Technology feels like it’s moving faster than ever. We are in the midst of a few great shifts that (some people say) are changing everything; the way we work, what each role inside of a company is responsible for, what discipline is dead, and which one is next. To me, this is just noise.

It really has never been easier, faster, or cheaper to build things that are good. And that’s exactly what some people are ok with. Good enough. But when everyone can build anything, how do we build something that is great? This question is why I am building Kainoa, my independent studio practice.

‘Kainoa’ comes from my middle name meaning “sea” (kai) + “boundless/without restriction” (noa). When I reminisce on some of the most inspired and meaningful work I’ve ever witnessed or created, it reflects this meaning. To push past the boundaries and restrictions of what exists, in the effort to create what is next. To do this, the work has to be deeply rooted in a union of curiosity and ambition; inspired vision, rather than taking the next natural step that’s in front of you.

As humans, we were designed to feel. To shape and guide the future, not be slaves to it. We’ve always been ones to toil. To ideate and create. To fail and to succeed. To falter and to thrive. But what makes us unique, is we continue to move forward. And for some, blaze trails for others.

Somewhere along the way, culture tricked us to believe that speed was always the next right step. That whatever was fastest, was right. That more, meant better. Building something great takes intention. Rigorous focus. We must start by understanding who we are building for, and how they will feel when they interact with our creations.

Because even when everyone can build anything, there will always be something new that exists in the unrestricted sea. Let’s find it together.

With craft and consequence,
Brandon Kainoa Jacoby

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Special

AI, Seed

  • Brand Strategy
  • Visual Design
  • Motion
  • Web Design

Special is modernizing critical American industries with AI. The studio partnered with them ahead of their launch to evolve their brand into something iconic and memorable, along with their vertical brands within the holding company.

The company revolves around a simple idea: you know it when you see it. We leaned in to this, crafting a narrative that sparked awe and wonder. This was then translated to a new web presence, visual system, and out of home campaign.

Special thanks to Arne van Kautner, Wesley Bancroft, Scott Bair, and the Andreessen Horowitz New Media team.

A multidisciplinary design practice

For those who challenge the boundaries of technology.

Coinbase

Coinbase

Crypto, Public

  • Product Design
  • Prototyping
[Stealth]

[Stealth]

Defense, Pre-Seed

  • Brand Strategy
  • Identity
  • Visual Design
[Stealth]

[Stealth]

AI, Services

  • Brand Strategy
  • Identity
  • Visual Design
Capital*

Capital*

Fintech, Acquired by Rho

  • Product Design
  • Identity
  • Visual Design
X / xAI

X / xAI

Fintech, Public

  • Product Design
Atomic

Atomic

Developer Tools, Seed

  • Product Design

*Work at Capital and Cash App was completed while in house as Head of Design and Design Lead, respectively

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Kainoa is the independent practice of Brandon (Kainoa) Jacoby

While we often collaborate with a small group of trusted world-class creatives, work is never outsourced or bait-and-switch subcontracted to others. We set ambitious goals, and bring in others when necessary.

Brandon (Kainoa) Jacoby

Said by others:

“Great companies need great partners to discover, show, and tell their stories. With Brandon, our companies are in skilled hands.”
Yoni Rechtman
Partner, Slow Ventures
“Working with Brandon was critical in building Special's brand. The output was above and beyond what we thought was possible.”
Nate Cavanaugh
CEO & Co-Founder, Special

Over the course of his career, Brandon has helped build some of the most consequential products and brands in the world. Now, he specializes in shaping the products and brands that will lead the next generation in doing the same.

He combines a deep craftsmanship with technical expertise and human instinct. The result is work that feels timeless and iconic, while pushing the boundaries of the status quo.

Prior to Kainoa, Brandon designed and led in house teams at X / xAI, Capital (fka Party Round), and was one of the early members of the Cash App design team.

We are a full-service studio, with a pointed focus on delivering world class experiences across brand and product mediums.

Industries

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Hard Tech
  • Consumer
  • Fintech
  • Services
  • Enterprise Software
  • Venture Capital

Capabilities

  • Product Design
  • Prototyping
  • Brand Strategy
  • Identity Design
  • Website Design + Build
  • Motion

How we can work together

Kainoa is insatiably dedicated to creating the most beautiful, and meaningful work possible. If that resonates, get in touch: