Coffee Time with… maneuver

With every design, a story is told.  That’s exactly what our friends at maneuver do! We were able to share some coffee time with Dimitri and discuss what it’s like working at a brand and design agency.  Through our conversation, we discovered that it is so much more than just design– it is creating an identity.  The team at maneuver is just as passionate about the entrepreneurial spirit as we are and we are so glad that we get to provide them with fresh, delicious coffee to fuel their creative works!AD_maneuver_zelf_20150209_127

At maneuver…

What is your typical schedule at Maneuver?

As far as the typical schedule, we usually arrive at the office at 9AM and end our day at 6PM.  This depends, though. Everyone comes in at the same time, but it is not perfectly defined; some stay later and finish work, but it just depends. When I get home and the kids are in bed, I like to do some prep work for the next day.  These are my quiet hours to get more work done!

What inspired you to start a branding agency?

I started maneuver because I wanted to help brands deliver their story.  I observed how brands were doing it at the time and I wanted to define a new approach, or a new way of thinking.  I wanted to tell a better story.

Getting it Done

Where do your creative ideas come from?

Creative thinking – and working hard.  It starts when I’m just sitting at the table, and it’s always a work in progress.  I like to take a lot of time to really rethink the branding and model and to develop my ideas.

I see my work as more of a user-oriented process. I ask questions like, “What would work?” rather than “How should it look?”

What is your philosophy on creating a brand image?

Simplicity always works.  Iconic brands are always remembered– it’s a pure form of the brand.  It’s not just the logo.  There’s more to the brand than that! It could be a slogan, like Nike: Just do it.

For the Creatives

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in a career similar to yours?

This advice is for anyone in creative fields.  You always need to be yourself: that’s where your heart is.  Your passions grow from your childhood, and you get better with time at whatever it is that you love.  Your passions grow with you.  So, stick with what you love and be inspired by what is around you.

Who or what inspires you the most?

I really like to be inspired when I least expect it. In my work, I like to rethink my clients’ views of the world.  It’s wider than just branding– it’s how you can make people feel.  Architecture, art, music– every visual is inspiration.

I’m inspired by TED Talks, specifically Simon Sinek’s talks. He asks, “Why do we do what we do?” His talk is about how great leaders inspire action.

Lift Your Spirit: maneuver

Time for Some Coffee

What is your favorite coffee moment?

Mornings, definitely mornings.  I’m up early and enjoy these silent moments with coffee. It’s a moment to capture time.

How does coffee lift your spirit at work?

Now it’s a time to step away from my desk and rethink what I just did.  I can walk away from the screen and be more human again! I’d say it makes me more human-like.  When I share coffee with others, it’s a moment to chat, so it’s also social.

What made you start drinking coffee?

I started drinking it when I would be studying in high school.  I’ve always enjoyed the smell. Coffee helps me get into the rhythm of working.

What would your life be like without coffee?

I don’t know because at the moment there is coffee! I suppose there would have to be another drink or element that would have the same effect.  Not necessarily the coffee, must more of the moment. It could be another hot drink like tea, or a soup.  So maybe my life would be the same, but thank God for coffee!


You can see some of maneuver’s amazing work (including us!) on their website. In fact, you can check out their online portfolio here. We love seeing the creative concepts they come up with and the authentic results.

Is your office missing its morning pick-me-up? Let Apex provide your office with a delicious creative boost. Book a tasting and see how much of a difference good coffee can make for your business. We only use the best roasters and suppliers so that we can truly lift your spirits in the office; learn about the services we have available for you.


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