“The Core of Branding Will Always Be Human Connection” — Sherry Jacobi on Building Emotional, Story-Led Brands That Last


Vancouver, 13th October 2025

Since 1997, Studiothink has been crafting unforgettable, story-led brands from its base in Vancouver, BC. Known for bold creativity and a bespoke, strategy-first mindset, the agency builds emotional connections that drive real business results. With deep expertise across design, web development, and marketing—and a firm belief in the power of human experience—Studiothink helps brands stand out and stay relevant in fast-moving markets. Their work is thoughtful, fearless, and always tailored to what makes each business unique.

At the helm is Sherry Jacobi, CEO and long-time creative leader at Studiothink. With over 34 years of experience across branding, strategy, and entrepreneurship, she brings a clear-eyed vision and bold energy to the company’s next chapter. Sherry reflects on her leadership journey, the agency’s evolution, and what it means to build brands—and a business—that are both creatively fearless and deeply human.

You are based in Vancouver — how has the city influenced your creative and business mindset?

Vancouver is a global melting pot. Film, tech, AI, art and talent all collide here. It taught me to build brands with both creativity, quality and innovation: bold stories backed by strategy, design and tech. Our time zone connects us globally, so an international mindset is baked into our DNA. This city forces you to innovate and stay on the cutting edge, and that edge has shaped everything about how my team works, creates, and how Studiothink builds brands and websites.

If someone were to visit Vancouver with a focus on culture and creativity, what places or events would you suggest they explore?

Skip the tourist checklist. Head to a gallery opening, dive into the local food scene, or wander through Yaletown where old brick walls now hum with design studios and great restaurants. Or get out into the beauty of nature that Vancouver offers. Surprises such as hiking, skiing, surfing, wine tasting and salmon fishing are all memorable and worth exploring.

Studiothink has been around since 1997. What inspired you to start the agency, and what were those early days like?

I started Studiothink before branding was the buzzword it is today, and I was inspired by what I knew I could creatively bring to the marketing industry. Back then, most companies thought a logo was a brand. But I knew it was about story, voice, and creating experiences and connections that made people actually feel something. Those early days were innovative, fast-paced and made me who I am today: deeply committed to being different than other agencies, edgier, scrappier, bolder and more invested in creativity, tech and innovation. Bold as hell.

You’ve helped build thousands of impactful brands. What’s been the key to staying relevant and forward-thinking through so many market shifts?

Staying relevant means refusing to coast. We’ve built thousands of brands by treating change as the baseline, and trying to leverage what’s next. Culture moves fast, tech moves faster, so we make it our job to read the shifts before they hit the mainstream. We always strive to pair timeless strategy with constant reinvention. That’s why Studiothink isn’t just keeping up with market shifts — we’re the ones helping define what’s next.

How would you describe Studiothink’s approach to branding today, and how has it evolved?

We’re brand rebels with a strategy-first mindset. We don’t just “make things look pretty.” We dig deep, find the story, and craft bold, emotional brands that resonate with real people. Our clients aren’t buying a website, they’re buying differentiation, relevance, connection, and market leadership.

In times of uncertainty or rapid change, how can brand strategy become a company’s biggest competitive advantage?

In a world of constant disruption, economic swings, cultural shifts, even AI rewriting how we work — brand strategy is the anchor. When everything feels unstable, clarity wins. A strong brand tells you who you are, what you stand for, and how to connect in the chaos.

What are some signs a brand needs a refresh?

When growth and engagement stall, it’s often a sign your brand has fallen out of sync with your business. Other red flags include dated visuals, inconsistent messaging, a shifting audience you haven’t caught up with, or even your own team cringing at the brand.

Studiothink offers everything from brand story to campaign implementation. Where do you usually begin?

Always with the human experience. We listen, we ask the tough questions, we unearth the soul of the business. That insight shapes everything we do: the visuals, the voice, the strategy, even the UX and coding.

Can you share a recent example where brand strategy helped a client stand out?

We recently partnered with the RCMP on a national sextortion awareness campaign, a tough subject that demanded more than a standard PSA. Instead of going down the predictable, fear-based route, we built a bold, relatable campaign that spoke directly to teens and parents. The result? A surge in awareness, media pickup across the country, and most importantly, real conversations sparked in schools and homes.

What do companies often underestimate about branding?

That it’s not just marketing. Branding is business strategy. It shapes culture, recruitment, sales, and customer loyalty. Too many companies treat it like an afterthought or something they should do cheaply and quickly, when it should be treated like an investment into the DNA of the organization.

How do you help brands translate values into visuals, voice, and experience?

We see brand values as the engine behind everything, not just pretty words on a wall. Studiothink’s job is to take those values and make them visible and tangible: a voice that feels human, visuals that embody the story, and experiences that connect.

What makes a great creative collaboration?

Great creative collaboration happens when clients see us as true partners, not vendors. The best work comes from those who trust us, value what we bring to the table, and are willing to invest in being different. When there’s trust, alignment, and a little bravery, the collaboration becomes transformational.

Are there industries you find especially ripe for transformation right now?

B2B industries, from construction and engineering to finance, tech, and professional services need us the most. These companies often undersell their brand. As the future unfolds, branding isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the competitive advantage that sets them apart.

How do you foster creativity, trust, and adaptability in your team?

It’s important they feel connected to something bigger — a culture rooted in strategy, creativity, connection, and boldness. Our values aren’t just what drive the business; they leave a lasting imprint on everyone who’s been part of it.

Thoughts on using artificial intelligence in your work?

We’re not afraid of AI, we’re embracing it and leading the way. For us, AI isn’t about replacing creativity, it’s about amplifying it. It helps us work smarter, move faster, and uncover new possibilities — but the core of branding will always be human connection.

Outside of Studiothink, what inspires you?

Travel, food, wine and fresh conversations that challenge my view of the world. I thrive on experiences that wake up the senses and spark fresh perspectives. Creativity, passion, and connection aren’t just part of my work — they’re how I live.

Fun or unexpected fact about yourself?

I collect experiences the way some people collect stamps. From camels in Morocco to Michelin star dinners in Spain, travel, culture and connection fuel me. The more international the vibe, the more alive I feel.


Thanks Sherry!

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