While San Diego may be known for its oceanfront vistas and iconic surf culture, the city is also renowned for its diverse arts scene. From the painted murals in North Park to the sculptures in East Village, San Diego seems to never lack in eclecticism. The city hosts some of the state’s most popular art exhibits as well as a flourishing brewery and restaurant culture, all of which has solidified San Diego’s global significance.
In a city where art and innovation is central to its identity, San Diego is naturally home to countless creative and design agencies that focus on bringing brands’ visions to life in unique ways. At these agencies, individuality lies at the heart of their operations, serving as the inspiration for brand cultivation. For both local and global businesses, San Diego’s creative professionals can help them discover their own unique voices and amplify them, giving them the chance to more closely connect with audiences. Here’s a look at 13 creative and design agencies in San Diego that excel in the art of creative expression.
Creative + Design Agencies in San Diego to Know
- LESS+MORE
- Caava Design
- MiresBall
- Grizzly
- Alfa Charlie Creative Agency
- Mentus
- Experiences for Mankind
Founded: 2013
What they do: Oui Will specializes in accelerating brands and building disruptive digital products. With a focus on creating modern experiences for purpose-driven brands, the company offers a variety of services such as market and landscape research, consumer experience and brand strategy, audience and ethnography, in-store and experiential design, content production and brand design. Oui Will’s mission is to develop digital experiences that make an impact, shape culture and connect people.
Who they work with: Rivian, Kanarys, RappiPay and Unspun.
Founded: 2013
What they do: Orca Creative Agency focuses on delivering customized branding strategies tailored to each client’s specific business needs. The agency’s specialties include brand strategy, content creation, graphic design, social media marketing, web redesign, logo design and website security. Orca Creative Agency is driven by the aim to help brands thrive in the digital space.
Who they work with: Escondido Education Foundation, Casei and The Bascom Group.
Founded: 2006
What they do: Founded by Steve Secviar and Mike Savacool, LESS+MORE is a creative agency that works with a diverse range of clients. The company provides a variety of services including market research, brand positioning, visual identity, content development, retail and packaging, print design and strategic direction. LESS+MORE is dedicated to creating branding strategies that deliver tangible results for its clients.
Who they work with: Qualcomm, Illumina, NBCUniversal and ScoreShuttle.
Founded: 2004
What they do: A7D Creative Group is a graphic design agency that specializes in hospitality marketing. The agency offers services such as restaurant brand development, menu designs, web design, social media campaign development, and grand format stadium suite designs and installation. A7D Creative Group is driven by the aim to drive consumer behavior through the creation of smart marketing programs.
Who they work with: Retailers, restaurants and bars.
Founded: 2017
What they do: Launched by Kimberly Gilroy and Reva Green, Alfa Charlie Creative Agency is a creative studio dedicated to strengthening brands through meaningful designs. The agency focuses on a wide range of services including brand tone and voice, packaging design, copywriting, art direction, UX design and videography. Alfa Charlie Creative Agency’s client base spans a variety of sectors such as hospitality, retail and tech.
Who they work with: Rhum Bar, Symbiotic Training, Diamond Solutions and SCALE San Diego.
Founded: 2010
What they do: Caava Design is a multi-disciplinary graphic design company that focuses on the development of brand, interactive and packaging experiences. The company’s specialties include business strategy, web design, packaging design, mobile app development, art direction and social media marketing. Caava Design’s aim is to build trust and understanding between brands and their customers.
Who they work with: Cozzee Coffee, Host & Porter, Buena Cerveza and Viia CBD.
Founded: 2006
What they do: Experia Creative is a full-service creative agency that specializes in graphic design and branding. The agency offers a wide range of services such as web design, logo design, social media marketing, print media, packaging design and product photography. Experia Creative is committed to developing solutions that elevate brand awareness and deliver positive brand experiences.
Who they work with: Community West, Honey Oil and Allen Construction.
Founded: 2005
What they do: Traina Design is a full-service strategic branding firm committed to creating work that yields market success. The firm offers a wide range of services such as brand strategy and identity, web design, content strategy, CMS integration, retailing and merchandising, packaging and launch strategy. Boasting a diverse client base, Traina Design is guided by the aim to craft authentic brand experiences that engage and inspire audiences.
Who they work with: Facebook, Microsoft, Cisco, HP and 23andMe.
Founded: 1985
What they do: MiresBall is a design agency that works with a variety of global brands. Focusing on brand strategy and activation, the agency provides a broad range of strategies including visual identity, packaging, web design, event production, photography and videography, research and style guidelines. MiresBall is dedicated to helping its clients effectively reach their audiences and foster engagement.
Who they work with: Intel, Lofta, Jetty Extracts and Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
Founded: 1983
What they do: Mentus is a design agency that offers a variety of strategies primarily for U.S. public companies. The agency specializes in brand identity and messaging, annual reports, investor communications, environmental graphics, corporate web development, email campaigns, media planning and buying, and videography. Mentus’ mission is to deliver work that clearly communicates a brand’s vision through iconic design and visual storytelling.
Who they work with: Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Aramark and APWireless.
Founded: 2013
What they do: Grizzly is an independent creative agency that uses storytelling to move companies, categories and culture forward. The agency’s capabilities include research and insights, persona development, brand voice and messaging, UI / UX design, script writing, campaign development, social management, pop-ups and experiential marketing. Grizzly is committed to building brand experiences that connect people and inspire action.
Who they work with: WeWork, Nutanix, Slalom and Gordon Rush.
Founded: 1997
What they do: Experiences for Mankind is a creative consultancy that focuses on design and customer experience. The agency offers a variety of services such as customer insights, stakeholder workshops, brand architecture, pilot programs, digital product design, creative storytelling and video production. Experiences for Mankind works with clients from a diverse range of industries including tech, retail, hospitality and education.
Who they work with: Sony, Lytx, Astroglide and The Vision Council.
Founded: 2013
What they do: Victory Creative is a full-service digital agency that specializes in creative e-commerce and growth marketing. The agency focuses on strategies such as e-commerce web development, UI / UX design, branding, graphic design, content strategy, email marketing, paid search and analytics. Backed by a global client base, Victory Creative is dedicated to connecting people to brands and inspiring action.
Who they work with: Bai, Petco, Spindrift and Razor.
