High-level visuals? Non-negotiable.
Market data? Always.
…but here’s the caveat
If it doesn’t feel right for you & your audience, it’s not the solution for you.
We’re here to help.
Building purpose-driven brands since 2008
What makes us different
We approach branding from the aspect of your greatest asset which is most likely different from what you suspect. In capturing the hearts and minds of your audience, your culture is your greatest asset.
“I’m not sure if we have a culture,” you say.
That’s where we come in. We dive into the stories that serve to define your culture.
When you articulate your story & your culture, the life of a business is prolonged and provides grounds upon which to increase your prices.
A snippet of our origin story
In 2008, we had just moved from Tokyo back to Southern California & landed in the little beach town of Encinitas. The recession was in full swing. With both of us having various design experience under our belts, we decided to launch a graphic design studio. We sat down at our thrifted dining room table, and began brainstorming business names.
Being a multilingual, multicultural partnership, we threw out ideas left and right leaving no language behind.
We had “aiuto” [ah-ee-U-toh // help; aid. Italian] in the “maybe” pile knowing the pronunciation would be a stretch for our English-dominant friends and clients, but the magnetism of the idea of providing businesses with aiuto (help) & the connection to Italy being a big part of our culture stuck like a blob of superglue between your fingers.
Was it the easiest choice, not at all, but it was & still is absolutely the right fit.
This outtake of our origin story, is a perfect example of how doing something that honors your culture & feels right can trump all the rules.
Our team
Hello! I’m Jaime Di Dio.
Brand designer, strategist, communication specialist, former University of California San Diego instructor.
Born & raised in Los Angeles, California, US
Languages: I grew up speaking English and can exchange ideas in Japanese & Italian.
Faves: Cooking Mediterranean food, skincare & exercise, exploring cultures & languages, spending time with family
“Jaime’s skills are exceptional. Her extensive knowledge in brand building combined with her remarkable design skills are all I needed to bring my business to life.” —Nardine Abraham, Living Wall Structures & Nardine Design Studio
WHAT IS AIUTO?
You focus on helping people to live better. As a branding & communication specialists, we help you to better help your people.
aiuto (ah-ee-U-toh // help. Italian) is at the core of what both you and we strive to be.