Hickman & Knox
Collaborators
Lia Monday
Sean Fox
Jacob Schneider
Services
Brand Identity
Web Design
Studio
Pioneer
Role
Creative Director
Hickman & Knox came to Pioneer with decades of expertise in employee benefits, but their brand didn’t reflect their uniquely human approach.
I led the design of an identity that broke away from industry rigidity—warm, accessible, and distinctly human—while overseeing junior designers to ensure consistency across all deliverables. The result is a brand that embodies their mission as compassionate advisors while maintaining the gravitas of seasoned experts.
The Brand Concept
In a sector dominated by corporate conventions – the predictable blues, blacks, and whites – Hickman & Knox needed to stand apart. While their competitors' identities felt sterile and impersonal, we crafted a brand that radiates warmth without sacrificing professionalism. The comprehensive rebrand touched every element of their visual language: from compelling copywriting to curated photography, unique illustrations, and a distinctive typography and color palette. This fresh approach perfectly balances approachability with authority, reflecting both the firm's innovative spirit and the partners' deep industry expertise.
