WHAT WE DO
Branding
We build brands. Brands build business. That’s because when you know who you are and what you stand for, you tell a consistent story that is grounded in what you do better than your competitors.
Brand Strategy
Brand strategy is the foundation on which every brand is built. It answers the question, what do you stand for?
Start by defining your essence. In other words, what’s the one thing you want to be known for? Maybe it’s safety (Volvo), maybe it’s performance (BMW), or maybe it’s magic (Disney).
Once you know what your essence is, you can use it to build your brand. It informs your brand positioning, your brand pillars (your 3-4 differentiators), and your brand identity—both verbal and visual.
Some brands do research first, to understand what the market cares about and then they align their strengths to that. This is highly recommended, but at the very least, during a brand strategy engagement we conduct due diligence and look at your competitive set to determine where there is room to stand out in the market. And then we build your brand strategy from there.
Verbal and Visual Identity
Your verbal and visual identity should reflect what you stand for. If you stand for safety, for instance, your brand will look and sound very different from a brand that’s all about adventure.
A verbal identity includes your brand story, tone of voice, and foundational messaging while the visual identity typically includes your logo, colors, typography, graphic elements, and any other visual elements that become the foundation of your look and feel.
Naming and Logo Design
Naming should be part of your brand strategy if you’re creating a new brand or considering a refresh. A good name follows various best practices, including being easy to pronounce, easy to spell, and reflective of your brand. It should also not be trademarked by a competitor in your industry, or trademark class. We partner with a law firm that specializes in naming to ensure the names we present to you are potentially legally available.
Logo design goes hand in hand when you are developing a name. The design should be timeless, reflective of the brand, and easy to read—even when small.
Whether you pair naming and logo design together, or just need a name or refreshed logo, you can rest assured we have developed names and logos for everything from local businesses to national companies.
Why Local Tech Agility Matters
Many businesses depend on local insights to grow. That’s why when you work with a local team, you get strategies to move your business forward that you might not get from a firm across the country or the world. And while we work with many national brands, we are passionate about helping local businesses stand out in our community. From the West Loop to Western Springs, we've got both national expertise and local Chicago area knowledge that sets us apart.
Case Study Highlights
Peacefield Conflict Resolution
Hanson Legal Councel
Mutual Fund Firm
Horizon Wealth Management
Ready to define your brand’s next chapter?