Drawn with intentional imperfection, the handshake grounds Kaplan Brehm in tradition. It points toward a future shaped by shared excellence—a foundation built on mutual respect, trust, and partnership.
The image system balances emotion and precision. It captures the intensity of performance where excellence is instinctual and never rests. In contrast, still-life ear studies refocus on listening, drawing out the subtlety that shape a sound. Together, these treatments reflect a simple belief—mastery is both seen and heard.
The icon system was inspired by traditional hallmarks, historic engravings once used to denote authenticity on fine brass instruments. For Kaplan Brehm we wanted to carry that legacy into the modern age.
Typography was treated like musical phrasing, with shifting type and rhythm adding expression and energy to every message.
Portraiture and documentation were approached with a grounded, unvarnished style that feels true to life, capturing the everyday reality of musicians.
Portrait captured by Kat Miller
Together with
Gavin Brehm
Jon Kaplan
Special thanks
Adron Blount
Fonts
ABC Oracle Triple ABC Dinamo
Shinka Mono Aeiou Tools
Reform-Grotesk Forgotten Shapes