Minneapolis branding and packaging studio with one published dental identity project
About Wink
Wink is a design studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 2000 by Richard Boynton and Scott Thares. The two met while working at the local firm Design Guys. The Walker Art Center hosted the pair in its 2006 design lecture series. Wink is a multidisciplinary studio that aims to influence both commerce and culture. Wink is a branding and packaging studio, not a search marketing agency. Its published work focuses on identity, packaging, catalogues and campaigns.
The studio's client list is mostly retail and consumer brands. Clients include Target, Marshall Field's, Nike, American Eagle Outfitters, Turner Classic Movies, The New York Times, Chronicle Books and MTV. Its portfolio adds work for Thymes, Blu Dot, Minnetonka Moccasins, Benefit Cosmetics, Target Pharmacy and Scotts, among about 50 projects. Their work has appeared in Communication Arts, Print, Graphis, ID, HOW and STEP. They have received honours from AIGA, the Art Directors Club of New York and the Type Directors Club.
Their one published dental project is a rebrand for ADT Dental, a long-running practice in Uptown Minneapolis. The practice name comes from the owner's initials, and the practice needed updated branding. The new identity was built around its idea of prevention through art, science and compassion. The deliverables shown are a logo, stationery and envelopes, postcards, business cards, buttons and sign applications. ADT Dental was founded by Dr Adele Della Torre, who began practising in 1989. In 2023 it joined Apple Tree Dental together with Ready, Set, Smile, a children's oral health nonprofit she co-founded.
For a dental practice, Wink's value is in naming, logo and identity systems, and in printed and environmental pieces that carry a brand into the office. Nothing in their published work points to SEO, Google Business Profile work, review management, paid search or ongoing digital marketing. A practice wanting more patients from search would need a separate SEO provider. Wink fits a practice launching a new brand or refreshing an old one before handing it to a marketing agency.
Wink does not publish prices, contract terms or team size.
Wink's Dental SEO Page
Wink at a Glance
| Founded | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Leadership | Richard Boynton (co-founder); Scott Thares (co-founder) |
| Languages | English |
| Pricing | $1,500-$3,000/month · $100-$150/hr |
Dental Marketing Services
- Brand identity and rebranding
- logo design
- stationery and business cards
- postcards and printed collateral
- signage applications
Dental Clients & Results
- ADT Dental: brand update covering logo, stationery, postcards, business cards, buttons and signage
Dental Practices They Have Worked With
- ADT Dental (Minneapolis)
Why Dentists Choose Wink
- Two named dental brand projects
- Naming and identity specialist
- Minneapolis-based
- Good for startups
- Health nonprofit experience
Key Strengths
- Defines a practice's brand positioning, tone and voice before design begins
- Designs practice signage and in-office environments as part of the brand system
- Takes practice brands through a four-stage research, collaboration, design and execution process
Awards & Recognition
- Honours from AIGA, Art Directors Club of New York and Type Directors Club
- work featured in Communication Arts, Print, Graphis, ID, HOW and STEP
How the DSA Score Breaks Down
Points earned: 17.6 of 100 (profile 22 × 0.8 + client feedback 0). DSA Score: 84/100
Where Wink Is Listed
Questions Dentists Ask About Wink
Does Wink offer dental SEO?
No. SEO and search marketing are not among their published services. Wink is a branding and packaging studio, so a practice would need a separate SEO provider.
Have they branded a dental practice before?
Yes. Their portfolio includes a brand update for ADT Dental in Minneapolis, covering the logo, stationery, postcards, business cards, buttons and signage.
Who runs Wink?
Wink was founded in 2000 in Minneapolis by Richard Boynton and Scott Thares, who met at the design firm Design Guys.
What kind of clients do they usually work with?
Mostly retail and consumer brands, including Target, Marshall Field's, American Eagle Outfitters, Thymes and Blu Dot.
Reviews of Wink
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