Fusing Banking and Cultural Heritage: Artea by andstudio

Artea marks a pivotal transformation for Šiaulių Bankas, a long-standing regional bank evolving into a modern, nationally relevant financial brand. The rebrand, created by Vilnius-based agency andstudio, builds on decades of personal service and community trust while carrying forward the institution’s original “Arčiau” (“closer”) strategy. It reinterprets this heritage as a forward-looking expression of proximity, movement, and ambition. The name itself—derived from “artėja” (“it is coming closer”)—captures both human connection and strategic momentum.

In Lithuania, banking is largely dominated by foreign institutions, while younger customers demand digital-first services paired with contemporary design. Šiaulių Bankas faced the challenge of remaining trustworthy and ambitious, yet appealing to new demographics. With Artea, andstudio delivered a brand identity capable of embodying national pride, scalability, and modern relevance.

To achieve this, andstudio developed a design system rooted in Lithuanian cultural heritage. Drawing from traditional patterns across different regions, the team abstracted and refined these motifs into a modular visual language. Complementing this system, Lithuanian illustrators - Lina Disciplina, Arūnas Kačinskas, and Liudas Barkauskas - created bespoke illustrations that interpret the bank’s services in a relatable, human way—transforming financial offerings into stories of everyday meaning. This system not only informs the identity’s flexible applications but also shapes the distinctive custom “a” logo.

The visual identity balances modernity with authenticity: a blue palette signals clarity and technological readiness, while avoiding both the coldness of financial sterility and the clichés of folklore. Subtle structural nuances differentiate retail and premium segments, yet the system ensures a unified brand presence. By weaving cultural authenticity into a digital framework, Artea emerges as a credible Lithuanian alternative in a competitive market.

The rebrand’s impact was immediate. When presented to shareholders on Nasdaq, Artea’s stock price surged to the second-highest point in its history—an unmistakable sign of confidence in the bank’s new direction. Beyond optics, the refreshed identity signals a strategic shift: from regional relevance to national leadership. Artea’s long-term goals include doubling its business clients to 40,000 and reaching one million private accounts by 2029. The identity also strengthens the bank’s partnerships with technological leaders like Validata and Temenos, positioning Artea as a forward-thinking institution built for scalable growth in the digital era.

Fusing Banking and Cultural Heritage: Artea by andstudio

Artea marks a pivotal transformation for Šiaulių Bankas, a long-standing regional bank evolving into a modern, nationally relevant financial brand. The rebrand, created by Vilnius-based agency andstudio, builds on decades of personal service and community trust while carrying forward the institution’s original “Arčiau” (“closer”) strategy. It reinterprets this heritage as a forward-looking expression of proximity, movement, and ambition. The name itself—derived from “artėja” (“it is coming closer”)—captures both human connection and strategic momentum.

In Lithuania, banking is largely dominated by foreign institutions, while younger customers demand digital-first services paired with contemporary design. Šiaulių Bankas faced the challenge of remaining trustworthy and ambitious, yet appealing to new demographics. With Artea, andstudio delivered a brand identity capable of embodying national pride, scalability, and modern relevance.

To achieve this, andstudio developed a design system rooted in Lithuanian cultural heritage. Drawing from traditional patterns across different regions, the team abstracted and refined these motifs into a modular visual language. Complementing this system, Lithuanian illustrators - Lina Disciplina, Arūnas Kačinskas, and Liudas Barkauskas - created bespoke illustrations that interpret the bank’s services in a relatable, human way—transforming financial offerings into stories of everyday meaning. This system not only informs the identity’s flexible applications but also shapes the distinctive custom “a” logo.

The visual identity balances modernity with authenticity: a blue palette signals clarity and technological readiness, while avoiding both the coldness of financial sterility and the clichés of folklore. Subtle structural nuances differentiate retail and premium segments, yet the system ensures a unified brand presence. By weaving cultural authenticity into a digital framework, Artea emerges as a credible Lithuanian alternative in a competitive market.

The rebrand’s impact was immediate. When presented to shareholders on Nasdaq, Artea’s stock price surged to the second-highest point in its history—an unmistakable sign of confidence in the bank’s new direction. Beyond optics, the refreshed identity signals a strategic shift: from regional relevance to national leadership. Artea’s long-term goals include doubling its business clients to 40,000 and reaching one million private accounts by 2029. The identity also strengthens the bank’s partnerships with technological leaders like Validata and Temenos, positioning Artea as a forward-thinking institution built for scalable growth in the digital era.