Jesse Johanning
Creative Director · Designer
In their own words
Nightlife in the Midwest United States is heavily entrenched in this DIY grassroots ethos. Punk shows are still in basements, raves are thrown in warehouses, and community/relatability is tantamount to a healthy scene here.
We wanted the foundation of the brand to feel unrestricted, expressive, free. It had to be something that upon a first glance could give people a 'Yeah, you can dance here' kind of vibe.
Articles & interviews
- JesseJessi Revamps Tschüss Club Identity with Dance-Ready Energy
The Brand Identity features JesseJessi’s branding for Tschüss, an underground bar and club in St. Louis inspired by Berlin’s nightlife. Led by Creative Director Jesse Johanning and Art Director Nick Hum, the identity uses expressive brush lettering, gritty textures, and dotted-line graphics to reflect the club’s DIY and inclusive spirit. The design balances raw energy with structured elements, capturing the essence of both Midwestern and European club culture.
- Jessi Brattengeier Discusses Design Culture at The New York Times on Podcast
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Jessi Brattengeier, Creative Director at The New York Times, discussing her approach to design leadership, internal branding, and creative culture at the publication. She also talks about her independent studio JesseJessi, co-run with Jesse Johanning, and their work for Elizabeth Roberts Architects. The conversation explores balancing creativity, leadership, and self-worth in the design industry.