Recently established in 2021, Scheffe Shields, the design studio brainchild of Chloe Scheffe and Natalie Shields, is quickly staking its claim in the design industry. Based in Seattle and New York, the duo integrates classic analog techniques with modern inspiration, resulting in distinctive textile patterns and color palettes with striking eclectic aesthetics. Their commitment to sustainability further sets them apart and makes this studio a key player to watch in the evolving design field.
Drawing inspiration from an array of sources, such as 17th-century Dutch art, Japanese newsprint typesetting, the minimalist fashion of the 90s, fantasy literature, and gothic art, they create a unique fusion in their work. This unorthodox combination, fusing muted tones, intricate scripts, clean lines, and mystical symbols, carves out their singular aesthetic. Keeping to traditional norms while challenging boundaries, their work staunchly resists categorization.
For Chloe and Natalie, design is not static; it’s organic, evolving, and about more than just aesthetics. Typography, world-building, traditional crafting methods, and print matter all feature heavily in their work. Always pushing their limits, they endeavor to weave a layer of storytelling into each project.
Scheffe Shields: Sustainability meets innovative design
Their designs balance functionality and visual appeal, with each detail contributing to the overall narrative. Their distinct approach proves their commitment to the craft, illustrating their belief that design should balance vision, function, and aesthetic appeal.
Their portfolio underscores their versatility and showcases their ability to shift consciously between analog and digital design sectors. With projects ranging from brand development for Tribeca Films and sportswear designs for Nike Running to album packaging for Tinashe, Chloe, and Natalie, we have proven proficient in delivering tailor-made marketing solutions across various industries.
A highlight of their unique design philosophy is their book for Nike titled “Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good. Through the innovative use of unique typefaces and tactile elements, they provide a fresh perspective on the confluence of women and sportswear. The book affirms their commitment to handcrafted quality and innovation.
Outside their commercial work, Chloe and Natalie’s contribution to the cultural sector through their creations in coffee table books, magazines, zines and newspapers, adds yet another layer of versatility to their design approach. These supplemental projects provide an expanded creative outlet where different aesthetics and design perspectives are explored. It’s clear that their broad base of work across various sectors is adding to their growing design expertise, making their approach truly stand out in the creative industry.
