Dotto Studio reveals expressive type and experimental prints where words have power

Launched four years ago to specialise in brand identity, Dotto – Dani's studio – works with clients in the arts and culture sector, as well as with conscious brands and corporates "breaking the status quo". But she's always had a passion for editorial and type-led design and has increasingly moved in that direction.

After a tumultuous 2020, Dani is now officially focused on type. "This year has made many of us refocus our priorities," Dani tells Creative Boom. "It's easy to get stuck in a set way of working once you're on a certain path. I want to get back to basics, get some ink on my hands and make a bit of mess."

Dani also creates bespoke type art with prints available via her online shop. We love Take Up More Space, which is a typical example of Dani's meaningful artworks, always with a play on language. "Words have power. And I get the ace job of bringing them to life," says Dani. "Sometimes lightly, bringing a bit of joy. But also to get into people's heads, making people think and potentially kickstarting change."

Before going freelance in 2012, Dani worked for leading creative agencies across the UK. She moved from Leeds to London before relocating back north at Liverpool's Uniform as lead branding designer. Her clients over the years include big brands like Channel 4 and the Royal Academy of Music, and independents such as Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Manchester Craft & Design Centre and Quarantine.

In 2017, she co-launched Ladies, Wine Design in Manchester (aka Jessica Walsh's non-profit venture), which she co-managed for three years. After handing over the baton to Katie Jones, Lauren Goldsby and Haseena Ali last month, she has since co-founded a new project called The How, which will launch in 2021 (details to follow).