are asked to do too much. A logo won’t build trust, create positioning, fix product issues, or define culture. Strong brands are systems built on experience, difference and an own able story, not quick explainer symbols.
Saying no improved the business more than saying yes
I think most people would agree, especially during the early stages of business, ‘no’ is a word that you wouldn’t dare think of, never mind say.
Over time, we’ve learned that the wrong projects cost far more than lost revenue. When we stopped blindly saying yes to people, we started to grow.
Delegation doesn’t mean losing control. It creates capacity
Trying to run every single aspect of the studio, both business and creative, slowed the studio down. It took us away from the things we are actually great at. Now we work with experts who do the things we can’t fix – finance, development, content, PR, social media, videography – it’s better for us and our clients.
By trusting talented people in the industry we’ve created better outcomes.
We thought we could build everything remotely (spoiler, we couldn’t!)
Taking space in a dedicated studio changed the whole energy of the business. It gave us a presence, a structure, a better client experience, and room to grow.
Being based at the North East BIC has introduced us to a community of businesses, conversations and opportunities – playing a huge role in the growth of our business.
Six years in, we care less about looking busy and more about doing great work for great people.
In six years the goal has changed. The perspective has changed. The vision has changed. And that’s fine. As a business, you grow, you adapt, you change.
From more projects, noise and output, to better partnerships, clearer thinking and work we’re proud to shout about.
At Kenfolk we’re good at what we do and we’re proud of the work we do with our clients. We can’t wait to celebrate the next six years doing more great work for more great people.
