Serif

Integrated Award — Brand Identity, New Brand

ZAK DESIGN STUDIO

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Serif is an award-winning literary marketing and PR agency working across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Known for their bespoke, thoughtful work, they support everyone from debut writers to major publishers, bringing books into the world with care, strategy and conviction. At a key moment of growth, Serif partnered with ZAK Design Studio to develop a new identity that could reflect who they are: strategic yet creative, understated yet confident and deeply embedded in the literary world.

ZAK began by defining what set Serif apart. Their work is rigorous but warm, smart but never loud, more editorial than flashy. Drawing from book design, publishing ephemera and typographic nuance, they built a brand that felt timeless and discerning without relying on cliché. The final identity is refined, editorial and quietly assured. A custom wordmark and intertwined “S” seal act as a visual signature, subtle but confident. Supporting illustrations blend metaphor and literature: a book as a building, a puzzle piece, a plated dish. These speak to Serif’s role in shaping culture and delivering stories with intent. A restrained palette, crisp serif type and a clear tone of voice round out the system.