Los Angeles-based integrated agency Mocean has launched design and branding studio +Mode. Kevin Lau and Allyson Nevil will lead the new endeavor as executive creative director and executive producer, respectively. 

Lau mostly recently was at Digital Domain, which he joined in 2020 as executive creative director. In 2013, he co-founded design and production company Timber. Prior to that, he worked as creative director for such production companies as Brand New School, Motion Theory and Mirado. He also was an original member of design and live-action production company Superfad. He has done creative work for such brands as Target, Visa, AT&T, Sprint and Coca-Cola. 

“Mocean is truly a full-service agency, from strategy to execution. It has the right environment to create that best-of-breed shop to deliver nimble and fresh work, while taking on large projects and big ideas,” said Lau in a statement. “Today's consumer is more aware of the fact that they are being marketed to. We understand that good design is the first touch point to sow the seeds of what a brand stands for and how people recognize them in the marketplace.”

Nevil comes to Mocean and +Mode after working as a producer in branding, design and VFX across Troika, Method Studios, MPC, Warner Bros. and Rhythm & Hues, working for such clients as Sofi, Acura, Cars.com, Travelers, Emerald Nuts, Capital One, Pepsi, Levi's, Toyota and more. Prior to working in advertising, she supervised post-production for multiple Bruckheimer/Warner Bros. productions. 

“These days, brand equity is more vital than ever. In our current culture it's not just important for a company to have a good product or service, but they must also have a strong brand and brand proposition that consumers can buy into. People want to feel good about how they are spending their hard-earned money,” said Nevil, also in a statement. “Our goal is to plug into internal agencies and teams to offer a unique perspective that is conscious of the larger picture while providing a fresh take.”

Lau and Nevil will +Mode by Mocean and its team out of Los Angeles.