One of Lithuania’s oldest banks, Šiaulių Bankas, has announced a major update and a name change to Artea. The new stage in its history is accompanied by a brand identity created by the agency and studio. The idea behind the rebranding is the desire to move beyond a regional image and establish the status of a national-level bank.
The name Artea reflects the idea of closeness, both physical and emotional. The bank, which has the largest branch network in the country, now focuses not on the number of branches but on the quality of human interaction. The new name conveys openness, attentiveness to people, and adaptation to modern digital realities.
The logo has become more concise and taken on a new form. Instead of the previous “SB” monogram, there is now a symbol in the form of an abstract letter “a” with slanted geometry. It looks strict yet expressive, emphasizing Artea’s modern approach to banking services and customer interaction.
The visual identity is based on Lithuanian folk patterns reinterpreted into a system of diamonds arranged at a 45-degree angle. The modular structure is used across all applications and ensures stylistic unity. The color palette is built on deep shades of blue that create a restrained and contemporary impression, avoiding traditional folk tones and standard financial clichés.
Illustrations created by Lithuanian artists combine different techniques, from rich drawings to precise isometric compositions. They add warmth and humanity to the brand, balancing the logo’s strict form.
There is some ambiguity in the typography, where the combination of serif and sans-serif fonts creates a slight visual dissonance. The design of the credit cards turned out particularly successful. It looks modern, reserved, and aligned with the digital finance context.
The transformation into Artea marks a step toward a modern banking experience that combines technology, local heritage, and a sincere focus on people.