Talking Shapes is a creative studio led by Leon Makari and supported by a trusted team of designers, writers and strategists.

We specialise in brand strategy, story and identity for developments, destinations and place-based organisations. Our work focuses on people, community and narrative – helping places communicate clearly, reflect local character and create a genuine sense of belonging.

Your strategic branding partner

Talking Shapes was founded to simplify how clients work with creative agencies. Too often we heard the same frustrations – layers of process that slow momentum, limited access to creative leadership and pitch teams that disappear once the work is won.

Our model keeps things simple and focused. No unnecessary layers and no handovers that dilute ideas. Just clear communication, senior creative direction and a dedicated team built around your brief and fully invested in your outcome.

Leon Makari
Creative Director
Leon has led branding projects across property, place, hospitality and culture, helping organisations shape clear, credible identities rooted in local context.

His work spans brand strategy, design and art direction, often involving multiple stakeholders and complex objectives. Through strategy and narrative-led design, he translates that complexity into clear and accessible brands that help people understand, relate to and feel connected to.

He’s passionate about how people experience the built environment, and how thoughtful design can shape the moments, connections and memories that bring places to life.
Talking Shapes

Every brand is made up of two parts: the words – story, language and ideas that give it meaning, and the shapes – design, form and visual expression that bring those ideas into the world.

On their own, shapes are static. They can look good, but they don’t say anything. It’s only when design is shaped by a clear story that it begins to communicate and feel human, expressive and alive. That moment, when words and design work together, is where brands start to connect.

That’s what Talking Shapes means.

Disciplines

Every brand begins with an idea. We help you shape it into something people understand, believe in and remember through brand story, identity and activation.
1. Brand Story

Brand audits

Brand positioning

Stakeholder engagement

Brand strategy

Messaging and narrative

Tone of voice

Naming and taglines

2. Brand Identity

Logo design

Brand systems

Visual identity

Art direction

Brand architecture

Design toolkits

Guidelines and assets

3. Brand Activation

Digital experiences

Motion

Brand campaigns

Web design

Environmental

Launch support

Brand management

1.
Brand Story
2.
Brand Identity
3.
Brand Activation
Brand Audits
Brand Positioning
Stakeholder engagement
Brand strategy
Messaging and narrative
Tone of voice
Naming and taglines
Logo design
Brand systems
Visual Identity
Art Direction
Brand architecture
Design toolkits
Guidelines and assets
Digital experiences
Motion
Brand campaigns
Web design
Environmental
Launch support
Brand management
Looking for a strategic branding partner?
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