The Roundup
A new identity for Kia's in-vehicle AI assistant; the benefits of honing a wide set of creative skills; and what we've been playing, reading, and listening to lately.
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the Pencils Down Roundup! We hit the ground running this year — check out this selection of our latest work and musings.
WHAT WE’RE THINKING ABOUT
The Future Belongs to the Creative Generalists
Michelle Higa Fox, Group Creative Director of Experience, writes about how adopting a generalist set of skills can help keep creatives afloat in the age of AI and an ever-changing industry.
Read Michelle’s piece and more in It’s Nice That’s “Forward Thinking” series.
ICYMI
2026 Calendar
We made a 2026 Calendar fully designed in Cavalry! 22 BUCKers contributed designs, giving both experts and novices an opportunity to experiment with the software. Check out how we made it 👇
100% of sales price (minus government tax) goes to No Kid Hungry. Due to high international shipping costs, shipping is only available in the continental U.S.
NEW WORK SPOTLIGHT
Kia AI Assistant
In a world increasingly congested with chattering AI assistants, it takes a distinct design language and sharp functionality to stand out.
We partnered with the Kia brand team to build the identity of the AI assistant for their latest lineup of vehicles, channeling Kia’s new identity, values, and vision.
IN THE NEWS
Camille Chu on Crafting Distinct Brand Identities
Camille Chu, Group Creative Director, spoke with The Subthread about her approach to crafting wide-scale systems for brands, from building true chemistry with brand partners to leveraging AI in the exploration phase.
MORE NEW WORK
WHAT WE’RE INTO
We’re leaning on cool people to share what they’re into right now. This month, Esther Beije, Junior 3D Designer + Animator at BUCK Amsterdam, is here to tell us what she’s loving recently.
Playing: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Reading: The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
Listening: Solitude by Billie Holiday
Thanks for reading! If you like what you see here, don’t forget to subscribe, and we’ll see you next time.