Every brand has a face. Sometimes literal, sometimes just a feeling.
At Studio PB.NL, these two came together.
Our studio logo has long featured a female illustration within the frame. An image that became natural to us, yet was anything but coincidental in its creation. The illustration was crafted by Jason Brooks — an illustrator from England with an impressive oeuvre. From fashion to music, from editorial to iconic portraits.
Jason Brooks is widely known for his work with Hed Kandi, where his illustrations defined the face of compilations, flyers, and visual identity for years. We have followed his work for years. Some images as original works, others as prints on the wall, more details about Jason here.
From Illustration to Identity
Peter took the step to translate the image into a real face. With the help of Midjourney, a human portrait emerged — not a copy (see the steps at the bottom of this blog), and entirely with Nano Banana Pro (Google gemini), not a reconstruction, but a new interpretation. Then came movement via Kling AI. Subtle. Breathing. Alive. I have tested many different AIs via Higgsfield AI (which really allows for good comparison, and Google with their Nano Banae is truly excellent)
Thus, the illustration became more than an image, but a presence.
We call her Zappa.
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Zappa
Zappa is not a model, not an avatar, not a mascot.
She is a fresh lady. Quirky. Silent. Observant.
She looks not to attract attention, but to understand.
Zappa represents how we work:
– with attention
– with feeling
– with technology that serves aesthetics
She is the face of Studio PB.NL, but above all, the extension of our way of thinking. Between illustration and reality. Between code and creation. Between then and what is now possible.
A Face That Grows With Us
Zappa is not fixed. She moves with us. With projects, with stories, with phases. Sometimes visible, sometimes in the background. Just like us.
And perhaps that is precisely what makes her our face.
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