Project overview

Subtile

Subtile is a creative agency and cultural platform founded by Saran Koly, working at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and social impact. Positioned as an umbrella brand for Saran’s various projects, including independent publications, a podcast, and creative consulting—Subtile needed an identity that could carry both elegance and edge, grounded in a strong sense of cultural narrative.

September Design Studio led the branding and website design, crafting a visual language that reflects Subtile’s core values of human connection, creativity, and innovation. The custom brand identity is rooted in an editorial aesthetic with a poetic, hand-crafted sensibility. We drew inspiration from experimental type design and Afro-diasporic influences to design Subtile’s branding.

The website design, built on Squarespace, balances sophistication with clarity, featuring layered visuals, custom animations, and carefully structured content to highlight Subtile’s diverse body of work across the arts, nonprofit, and private sectors. Each section was designed to evolve with Saran’s growing portfolio while reflecting the depth and intentionality of her creative direction.

This project is a celebration of nuanced storytelling, cultural heritage, and the power of thoughtful design to frame ideas that matter.