KOBA’s Fusion of Craft and Future — Insights from SOLD Founder Ronnie Jinrong

Submitting KOBA to the MUSE Creative Awards was both a test and a celebration of our studio’s approach. Professionally, it was an opportunity to benchmark our work against the best and share our thinking with a wider audience. On a personal level, it’s incredibly validating to see explorative work — when done with care — resonate on a global stage.

Winning reaffirms our commitment to telling meaningful stories through design, whether for clients or through passion projects.

KOBA began as an internal concept to explore how rich cultural heritage can inform the brand identities of the future. The project imagines a textile brand that blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with advanced sustainable technology.

We wanted to show that brand identity — even in speculative form — can serve as a bridge between past wisdom and future innovation. In today’s industry, that balance feels especially relevant as brands are increasingly expected to demonstrate both authenticity and adaptability.

What sets KOBA apart in a competitive field is its deep integration of cultural heritage with forward-thinking design. The project was grounded in extensive research into traditional Japanese weaving techniques and eco-conscious fabric innovation. This combination allowed KOBA to present a brand that is not only visually compelling, but also conceptually rich and authentic.

Strategically, approaching KOBA as a fully realized speculative project gave us the freedom to innovate without client constraints, resulting in a bold, narrative-driven identity that resonates emotionally and intellectually with today’s values around sustainability and craftsmanship. This layered approach helped the project stand out amid more conventional brand identities.

Recognition from this award program will certainly help boost visibility for SOLD and strengthen credibility for both our speculative and client-facing work. We’ve already had meaningful conversations with peers and potential partners who value thoughtful branding. In the long run, we hope this win positions SOLD as a studio known for innovation as well as a genuine appreciation for heritage.

Winning a Gold gives us a platform to reach more like-minded partners and clients who value bold thinking and culturally attuned work. It has already opened new conversations both regionally and abroad, and it’s a strong way to build credibility for SOLD in both the brand and digital strategy spaces. The recognition is also energizing for our team, validating our creative process and our commitment to innovation.

The feedback so far has been incredibly positive. Clients have mentioned that the KOBA project has inspired them to rethink how brand identity can extend beyond a brief and become a platform for new ideas. Internally, the team is proud to see careful research and a speculative narrative recognized at this level.

Start with curiosity, and let your process be guided by genuine interest—people can always sense when work is built with care. Awards are a bonus, but the real value lies in shaping projects with relevance, originality, and intention. Share the story behind the work, not just the final visuals; more often than not, that narrative is what sets an entry apart.

Change is the only constant, especially in the creative industry. With the rise of digital technologies and shifting cultural values, design has become even more essential to how brands live and evolve.

At SOLD, we stay relevant by staying nimble—mixing strategic thinking with experimentation. The future excites us, particularly as the boundaries between disciplines continue to blur.

Start where you are, and don’t wait for perfection. Awards are as much about the journey as the outcome. Every submission helps you reflect, sharpen your narrative, and gain confidence. The experience, the feedback, and even the act of assembling your case study are valuable growth opportunities, regardless of the result.

Support each other and stay open. Creativity is rarely a solo pursuit, and some of the best ideas come from unexpected collaborations. Celebrate your peers’ wins as you would your own, and keep pushing boundaries together.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the SOLD team, who embraced the speculative spirit of KOBA wholeheartedly. Everyone contributed perspectives that made the project richer and more nuanced. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside such passionate and open-minded collaborators.

KOBA is a celebration of heritage and innovation, showing that even imagined brands can spark meaningful conversations about identity, sustainability, and storytelling.

We’re excited to continue exploring how experimental projects can push the boundaries of design thinking. More importantly, SOLD will keep partnering with clients who want to blend purpose, clarity, and creativity—whether through digital experiences or bold rebrands.