At almst studio, we don’t just build brands—we build worlds. For us, branding is about crafting experiences that tell a deeper story, spark emotion, and leave a lasting impact. So when Sanskar, a legacy institution in Jaipur, approached us to shape the identity of their new pre-school, we knew we were stepping into something meaningful. Known for decades of educational excellence, Sanskar was now ready to write a new chapter—one that broke away from convention to embrace curiosity, play, and holistic learning. Our mission was to bring this brand vision to life through a brand that felt as joyful, imaginative, and thoughtful as the children it was made for.
From the very beginning, we approached this project with research and intention. As a creative studio, that’s our default mode—diving deep into the why before touching the how. We started with brand strategy, digging into the brand values, brand vision, and tone this new school would embody. But instead of just sitting in meeting rooms talking about children, we decided to involve them. We flew down to Jaipur and invited the kids to become our co-creators. With pockets full of crayons, sketchbooks, and playful prompts, we spent time with the children, encouraging them to draw what made them happy—stars, birds, homes, animals, their dreams. The idea was simple: we wanted the soul of the brand to come from the very people it was meant for.
What we got back was pure gold. Dozens of drawings full of colour, creativity, and unfiltered imagination. We scanned and uploaded them onto Illustrator, and from there, something beautiful started to take shape. We didn’t just use the drawings as inspiration—we built an entire universe of illustrations. Every line, every squiggle, every curious character contributed to a larger world we were building for the brand. These illustrations weren’t just decoration; they became the brand visual language that was used throughout the branding process.
Once we had the visuals in place, it was time to name the school. We wanted something sweet, poetic, and full of possibility. After a few spirited brainstorming sessions, we landed on a name that felt just right: The Little Starlings. It perfectly reflected the idea of growth, community, and curiosity that this pre-school stood for. With the name locked in, we moved on to crafting the brand story and brand narrative, grounding everything in values like empathy, creativity, and joyful learning.
The brand logo came next. We wanted it to feel playful and warm, but also something that would grow with the brand. Paired with a colour palette based on primary colours—bold reds, sunny yellows, ocean blues—we created a system that felt both vibrant and intentional. The type system we designed was soft and rounded, keeping accessibility and approachability at the forefront. Every element—whether it was a letterhead or a poster—was designed with care. We didn’t just want things to look “cute,” we wanted them to be meaningful and aligned with the school’s philosophy.
Our scope extended across every brand touchpoint. From social media templates and school uniforms to ID cards, posters, signage, and school stationery—we thought through every detail. We even designed the website, ensuring that the digital experience matched the warmth and creativity of the physical one. The result was a cohesive, joyful, and thoughtful brand experience that was rooted in storytelling and built with purpose.
Designing for a school is never just another branding project. It’s a responsibility. You’re shaping the first impressions of a child’s very first learning space. That’s huge. With The Little Starlings, we weren’t just creating a brand—we were creating a world. A world where kids feel seen, safe, and inspired. And as a studio, this project reminded us why we do what we do: to create work that’s rooted in research, powered by purpose, and built with heart. From the doodles of little dreamers to a fully-formed brand universe—this one was truly special.