We sponsored our first event…. And what an event. The Dave Dovey North Island Endurance Race
History
Welcome to Wise Studios, where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine to shape exceptional branding and signage solutions. With a rich history dating back to our establishment in 1986 as Signwise, we have been at the forefront of the industry, continuously evolving and adapting to meet the needs of our clients.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw1986.webp)
1986
Wise Studios has a rich history that traces back to 1986 when it initially opened its doors in Auckland under the name Signwise. With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for creativity, we quickly established ourselves as a leading provider of signage and branding solutions. Our logo was designed alongside the inception of the very first Signwise studio. It featured the image of an owl, symbolising our expertise and wisdom as sign makers. During that era, traditional brushwork was the primary method used for branding, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jay-painting-upscaled.webp)
1996
In 1996, we extended our footprint to the capital city, Wellington, opening another studio to cater to the growing demand for our services. This expansion allowed us to collaborate with businesses, forging partnerships that would enhance their identities and strengthen their market presence.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw-car-upscaled.webp)
2004
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2016.webp)
2016
In 2016 our logo received some more tweaks, dropping the red altogether and reducing the weight of the text portion to give an overall more corporate feel. A geometric pattern design was also added for use as a backdrop element.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microsoftteams-image.webp)
1986
Wise Studios has a rich history that traces back to 1986 when it initially opened its doors in Auckland under the name Signwise. With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for creativity, we quickly established ourselves as a leading provider of signage and branding solutions. Our logo was designed alongside the inception of the very first Signwise studio. It featured the image of an owl, symbolising our expertise and wisdom as sign makers. During that era, traditional brushwork was the primary method used for branding, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw1998.jpeg)
1986
In the late 90s, we decided to give our branding a revitalisation. During this time, the owl icon underwent an update to reflect the industry’s shift towards digital technology. Additionally, we made minor adjustments to the logo itself, aligning it with the evolving industry standards. Along with these changes, we introduced a new tagline that captured the essence of our transformation from traditional brushwork to a more modern and dynamic approach.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw2006.webp)
2006
In 2006, as we entered the new millennium, we unveiled the third iteration of our logo, embracing a simplified design to achieve a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic. This update involved the addition of green as a new primary colour, complementing the original blue and infusing our branding with a fresh vibrancy. Meanwhile, the red element transitioned into a more subdued role, symbolizing the logo’s evolution into this modern version while maintaining a connection to our roots. The result was a logo that reflected our commitment to staying current and relevant in the ever-changing landscape of design and branding.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wise.webp)
2023
In 2023, Signwise recognised the need for a new kind of sign supplier—one that could offer clients more than just beautiful signs. This led to the birth of Wise Studios, an innovative and all-encompassing agency dedicated to making our clients’ lives easier. With design at the core of our approach, we craft new brands, rebrand large corporates, and provide in-house industrial design expertise. Our visually stunning signs and wayfinding systems are not only easy to read and understand but also engineered for strength and durability.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw1986.webp)
1986
Wise Studios has a rich history that traces back to 1986 when it initially opened its doors in Auckland under the name Signwise. With a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for creativity, we quickly established ourselves as a leading provider of signage and branding solutions. Our logo was designed alongside the inception of the very first Signwise studio. It featured the image of an owl, symbolising our expertise and wisdom as sign makers. During that era, traditional brushwork was the primary method used for branding, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microsoftteams-image.webp)
1987
Driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to collaborate with clients, we expanded our reach and proudly established our Christchurch studio, where our team of dedicated craftsmen continued to bring brands to new heights through their artistic expertise.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jay-painting-upscaled.webp)
1987
In 1996, we extended our footprint to the capital city, Wellington, opening another studio to cater to the growing demand for our services. This expansion allowed us to collaborate with businesses, forging partnerships that would enhance their identities and strengthen their market presence.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw1998.jpeg)
1987
In the late 90s, we decided to give our branding a revitalisation. During this time, the owl icon underwent an update to reflect the industry’s shift towards digital technology. Additionally, we made minor adjustments to the logo itself, aligning it with the evolving industry standards. Along with these changes, we introduced a new tagline that captured the essence of our transformation from traditional brushwork to a more modern and dynamic approach.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw-car-upscaled.webp)
2004
We sponsored our first event…. And what an event. The Dave Dovey North Island Endurance Race
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sw2006.webp)
2006
In 2006, as we entered the new millennium, we unveiled the third iteration of our logo, embracing a simplified design to achieve a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic. This update involved the addition of green as a new primary colour, complementing the original blue and infusing our branding with a fresh vibrancy. Meanwhile, the red element transitioned into a more subdued role, symbolizing the logo’s evolution into this modern version while maintaining a connection to our roots. The result was a logo that reflected our commitment to staying current and relevant in the ever-changing landscape of design and branding.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2016.webp)
2006
In 2016 our logo received some more tweaks, dropping the red altogether and reducing the weight of the text portion to give an overall more corporate feel. A geometric pattern design was also added for use as a backdrop element.
![](https://wisestudios.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wise.webp)
2023
In 2023, Signwise recognised the need for a new kind of sign supplier—one that could offer clients more than just beautiful signs. This led to the birth of Wise Studios, an innovative and all-encompassing agency dedicated to making our clients’ lives easier. With design at the core of our approach, we craft new brands, rebrand large corporates, and provide in-house industrial design expertise. Our visually stunning signs and wayfinding systems are not only easy to read and understand but also engineered for strength and durability.