MUSINGS #1
In conversation with Marie Ange Holmgren Sylvain, Founder and Creative Director, Image Ark.
What is unique about Image Ark?
At Image Ark, many of our projects are defined by a handcrafted touch that our clients have come to recognize. Every project begins with sketches, handwritten notes, and hand-drawn designs using pencil, eraser, and ruler. Often, these sketches make their way into the final product.
We prioritize handmade illustrations and drawings, which align perfectly with Nepal’s rich culture of craftsmanship. This process allows us to explore our aesthetic while preserving authenticity.
Our work goes beyond creating beautiful visuals. It’s about building brands that benefit people, connections and businesses that genuinely care about people.
Much of our time with clients is spent around a large sheet of paper, defining the purpose, personality and promise of their brand. These are deeply introspective moments where clients often revisit their perspective about their brand and gain clarity.
How would you describe the creative culture in your studio? How does teamwork bring your projects to life?
Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Every person in the team is encouraged to contribute to each project, and all input is valued. In the end, every project belongs to everyone.
There’s always a contribution from someone. We might put something on the table and ask, “Sarita, what do you think?” No idea is too small, and we actively seek feedback from everyone.
We also collaborate with people from various fields, exchanging ideas, experimenting, and exploring new approaches to push existing concepts further.
Our creative culture thrives on this collaborative spirit, where every voice is heard, every idea appreciated, and innovation is constantly nurtured.
Outside our studio, Image Ark has been a part of Nepal’s creative landscape for over a decade. We’ve inspired many designers and created a collegial atmosphere within the industry. It’s such a small community here that we see ourselves as collaborators rather than competitors. We often refer work to each other and maintain friendly relationships with other design agencies.
In a world where designs often look the same, how does Image Ark stand apart?
It’s true that many designers follow the trends set by successful studios, resulting in similar visuals and aesthetics that dominate the industry. But at Image Ark, we draw inspiration from our local surroundings—the culture, architecture, and spirit of Nepal. This country offers a wealth of rich, visible culture that is invaluable to our design process. We are fortunate to be located in the old city of Patan, where every element follows a style that fits within the culture, shaped over time by history. We aim to capture that spirit in our work.
We avoid copying foreign designs and imposing them on local culture. What might look luxurious in Paris doesn’t necessarily carry the same meaning in Nepal. Instead, we strive to create Nepali designs and standards that can resonate globally, something we can truly claim as our own. No compromises, no apologies.
How have you seen the local scene evolve since founding Image Ark, and what role has your company played in that evolution?
Since we started Image Ark, we’ve seen significant growth in both the quality and quantity of branded products and services in Nepal. Branding has created a positive buzz in the private sector, especially for small and medium-sized businesses producing locally. Companies that make an effort to brand themselves are now recognized both locally and globally, standing alongside international brands. This growth is not only beneficial for the country’s economy but also for people who aspire to make a difference. Branding fosters healthy competition that energizes the economy.
Looking at your diverse portfolio, how do you view Image Ark’s growth, and where do you see it heading in the future?
As we reflect on our journey, it’s important to remember how we began. When we first started, we had no electricity and dealt with 18-hour power cuts. Everything was created without modern tools, and this reality shaped our style.
Today, while we embrace modern design tools, including AI, our essence remains handcrafted. We celebrate the imperfections and human touch in our designs—projects made by people, not machines.
As we take on larger projects globally, our ultimate dream is to brand airlines. National airlines are perfect ambassadors of a nation’s culture, carrying the spirit of a country across the world.
It’s the ideal medium to express what unites us, not what divides us.