We are Dessein. A Perth design studio creating with heart and purpose.
Our design studio, Dessein, began in 1987, but our story started a little earlier, when we were still graphic design students collaborating on freelance projects offered through college. By the time we graduated, it became clear that building something of our own offered just as much opportunity as joining an agency. So, we started our studio and have been shaping brands and bringing ideas to life ever since. What began with the two of us has grown into a studio shaped by a small, dedicated team who share our values and commitment to thoughtful design.
We began in an era before computers, internet and mobile phones, when artwork was created by hand and every stage of the design and print process demanded patience, precision and craft. It was a remarkable foundation. Those early years taught us to understand production deeply, respect detail and value the discipline behind good design. As technology evolved, we evolved with it, embracing new tools while holding onto the principles that matter most, clarity, purpose and work that is made to last.
That balance of craft and progress still defines who we are today. We exist to uncover what sits at the heart of a brand, an idea or a message and express it in a way that is clear, compelling and true. Good design should do more than look beautiful. It should communicate, connect and work hard in the real world.
First and foremost, we are a graphic design studio
Our values
Our values shape not only how we work, but how we build relationships and measure success. We are genuine, approachable, authentic and trustworthy. We love what we do and we mean it. We are open-minded, responsive and no-nonsense, listening, assessing and creating to achieve the best outcomes.
We believe in people, the dreamers, the innovators and the future shapers. We value loyalty, empathy, connection and the relationships built through shared stories and genuine collaboration. While creativity sits at the heart of what we do, we believe thoughtful, functional and purposeful design is what gives creativity its lasting value.
Over nearly four decades, we have worked across publications, reports, events, campaigns and business collateral for government, corporate, arts and marketing clients. Along the way, we have built long-lasting relationships grounded in trust, shared purpose and the belief that the best work comes through genuine collaboration. Some of the those relationships have spanned more than a decade and some more than two decades. That continuity means a great deal to us.
One such partnership has been with Black Swan State Theatre Company, where our work extended across season campaigns, catalogues and wider brand communications over many years. The relationship was recognised with an ABaF Good Practice Recognition Award and remains and important part of our story.
Today, branding and packaging design, particularly in food and beverage, has become a defining area of specialisation. A pivotal moment came through our work for Rubra. Their encouragement to enter the Pentawards helped set a new direction for the studio and the recognition that followed opened the way for what has since grown into a core part of our studio.
Our work and has been recognised by international design and marketing experts, but more importantly, it has helped brands strengthen their presence, elevate perception and compete with confidence.
As designers, strategists and problem solvers, we help emerging businesses, evolving brands and established names uncover their underlying truth, shape design solutions with clarity and purpose and create stronger connections with their audiences.
Created to mark our 25th anniversary in 2012, this distinctive self-promotional packaging was shared with clients as part of the celebration and later received a Bronze Pentaward for Self Promotion.
Let’s create something beautiful together
Whether you are building a brand from the ground up, refreshing what already exists or extending it across new applications, we bring clarity, care and purpose to every project.
Want to know more about how we work and think? > view our Blog