Meet Malt.

We’re a Chicago-based design studio specializing in thoughtful and responsible branding, packaging and illustration. We strive to create purposeful solutions while embracing environmental and social responsibility in everything we do.


We’re experts in shaping visual identities that reflect the values of our diverse range of clients, from startups to industry leaders. We design with intention while weaving our desire to make a positive impact into the soul of our business.

 
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Jack Muldowney
Principal/Designer

Jack launched his design career in Chicago after earning a BA in advertising from Michigan State University. With over 15 years of experience spanning agency, in-house, and boutique studio settings, he founded Malt in 2012. He has since been fortunate to work with brands of all sizes–a far cry from the days of making gig posters with an X-acto knife in his dorm room. When not in the studio, you can find Jack with an IPA in hand, or tinkering with his ‘77 Schwinn Varsity.

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Kasia Patel
Writer/Researcher

Kasia got her start writing over a decade ago in a London ad agency. She’s since spent her time reporting on natural resources, packaging and sustainability for trade publications in the UK, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Tracking the movement by companies to be more socially responsible led her back to her copywriting roots and a commitment to push for sustainability in design. She’s a vegetarian who can be found either attempting to grow her own food or wrangling her two salukis.

 

The Studio

Located in a 4,000sf loft in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, we are proud tenants of Make City. We share our space with a few talented friends and frequent collaborators–including Galdones Photography, Skalawag Productions & Stout Collective.

Services

Strategy, Naming, Visual Identity, Art Direction, Illustration, Stationery, Print, Digital, Animation, Typography, Packaging, Environmental, Photography

 

Sustainability

Why it Matters

As companies around the world continue to churn out new products enveloped in often excessive packaging, only a tiny fraction of these items will find a second life. Our landfills and waterways are bearing the brunt of society's “culture of the disposable.”

It is no longer enough to expect recycling or reuse, which is why it's our mission to push for change at the source. Research has also increasingly shown consumers are willing to spend more to support organizations that share their values and fight to make a positive impact. Simply put, embracing sustainability is good business.

Our Pledge

To ensure that we remain an active part of the solution, here are some of our promises and commitments:

  1. In rethinking our approach to design, particularly packaging, we aim to work with vendors and collaborators who share our strong commitment to environmental and social accountability.

  2. We aim to work with brands, and industry peers, who share our vision of making a positive impact.

  3. We aim to inform our current clients and challenge unnecessary choices, opting for more sustainable options where possible. 

  4. We will work to reduce our impact in measurable ways.

  5. We pledge to become a B Corp by the end of 2024.

  6. To ensure we align with social and environmental causes, we will continue to work with companies championing pressing issues like 1% Percent for the Planet.

1% for the Planet

The urgent environmental issues we face today require so much more attention than they are currently receiving. Today, only 3% of philanthropy goes toward environmental giving, which is why we are proudly working with 1% for the Planet, whose mission is to build, support and activate an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet. Learn more about how we’re committing 1% of our annual revenue to support this cause, here.

 
 
 

Recognition

2023 Design Annual, Communication Arts
2023 Silver, Advertising, PRINT Awards
2023 LogoLounge 14, Rockport Publishing
2023 Silver, Website Design, w3 Awards
2023 Silver, Indigo Design Awards
2022 LogoLounge 13, Rockport Publishing
2022 Silver, Indigo Design Awards
2022 Typography Annual, Communication Arts
2021 Design Annual, Communication Arts
2021 Gold, Indigo Design Awards
2021 ‘Monogram Masters’, LogoInspirations
2021 ‘The Book of Bird Logos’, LogoInspirations
2020 Gold, Website Design, w3 Awards
2020 ‘Beer Artwork of the Year’, Caña Magazine
2020 ‘Logo Stories’, LogoInspirations
2019 Typeforce X Exhibit
2018 LogoLounge 11, Rockport Publishing
2017 LogoLounge 10, Rockport Publishing
2017 Takeaway Food Packaging Now, IP Books
2016 Nature Logo, Counter-Print Books
2016 Regional Design Annual, PRINT
2016 'On the Grid', Hyperakt
2016 Feature, Adobe 'Bēhance: Icon Design'
2016 Finalist, SAVEUR Magazine Awards
2015 Finalist, SAVEUR Magazine Awards
2015 Gold, 'World Beverage Design Competition'
2015 Feature, Adobe 'Bēhance: AIGA'
2015 Oh Beautiful Beer, Countryman Press
2015 Modern Heraldry, Counter-Print Books
2015 Excellent Branding: 2, Hightone Books
2015 LogoLounge 9, Rockport Publishing
2014 LogoLounge 8, Rockport Publishing
2014 Typeforce 5 Exhibit
2014 'Creative Showcase', The Drum UK
2014 Coloring Your Brand, Dopress Books
2013 Feature, Pantone, Computer Arts
2013 Feature, Adobe 'Bēhance: Branding'

 Select Clients

 
 
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Let’s collaborate.

Have an idea ya wanna share? Want to talk to us about a project? Just wanna say hey?

Give us a shout