Earlier this year Forbes Bulgaria sat down with us to talk about the future of branding, AI, and what it actually takes to build a studio that does things differently. The conversation touched on everything from how we work to what we believe — and we thought it was worth sharing here.

‍

From brand studio to integrated digital experience studio

‍

When we started, we were a classic brand agency. What changed wasn't the craft — it was the curiosity. We became more interested in new technologies, in changing practices, and most importantly in finding new ways to create real success for our clients.

That curiosity took us places we didn't expect. We've worked with Fortune 500 tech companies, global corporations, startups, well-known fashion brands, and local businesses. We even made it to space — designing the UX for an AI platform built to access satellite data under the international Copernicus space programme.

‍

What makes a great branding agency

‍

We were asked what qualities define a successful branding agency. Our answer: strategic thinking first, then creativity — not just in the artistic sense, but in the problem-solving sense. And something that often gets overlooked — cultural sensitivity. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential when you're working with global brands operating across markets as diverse as the Middle East.

And always — approaching every challenge with the curiosity of a child.

‍

On AI: a multiplier, not a replacement

‍

One of the questions we get most often is whether AI has become a full member of our creative team. Our answer is no — and we mean that in the most positive way.

AI is a multiplier. Like a bicycle. It lets us move faster and work more efficiently, which frees us to focus on what actually matters — sharper business analysis, deeper understanding of audiences, more intentional design decisions.

Our co-founder Nelio likes to frame it in three ways: designing for AI, designing with AI, and designing by AI. At Brandly, our work lives at the intersection of the first two — where empathy and technology meet.

‍

On standing out in a world of overabundance

‍

How does a brand stay distinctive when everything is competing for attention? Our answer: a clear value proposition that separates you from everyone else in your category. A brand story your audience recognises on an emotional level. A genuine commitment to innovation. And an obsession with the quality of every single customer touchpoint — because today people don't just buy products and services. They buy experiences, missions, and values.

‍

What we're building toward

‍

Our vision is a future where AI and classic branding merge to create more transformative consumer experiences and more human brands. We want to improve the way people interact with digital products and brands — making them more intuitive, more personalised, and more meaningful.

And in the long run, we want every brand we work with to not just adapt to a changing world — but to thrive in it. Because their success is, quite simply, ours too.

Read the full interview in Forbes Bulgaria.→ forbesbulgaria.com

‍