December Newsletter: The Creative Pulse - Panera RISE, Sol’s Global Identity, Simply NKD, Apple TV’s Cinematic Refresh & Minimalist Storytelling in Design

This month’s edition of The Creative Pulse highlights the boldest brand movements redefining how companies communicate, innovate, and show up in the world. From multisensory identity systems to heritage-driven redesigns and ingredient-focused transparency, this round-up offers a curated look at the trends shaping today’s creative landscape.

We begin with Panera’s sweeping brand transformation, Panera RISE, which extends far beyond a logo update. With refreshed menus, elevated ingredients, warmer café environments, and a redesigned store experience, Panera illustrates how legacy brands are reshaping the entire customer journey—aligning storytelling, service, and space into a cohesive modern identity.

Next, Sol’s vibrant new global identity brings the iconic sun back to center stage with an illustration that feels both optimistic and contemporary. Crafted by LOVE., the redesign pairs heritage-inspired typography with a bold palette of reds, golds, and sky-blue accents, creating a flexible system that’s as energetic as the brand’s spirit. It’s a striking example of archival revival done right.

In the world of consumer goods, PepsiCo’s Simply NKD™ campaign launches “naked” versions of Cheetos and Doritos same flavor, but without artificial colors or added dyes. This ingredient-first positioning marks a shift toward minimalism and transparency in branding, especially for iconic snacks known for their vivid colors. It’s a compelling signal of how legacy brands are modernizing for health-conscious audiences without losing their identity.

We then look at Apple TV’s refreshed brand intro, a cinematic identity moment built entirely with real glass, practical lighting, and in-camera effects. Paired with a sonic logo by Finneas and a bespoke typeface, the refresh underscores a larger design truth: craftsmanship and materiality still matter, even in a digital-heavy ecosystem.

Closing the issue, the “Wherever Life Goes” campaign demonstrates the power of brand identity without product photography. Using minimal cues and strong graphic language, the work proves that what a brand chooses not to show can be just as impactful—reminding creatives that clarity, restraint, and negative space can be some of the most persuasive storytelling tools.

Brimming with brand refresh insights, identity trends, design thinking, and cultural signals, this edition of The Creative Pulse offers an elevated look at the ideas driving creativity forward as we close out the year.