Giovanni Pellone is the former creative director for the design driven manufacturer Benza. He is an independent industrial designer with 10+ years of professional experience in the realization of design projects involving product development, manufacturing, communication design and brand development. With an exceptional conceptual approach to design and a broad managerial experience, Giovanni’s skill-set represents a very unique combination of creative talent, technical expertise and marketing savvy. Giovanni has designed and developed products for the MoMA Design Store, new advertising media for the New York Subway, new concepts for research equipment, environmental graphics for JFK airport, and advertising for the New York Times. His innovative design work has earned awards and worldwide recognition and has regularly appeared in the world’s most respected design publications. His projects have also been featured in prestigious exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Giovanni holds design degrees from Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute. He often lectures at major US universities.

For more information: www.giovannipellone.com

Makiko (Koko) Takeuchi is a New York-based independent graphic designer and creative director. Her 10+ year career spans industries such as retail/consumer products, food, fashion, film, music, transportation, financial and publishing. Makiko brings extensive experience in conceptual design development to every project. Her expertise lies in branding strategy through the application of broad visual platforms to very tactical applications in various media. With a deep understanding of the role of marketing, Makiko delivers inspired ideas and outstanding execution to projects ranging from identity design to collateral systems to individual product promotions. Before starting her own practice, Makiko worked at leading New York design firms, including Slover and Company, Carpenter Group and Wechsler Ross & Partners. She has led the development of design collateral systems for such clients as Fleet Bank/Galaxy Funds, UBS, Leading Jewelers of the World, and City CarShare. Makiko holds a BFA in Graphic Design and BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington.

For more information: www.kokotakeuchi.com