Boulder-based designers Todd Berger and Lucian Fohr have been designing together since 2003. Initially working at the design agency Cypher13, the pair broke off to form their eponymous studio in 2010. Labeling their style as international, Berger & Fohr bring an analytical and contemporary approach to design. Clean lines and plenty of white space are complimented with bold typography. It's the perfect balance of playfulness and sophistication.

Into the studio

Situated in an oblong street-level space, I like their decision to wrap their desks around the studio windows oppose to creating smaller islands. This makes for a much larger open space and creates a visual flow through the studio. Parallel to the wrapping workstations is a series of large framed prints designed by Berger & Fohr. Minimal and cheeky, they are high enough on the walls where people driving by can catch a glimpse through the windows.

The Vitsoe shelving system displays an impressive library. From Unit Editions to Lawrence King, all the design studio staples can be found on their shelves. The large flat file table, which appears to be the staging grounds for current projects, is the only area where the studio allows a bit of destruction.

Portfolio Review

Living results

As co-founders of Ello, Berger & Fohr's studio space also serves as one of the Ello headquarters. Founded in 2014, Ello is the creator's social network. Its ad-free model and complete transparency have skyrocketed Ello to over a million users. Allowing creators to upload images of their work, users can list their products for sale, heart other posts, and filter through curated galleries of work. Ello publicly displays post views and hearts, making for some serious bragging rights.

Publishing two magazine and continually hosting artist invites and giveaways, Ello offers plenty of avenues for creatives to get their work seen. Their most recent endeavor sees them partnering with dribbble to create a coffee-table magazine titled Make Good. As an initiative for the global disasters faced last year in the United States, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to All Hands Volunteers.

It's refreshing to use a social network that doesn't treat oneself as a product. Whether it be advertising, or tracking every photo I like, it’s nice to be told my privacy is respected. And the best part: it's free.

Sabbatical leave

With the success of Ello, Berger & Fohr have put client work on hiatus to focus their attention on Ello. While it pains me to not have any recent portfolio updates from Berger & Fohr, I can't help but respect what they've done for the creative community. Be sure to check out Ello; you're bound to find some inspiration.