Between the craft breweries and the bookstores, Portland is undoubtedly a city built for creatives. Given Stumptown’s unparalleled quirkiness and reputation as a hipster mecca, it’s no surprise the city has been epitomized in a popular sketch comedy TV series. Portland is a city that stands on its own, and it’s for this reason that many entrepreneurs have decided to take their chances on its growing economy. In truth, despite its strong artistic identity, Portland plays host to some of the nation’s most promising tech startups. These up-and-coming tech leaders are tackling challenges across a wide range of sectors, making Portland a veritable tech hotspot.
Among the organizations that make up Portland’s thriving business community, many of them are dedicated to the art of branding. A marriage between tech and artistry, this nimble trade is one that caters to both small and large businesses seeking to either revamp their image or adopt a new one. Portland’s branding professionals know how to help any brand stand out from the crowd with eye-catching designs and unique marketing displays, giving them the tools they need to flourish. Take a look at these 14 Portland branding agencies empowering brands to thrive within their industries.
Portland Branding Agencies to Know
- Downstream
- GRAYBOX
- FINE
- Murmur Creative
- Nelson Cash
- Iris Creative Co.
- KindTyme
Founded: 2009
What they do: Founded by Paul Weinert, GRAYBOX is a digital consulting agency that focuses heavily on branded work. Their specialties include brand definition and positioning, copywriting, UI / UX design, e-commerce management, mobile app design and development, AR / VR, and managed cloud infrastructures and platforms. GRAYBOX’s client base spans a wide range of industries including retail, tech, manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare.
Who they work with: McDonald’s, Planful, PeaceHealth and Kaiser Permanente.
Founded: 1988
What they do: Downstream specializes in developing digitally augmented environments and public spaces for brands. The company focuses on building branded environments and immersive experiences, incorporating elements like data visualization, fan experiences, intelligent environments, storytelling and interactivity. Downstream works with a variety of clients ranging from sports organizations to global corporations.
Who they work with: Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, IBM, Oracle and Harvard University.
Founded: 2016
What they do: XO Agency is dedicated to building and communicating brands from a variety of sectors. The agency offers a broad range of services such as campaign development, web and app visual design, customer research, content strategy, brand positioning and program roadmapping. XO Agency’s aim is to build each brand in the context of how it will be experienced while giving them everything they need to hit the market.
Who they work with: RISE Partnership, MicroMentor, Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and The Wiseman Group.
Founded: 1994
What they do: FINE is a branding agency committed to helping its clients navigate the digital age. The firm focuses on brand strategy, tactical roadmaps, naming and messaging, visual identity, digital development and brand stewardship. FINE’s past work includes a brand design and technology initiative on behalf of micromobility platform Lime and a brand playbook for boutique hospitality company Kimpton Hotels.
Who they work with: Apple, Lime, Kimpton Hotels, Bode, L’Oreal and Northland Controls.
Founded: 2007
What they do: Parliament is a creative studio that focuses on positioning and marketing brands. The studio’s expertise encompasses brand positioning, consumer touchpoints, graphic design, copywriting, campaign development, brand assessment, video production and consumer analysis. In the past, Parliament has worked with clients to design promotional merchandise and develop strategic brand platforms.
Who they work with: Uber, Rainier Beer, Rivian, Leupold, Corkcicle and Clif Bar.
Founded: 2007
What they do: Murmur Creative is an integrated branding agency that focuses on a variety of creative and design strategies. The agency provides a wide range of services such as brand strategy, logo design, content strategy, UI / UX, photography, packaging design and brand guidelines. Murmur Creative works primarily with startups, food and beverage companies, and nonprofits.
Who they work with: Sasquatch Brewing, Perch Furniture, Jama Software, Becker Capital and Corsair Distillery.
Founded: 2011
What they do: Nelson Cash is a design company committed to helping its clients transform business by quickly getting to market. The company specializes in a variety of services including product strategy, design systems development, website design, data visualization, experimentation, brand definition and digital concept development. Nelson Cash serves organizations from a broad range of sectors including tech, entertainment and retail.
Who they work with: Google, Mercari, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Consider and FICO.
Founded: Unavailable
What they do: Lazaris is an independent brand design studio dedicated to translating brand experiences across all medium types. The studio’s specialties include brand discovery, interior and environmental design, brand architecture, photography, design systems and brand strategy. In the past, Lazaris has collaborated with brands to design physical spaces, develop mobile apps and create packaging designs.
Who they work with: Twitch, Dell, Pfizer, The Muse, Reflektive and Sorbo Tequila.
Founded: 2013
What they do: KindTyme is a creative agency that specifically serves organizations within the cannabis industry. With a focus on visual and auditory experiences, the agency offers services such as branding, packaging design, web design and development, social media marketing, animation and SEO. KindTyme also specializes in promotional materials, commercial photography and video production.
Who they work with: Apollo Grown, Oath Insurance, Capital Cannabis, 7 Point Law and Direct Cannabis Network.
Founded: 2018
What they do: Herefor is a design studio that focuses on building visual identities through print and digital mediums. The studio’s capabilities include brand naming, packaging design, copywriting, illustration, web design and art direction. Herefor’s client base spans a variety of industries including tech, cannabis, and food and beverage.
Who they work with: Bondai, Kombucha Culture, Lady Jane, PiperWai and Muniq.
Founded: 2014
What they do: Iris Creative Co. is a design agency that caters specifically to companies driven by sustainability, equity and community. With an emphasis on digital brand solutions, the company offers a wide range of services including brand strategy, web and mobile app design, brand guidelines, email marketing, photography, infographic design, social media and iconography. Iris Creative Co.’s ultimate aim is to create compelling digital experiences for driven brands.
Who they work with: Skyline Renewables, Vibrant Village Foundation, Paramount Salon and the Gorge Wellness Alliance.
Founded: 2016
What they do: Room Service Creative is dedicated to designing and executing brands, content and environments. The studio’s specialties include brand positioning, consumer research, social media, content strategy, visual identity, product design, videography, interior design and event activation. Room Service Creative serves organizations from a variety of industries including hospitality, retail, and food and beverage.
Who they work with: Marriott, Dossier, Press Release Coffee + Food, Record Endz and Revolution Design House.
Founded: 2010
What they do: Sheepscot Creative is a communications agency that focuses on branding. The agency specializes in web design, videography and photography, campaign development, and print and digital ads. Sheepscot Creative works primarily with organizations dedicated to sustainability, arts, education and community wellness.
Who they work with: Adventures Without Limits, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Oregon Cultural Trust and Wallowa Resources.
Founded: 2012
What they do: Empire Green Creative is a creative agency dedicated to helping brands translate their ethos into compelling content. The agency specializes in helping its clients produce short films and documentaries, shoot branded photography, and write content. Empire Green Creative works specifically with lifestyle and fitness brands.
Who they work with: Arc’teryx, Nike, Lululemon, Bare Knuckles and Jones Sports Co.
