Standing Out in 2025

Anna Cottis on the Future of Branding

An interview with Anna Cottis. Director,Photographer, and Co-Founder I Berlin, Germany

1) Branding in 2025 isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about identity. What separates forgettable visuals from those that truly shape culture?

Visuals that shape culture go beyond eye candy—they’re about raw storytelling, distinct personalities, and unyielding purpose. It’s not just about snapping a cool image; it’s about capturing a brand’s soul and sparking genuine emotional connections. When every visual resonates with core values and narrative, it doesn’t merely captivate—it leaves a legacy that invites people to live the brand.

2) How do you create work that stands out in a world where brands are competing for attention every second?

Standing out means being true to yourself, it’s not about competing. When you know your purpose and infuse everything you do with love, passion, vulnerability, and hard work, you naturally win. In a world of full exposure, we choose what to reveal. Embracing vulnerability is a strength; it deepens connections and lets your authentic voice shine. Anchored in your purpose, you can adapt and innovate without chasing trends. Any brand or creative can stand out when they honor who they truly are. 

3) In an era of AI-generated content and algorithm-driven aesthetics, how do you keep your work human and emotionally resonant?

In an era dominated by AI and algorithm-driven aesthetics, I keep my work human by centering it around genuine emotion and real experiences. I focus on unscripted moments and raw interactions that capture life's unpredictable beauty—elements no algorithm can replicate. I don't really think about AI; it doesn't distract me. I do what I do and I will keep doing it. The only way to keep art truly human is to be deeply connected to your work and love what you do. While AI can experiment with data, it lacks the conscious and subconscious mind that fuels creativity–at the end of the day, it’s just another tool in my tool box. Each session becomes a collaborative dialogue, ensuring the final work is filled with emotional depth and a distinctly personal touch.  

4) What’s a project where you had to fight for a creative vision—and how did it change the outcome? 

I always fight for my creative vision-that’s my job, and why I’m here. Many clients come in with a vague idea of what they need for their branding or photoshoot, often not knowing exactly what they want. That’s where I step in. I remind them why they started and help them reconnect with the true purpose behind the project. People choose specific artists because they trust what we do—because our work not only catches the eye but touches the soul. Even when they're hesitant or scared, they trust our vision and passion. It’s all about being confident in your ideas and unwavering in your creativity. The result? A project that leaves everyone happy and profoundly grateful. 

5) Collaboration today means working across disciplines. How do you make sure different creative minds—photographers, designers, strategists—align into one unified vision?

I naturally attract a team that's on the same wavelength—photographers, designers, strategists, makeup artists, hair artists, stylists, models, and everyone helping on set—all with unique strengths and visions. We come into the room with a sense of unity, not as isolated individuals, but as a creative collective—a single organism. It's like a game of ping-pong, where ideas bounce back and forth, sparking new possibilities and perspectives. Every voice counts, and together we converge on that singular vision, creating something profound. We wouldn't be where we are without each other. We are one, and together we create beyond what any of us could alone.

6) The lines between art and commerce have never been blurrier. How do you create visuals that are both creatively disruptive and commercially successful? 

I view art and commerce as naturally interwoven. My approach is to craft visuals that marry artistic expression with commercial strategy—demonstrating that the two can coexist and even amplify each other. By consistently grounding every piece in the brand's core identity, I ensure that each creation disrupts the norm while building trust and continuity. The result is work that captivates and converts, proving that creativity, when executed with consistency, is a powerful driver of success. 

7) Every brand wants to ‘break through the noise,’ but few actually do. What’s your process for building a visual identity that cuts through the oversaturation?

My process starts with distilling a brand’s true DNA—its quiet, defined essence that sets it apart. Instead of trying to shout over the noise, I craft a visual identity that speaks with clarity and confidence. I focus on subtle, thoughtful details in composition, lighting, and narrative, creating images that resonate deeply and unmistakably without overwhelming. By honing in on the brand’s core purpose, I produce work that cuts through oversaturation with understated power and timeless definition. In a world obsessed with loud proclamations, this quiet precision makes all the difference. 

8. Creativity thrives on risk—but clients don’t always want to take risks. How do you push bold ideas while keeping brands on board? 

Creativity thrives on risk, but I understand that clients don’t always want to leap without seeing the full picture. My approach is to pitch bold ideas that are not only innovative but also aligned with their brand’s core values. I take them by the hand and holistically lead them through the creative process, using my taste, vision, and expertise to reassure them. I show them how these daring moves not only push boundaries but elevate their brand in meaningful ways. By cultivating trust and demonstrating how the risks will pay off, I keep them confident and fully connected to the journey.

9) What’s one creative principle you swear by that has shaped your entire approach to branding and storytelling?

No compromise is the principle that drives my entire approach. I believe every brand deserves an uncompromised vision—a narrative that's bold, authentic, and presented in its purest form. I don’t settle for safe or watered-down ideas; I push boundaries and demand excellence in every detail. This unwavering commitment isn’t just in my work—it’s a way of life. When you're true to your heart and know exactly what you want to achieve, you make it happen. That's how I roll, ensuring every story I craft is as honest and impactful as the brand itself. 

10) Berlin is a city in constant flux—raw, unfiltered, and always at the edge of cultural change. It’s where underground movements become global trends, and where rules don’t matter as much as ideas. How has living and working in Berlin shaped your creative world, and where is it pushing you next? 

Berlin is a whole different world. It gave me everything at once—shaping me not just as an artist, but as a human. This city is a playground for artists; it pulls you in, tears down the facades you hide behind, and forces you to confront your true self. To live here, you must let go of anything that holds you back and be willing to step boldly into the unknown. Berlin challenges you to stand firm, chart your own course, and embrace the unpredictable journey ahead. You never quite know where it will push you next, but that's exactly what makes it so transformative.

Anna Cottis is a Director, Photographer, and Co-Founder of Studio Cottis&Co, based in Berlin, Germany.

Website
Instagram