Top 15 branding agencies in the Midwest
15 branding agencies in the Midwest that are operating today, each checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Who leads them, the work they can show, what they cost where they publish it, and the reason each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- firms, ranked
- 15
- sources cited
- 75
- median years in business
- 29
- with a named leader
- 14/15
The list at a glance
Scroll sideways →| # | Firm | Based in | Since | Team | Led by | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Willoughby DesignProfile | Kansas City, MO | 1978 | n/a | Megan Stephens and Nicole Satterwhite | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 02 | Little & CompanyProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 1979 | 11–50 | n/a | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 03 | Hanson DodgeProfile | Milwaukee, WI | 1981 | 51–200 | Stacie Boney | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 04 | LPKProfile | Cincinnati, OH | 1983 | 11–50 | Emily Flannery | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 05 | DuffyProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 1984 | n/a | Joseph Duffy | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 06 | OlogieProfile | Columbus, OH | 1987 | 51–200 | Fernando Bergás-Coria | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 07 | Planet PropagandaProfile | Madison, WI | 1989 | 11–50 | Dana Lytle | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 08 | TOKYProfile | St. Louis, MO | 1997 | 11–50 | Jerry Gennaria | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 09 | Design RanchProfile | Kansas City, MO | 1998 | 1–10 | Ingred Sidie and Michelle Sonderegger | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 10 | CapsuleProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 1999 | 11–50 | Aaron Keller | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 11 | Firebelly DesignProfile | Chicago, IL | 1999 | 1–10 | Dawn Hancock | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 12 | Fifty Thousand FeetProfile | Chicago, IL | 2001 | 51–200 | Kate Watts | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 13 | Oxide Design Co.Profile | Omaha, NE | 2001 | 1–10 | Drew Davies | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 14 | AtomicdustProfile | St. Louis, MO | 2001 | 11–50 | Mike Spakowski | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
| 15 | Grain & MortarProfile | Omaha, NE | 2011 | 1–10 | Mike DeKay | Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote. |
Where a firm has not published a price, the figure is a typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- 01
Led by Megan Stephens and Nicole Satterwhite, Co-CEOs and Owners (founder Ann Willoughby is Principal Emeritus)
- Kansas City, MO
- Since 1978
Willoughby Design is a brand strategy, design and digital development firm at 1660 Genessee Street in Kansas City, founded in 1978 by Ann Willoughby and now led by second-generation co-CEOs Megan Stephens and Nicole Satterwhite. The firm is 100 percent women-owned and nationally WBE-certified, and its site describes it as the longest continuously running woman-owned branding firm in the United States. Its work includes the RideKC Streetcar brand.
Why it’s hereNearly five decades in continuous operation as a woman-owned branding firm, with a founder profiled by PRINT and a Wikipedia entry documenting her career.
Best forOrganizations that want brand identity, packaging and physical environment design from a woman-owned (WBE) Kansas City firm running since 1978, including sports, transit and development clients like RideKC Streetcar and Woodside.
willoughbydesign.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy · identity design · digital development · civic and place branding
- Named clients
- RideKC Streetcar
- Selected work
- Kansas City Current. Environmental design work for the women's soccer club. case study ↗
- Rock Springs Ranch. Core brand identity for the ranch and camp. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1660 Genessee St., Suite A · Kansas City, MO · 64102 · 816.561.4189
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources willoughbydesign.com, en.wikipedia.org, printmag.comLinkedIn ↗
- 02
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 1979
- 11–50 people
Little & Company is a brand design firm at 501 1st Street NE in Minneapolis that describes its work as making brand intangibles real and relevant, drawing on what its site calls a 45-plus-year legacy of brand design. Agency Spotter records a 1979 founding, 10-49 staff and clients including Target, Microsoft, Sealy, Lowe's, Frito-Lay, Medtronic and Wells Fargo.
Why it’s hereA Minneapolis brand design practice operating since 1979 with a published client list of Fortune 500 consumer and financial brands.
Best forEstablished consumer and manufacturing brands, from food and beverage to commercial products, that need a brand identity overhaul from a Minneapolis design firm with roots going back to 1979.
littleco.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand design · design strategy · brand transformation · identity systems
- Named clients
- Target, Microsoft, Sealy, Lowe's, Frito-Lay, Medtronic, Wells Fargo, American Craft Council
- Selected work
- King Arthur Baking Company. Modernized brand identity whose launch drew 500m earned media impressions and 9x the usual engagement on launch posts. case study ↗
- Lagunitas. Brand project featured in its portfolio. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 501 1st St NE, Ste 210 · Minneapolis, MN · 55401
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources littleco.com, agencyspotter.comLinkedIn ↗
- 03
Led by Stacie Boney, President
- Milwaukee, WI
- Since 1981
- 51–200 people
Hanson Dodge is an integrated creative agency at 220 East Buffalo Street in Milwaukee's Third Ward with a named Brand Engagement practice covering strategy, media, digital marketing, eCommerce and analytics. Its site lists clients including KEEN Utility, Wolverine Footwear, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo, Stanley, Brady Corporation and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Clutch records the agency as founded in 1981 with 50-249 employees.
Why it’s hereA 45-year Milwaukee agency with a concentration of national outdoor and active-lifestyle brand clients such as KEEN, Wolverine and Ski-Doo.
Best forConsumer product and outdoor brands, such as KEEN Utility, Ruffwear and Creminelli, plus B2B manufacturers that want branding, creative, media and ecommerce from one Milwaukee agency.
hansondodge.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand engagement · outdoor and active-lifestyle brands · integrated marketing · digital and eCommerce
- Named clients
- KEEN Utility, Wolverine Footwear, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Stanley PMI, Brady Corporation, Medical College of Wisconsin, VISIT Milwaukee
- Selected work
- American Standard. 150th anniversary campaign. case study ↗
- Ruffwear. "Go Be With Your Dog" campaign. case study ↗
- KEEN Utility. Long-running brand partnership for the work footwear line. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 220 East Buffalo Street · Milwaukee, WI · 53202 · 414.347.1266
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources hansondodge.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 04
Led by Emily Flannery, Managing Director and VP, Strategy + Foresight
- Cincinnati, OH
- Since 1983
- 11–50 people
LPK is a brand consultancy and packaging design firm founded in Cincinnati in 1983 through a buyout of Young & Rubicam's local design office by Mort Libby, Ray Perszyk, Jerry Kathman and partners. Its site lists 35-plus strategists and creatives across the U.S. and more than 1,000 brands across CPG categories, with clients including Gillette, Dunkin', Corona, Kraft Heinz, Jim Beam and Titleist. Wikipedia records that the firm was acquired by Cincinnati private-equity firm Revitalize Capital at the end of 2024.
Why it’s hereFour decades of packaging and identity work for national CPG brands, making it the Midwest's most established consumer-brand design consultancy.
Best forEstablished consumer packaged goods brands, such as Gillette, Corona and Titleist, planning a packaging redesign, brand refresh or new brand platform with an independent Cincinnati firm.
- Known for
- brand strategy · packaging design · visual identity · consumer packaged goods
- Named clients
- Gillette, Dunkin', Corona, Milk-Bone, Delta Faucet, Kraft Heinz, Jim Beam, Titleist, Constellation Brands
- Selected work
- J.M. Smucker Co. (Milk-Bone). Limited-edition seasonal packaging and a Dunkin' co-branded dog biscuit design, featured on The Dieline. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- (513) 241-6401
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources lpk.com, en.wikipedia.org, cincinnatirefined.comLinkedIn ↗
- 05
Led by Joseph Duffy, Principal
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 1984
Duffy is a Minneapolis branding firm founded in October 1984 by Joe Duffy in partnership with Fallon McElligott, later operating as Duffy & Partners and now as Duffy Collective. Its site describes timeless identities, strategic design and modern content, and its portfolio shows Red Locks Irish Whiskey, Crooked Bev Co. and CAMBA. PRINT reported in 2019 that Joe Duffy passed leadership to his daughter Bridget, son Joseph and partner Nancy Kullas, and that past work included Minute Maid, Diet Coke and the Mall of America.
Why it’s hereForty years in operation with a documented succession to second-generation leadership, and among the best-known identity firms to come out of Minneapolis.
Best forConsumer and beverage brands that need brand identity, brand language and packaging from a Minneapolis branding firm working since 1984.
duffy.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand identity · strategic design · packaging · content
- Named clients
- Red Locks Irish Whiskey, Crooked Bev Co., CAMBA
- Selected work
- Red Locks Irish Whiskey. Brand identity, packaging, point-of-sale, advertising and apparel for the whiskey brand. case study ↗
- Crooked Bev Co.. Branding project for the beverage company. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources duffy.com, printmag.com
- 06
Led by Fernando Bergás-Coria, Chief Executive Officer
- Columbus, OH
- Since 1987
- 51–200 people
Ologie is a branding and marketing agency founded in Columbus in 1987 by chairperson Bev Ryan, with more than 80 people across 13 states and Canada, per its about page. Its services cover research and strategy, branding including logo and identity, voice, positioning and architecture, and advertising and multimedia, with a client base concentrated in higher education and nonprofits including Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Texas A&M and the Smithsonian. Clutch lists it with 50-249 employees on its Columbus branding rankings.
Why it’s hereA Columbus agency operating since 1987 that has become one of the country's most-cited higher-education branding specialists, with named university clients across the U.S.
Best forColleges, universities, museums and nonprofits that need institutional branding, enrollment marketing or a fundraising campaign from an employee-owned agency founded in 1987 that works mainly in higher education.
ologie.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand positioning and architecture · higher-education branding · identity design · research and strategy · campaigns
- Named clients
- University of Kentucky, Carnegie Mellon University, Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Smithsonian Institution, Stanford University, Little League International
- Selected work
- Butler University. Built a new university brand covering enrollment marketing and athletics. case study ↗
- University of Central Florida. Branding for a fundraising campaign titled Go for Launch. case study ↗
- National Air and Space Museum. Web experience and fundraising work for the Smithsonian museum. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources ologie.com, clutch.co
- 07
Led by Dana Lytle, Founder and CEO
- Madison, WI
- Since 1989
- 11–50 people
Planet Propaganda is a branding agency at 605 Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 1989 as Planet Design Company by Dana Lytle. Its site describes a strategy process built around finding a brand's fundamental belief for challenger companies, with work shown for Duluth Trading Company, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's and Smithworks Vodka. AdForum records 29 staff and earlier clients including Trek, Teva, Whole Foods Market and Intelligentsia Coffee.
Why it’s hereMore than 35 years of challenger-brand work from Madison, with founder Dana Lytle inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame, per In Business Madison.
Best forRetail, restaurant franchise and spirits brands planning national expansion that want brand strategy and creative from an independent Madison agency.
planetpropaganda.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy · challenger brands · identity design · advertising · packaging
- Named clients
- Duluth Trading Company, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's Subs, Smithworks Vodka, Trek, Teva
- Selected work
- Duluth Trading Company. Long-running brand work as the retailer grew from a $60M regional player to a $650M+ public national retailer. case study ↗
- Jersey Mike's Subs. Brand development during growth from 600 stores in 23 states to 2,200 stores nationwide. case study ↗
- Pernod Ricard (Smithworks Vodka). Launch campaign for a new vodka; the 5-state launch beat its KPI goals by 500%. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources planetpropaganda.com, adforum.com, ibmadison.com, mediapost.com, wisbusiness.comLinkedIn ↗
- 08
Led by Jerry Gennaria, President & CEO
- St. Louis, MO
- Since 1997
- 11–50 people
TOKY is a creative studio at 3141 Locust Street in St. Louis that describes its practice as brand strategy, digital and brand identity design, covering foundational design, messaging and customer and employee engagement. Its site shows a rebrand and website for architecture firm Corgan and packaging for Origin Botanical Gin and Goshen Coffee. Clutch records a 1997 founding and 10-49 staff, with branding as the largest share of its work.
Why it’s hereA St. Louis identity studio approaching 30 years in operation with an even mix of small, mid-market and enterprise clients, per Clutch.
Best forArchitecture, engineering and construction firms, arts groups and food brands that want a full brand identity and website from a St. Louis design studio.
UpdateFounder Eric Thoelke moved to an advisory role in August 2022 when Jerry Gennaria became owner and president.
toky.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy · brand identity design · digital · packaging
- Named clients
- Corgan, Origin Botanical Gin, Goshen Coffee
- Selected work
- Corgan. Rebrand for the architecture firm. case study ↗
- McCarthy Building Companies. Brand work for the construction company. case study ↗
- Goshen Coffee. Brand work for the coffee roaster. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 314-534-2000
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources toky.com, clutch.co, titan100.bizLinkedIn ↗
- 09
Led by Ingred Sidie and Michelle Sonderegger, Co-founders and Co-owners
- Kansas City, MO
- Since 1998
- 1–10 people
Design Ranch is a woman-owned brand experience agency at 1600 Summit Street in Kansas City, established in 1998, offering strategy and consulting, identity systems, brand language, naming, packaging, campaigns, websites and signage. Its about page lists 32 selected clients including Target, Dell, Intuit, H&R Block, Hallmark, Wrangler, Kohl's and Hilton. Clutch records the 1998 founding with 2-9 staff and branding, graphic design and advertising as its service mix.
Why it’s hereA small Kansas City studio with a published client list of national retail and consumer brands, including Hallmark and H&R Block from its home market.
Best forConsumer, retail and hospitality brands, from national names like Target, Hallmark and Hilton to Kansas City institutions, that want brand identity, campaigns and web design from a small woman-owned (WBE) studio.
design-ranch.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- identity systems · brand language and naming · packaging systems · campaigns · brand experiences
- Named clients
- Target, Dell, Intuit, H&R Block, Hallmark, Wrangler, Kohl's, Hilton
- Selected work
- Truman Library. Art direction, copy, design and motion for the campaign announcing the library's reopening after a $25 million renovation. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1600 Summit Street · Kansas City, MO · 64108 · 1-816-472-8668
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources design-ranch.com, clutch.co, inkansascity.comLinkedIn ↗
- 10
Led by Aaron Keller, Co-Founder and Managing Principal
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 1999
- 11–50 people
Capsule is a multidisciplinary design and branding agency at 1220 Marshall Street NE in Minneapolis, founded in 1999 by Aaron Keller and Brian Adducci. Its services include brand strategy, naming, logo and identity systems, packaging and brand language documentation, with clients listed including Tyson Foods, Cargill, 3M, John Deere, Medtronic, Polaris and Hydro Flask. Clutch records 10-49 staff with branding and packaging design as half of its work.
Why it’s hereA 25-year Minneapolis branding studio whose site lists recognition from AIGA, Communication Arts, Graphis, Pentawards and the Art Directors Club of New York.
Best forConsumer, outdoor and industrial brands that need naming, identity systems or packaging design, with past clients ranging from Osprey and Hydro Flask to John Deere and 3M.
capsule.us · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy · naming · packaging design · identity systems · brand language
- Named clients
- Tyson Foods, Cargill, 3M, John Deere, Medtronic, Polaris, Hydro Flask, PepsiCo
- Selected work
- Osprey. Designed a new packaging system for the outdoor pack maker. case study ↗
- Coremark Metals. Rebranded a legacy metals retailer. case study ↗
- BGM. Unified several distinct financial services brands under one brand system. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1220 Marshall Street NE · Minneapolis, MN · 55413 · 612.341.4525
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources capsule.us, clutch.co, agencyspotter.comLinkedIn ↗
- 11
Led by Dawn Hancock, Executive Director + Founder
- Chicago, IL
- Since 1999
- 1–10 people
Firebelly is a socially conscious design studio at 1402 N Western Avenue in Chicago, founded in 1999 by Dawn Hancock, that creates identity systems, brand campaigns and print and digital communications for socially responsible organizations. Its about page lists roughly nine staff and clients including Planned Parenthood, Divvy Bikes, Grant Thornton, the University of Chicago and the Stanford d.school. Clutch records the 1999 founding with branding as 40 percent of its work.
Why it’s hereA Chicago identity studio with 25-plus years of mission-driven brand work and awards its site attributes to the Webbys, Fast Company Innovation by Design and Communication Arts.
Best forNonprofits, cultural institutions, universities and mission-driven companies that want equity-centered brand identity, naming and web design.
UpdateFounded in 1999 by Dawn Hancock; WBE-certified.
firebellydesign.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- identity systems · brand campaigns · social-impact and nonprofit branding · print and digital communications
- Named clients
- Planned Parenthood, Divvy Bikes, Grant Thornton, University of Chicago, Stanford d.school, The Newberry, FLOR
- Selected work
- Divvy. Naming and identity for Chicago's bike-share system. case study ↗
- Stanford d.school. Identity system for the design institute. case study ↗
- Newberry Library. Rebrand and website for the historic Chicago library. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1402 N Western Ave · Chicago, IL · 60622 · +1 773 489 3200
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources firebellydesign.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 12
Led by Kate Watts, CEO
- Chicago, IL
- Since 2001
- 51–200 people
Fifty Thousand Feet, formerly 50,000feet, is an independent brand consultancy headquartered at 500 W Madison Street in Chicago with additional offices in New York, Washington, D.C. and London. Its practice covers brand strategy and identity, brand activation and systems, and audience growth, with clients listed including Mastercard, NYSE, Salesforce, BMW, Sony, Abbott and McKinsey & Company. DesignRush records a 2001 founding and 50-99 employees.
Why it’s hereThe largest independent brand consultancy based in Chicago, with a client list of global financial, technology and consumer brands.
Best forFinancial services, professional services and premium product companies, with clients such as Mastercard, NYSE, Knoll and BMW, that need brand strategy, naming and identity systems plus thought leadership content.
UpdateRebranded from 50,000feet to Fifty Thousand Feet in June 2025 and repositioned as an independent brand consultancy; brought Tangible into the firm in January 2026.
fiftythousandfeet.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy and identity · naming · brand activation · B2B and financial-services branding · content and thought leadership
- Named clients
- Mastercard, NYSE, Salesforce, BMW, Sony, Abbott, Google, McKinsey & Company, Under Armour
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 500 W Madison St, Suite 1000 · Chicago, IL · 60661
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources fiftythousandfeet.com, designrush.comLinkedIn ↗
- 13
Led by Drew Davies, Founder
- Omaha, NE
- Since 2001
- 1–10 people
Oxide Design Co. is an Omaha design and branding consultancy founded in 2001 and led by Drew Davies, an AIGA Fellow and former national AIGA president. It lists branding and identity, election and civic design, ballot design and craft food and beverage as its focus areas, with work for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Center for Civic Design. Clutch lists the firm with 2-9 staff on its Omaha branding rankings.
Why it’s hereA small Omaha studio whose site records seven Communication Arts honors and a Cooper Hewitt feature, led by a past national president of AIGA.
Best forElection offices, government agencies and civic nonprofits that need ballots, forms and public-facing identities designed for clarity, plus craft food and beverage brands.
oxidedesign.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- branding and identity · election and civic design · craft food and beverage · information design
- Named clients
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Center for Civic Design
- Selected work
- New York State. Streamlined voter registration design for a system serving 19 million New Yorkers. case study ↗
- Metro Transit (Omaha). Rebranded the transit system and redesigned bus livery to attract younger riders. case study ↗
- Nebraska Loves Public Schools. Designed a campaign that produced 200,000 apparel items. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- PO Box 31429 · Omaha, NE · 68131 · (402) 344-0168
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources oxidedesign.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 14
Led by Mike Spakowski, Partner/Creative Director
- St. Louis, MO
- Since 2001
- 11–50 people
Atomicdust is a branding and marketing agency at 3021 Locust Street in St. Louis' Midtown Alley, founded in 2001, that focuses on B2B companies with complex products. Its services include brand strategy, naming and messaging, website design and development, campaigns and marketing automation, and its site shows work for Compass Group Equity Partners, WashU Law, Flintco, Acosta and City Museum. Clutch records 10-49 staff with branding as half of its work and a $25,000 minimum project size.
Why it’s hereA 25-year St. Louis agency with a clear B2B branding specialism and 2026 dotCOMM and Web Excellence awards listed on its site.
Best forB2B firms, private equity groups, credit unions, law schools and restaurant concepts that want a new brand identity and a custom website from a small St. Louis studio.
atomicdust.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- brand strategy · B2B branding · naming and messaging · web design and development · marketing automation
- Named clients
- Compass Group Equity Partners, WashU Law, Flintco, Acosta, City Museum, LightEdge, Hoist & Crane Service Group
- Selected work
- WashU Law. Designed the law school's website. case study ↗
- LightEdge. Branding and website design for a data center company. case study ↗
- Chicken Meets Rice. Brand identity for a new fast casual restaurant concept. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 3021 Locust St. · St. Louis, MO · 63103 · 314.241.2866
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources atomicdust.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 15
Led by Mike DeKay, Partner and Creative Director
- Omaha, NE
- Since 2011
- 1–10 people
Grain & Mortar is an Omaha graphic design agency founded in 2011 that concentrates on branding and website creation, with partners Kristin DeKay, Eric Downs and Mike DeKay and producer Brooke Ratliff listed on its about page. The firm says it has branded hundreds of companies over 15 years. Clutch records 2-9 staff with branding, web design and web development each roughly a third of its work, and a client mix that is about 35 percent enterprise companies.
Why it’s hereA partner-run Omaha studio whose entire practice is branding and web, with 15 years of continuous operation under the same founding team.
Best forArts groups, nonprofits, real estate developments and software companies that want a small partner-led team to design a brand and build the website together.
grainandmortar.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- branding · identity design · website design and development
- Selected work
- Omaha Performing Arts. Website design and build. case study ↗
- Millwork Commons. Branding and website. case study ↗
- HudlTV. Brand identity. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $25,000–$80,000, typical for Midwest branding projects; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources grainandmortar.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
478,200 advertising, public relations and related services jobs in the United States, September 2026 (preliminary).
Every firm here was checked twice.
- 01Find
Firms come from industry directories, business press, award lists and the client rosters of firms already known to do the work.
- 02Verify
A firm's own site has to be live and describe the work. A second, independent source has to agree that it exists and does it.
- 03Record
Leaders, addresses, founding years, awards and case studies are copied from a page we loaded, and each carries its link. A field stays blank until a source states it.
- 04Rank
The order is editorial: longevity, named clients, scale and a clear specialism, in roughly that weight. Firms cannot buy a position.
- 05Re-check
Every entry was re-checked on September 28, 2026, homepage captured, ownership confirmed. Firms that closed, stopped doing this work or changed hands are removed or noted in the change log below.
The featured card is paid placement for Fracs, which shares this list’s publisher. It sits outside the ranking. Read the full editorial standards, or write to lists@primortul.com with a correction or a firm we missed.
What changed at the September 2026 check
Every firm on this list was re-checked on September 28, 2026. None had closed, merged, moved or changed hands, so the list stands as published.
Questions before you hire a branding agency in the Midwest
- How many branding agencies in the Midwest are on this list, and where are they?
- 15. The 15 firms are spread across Kansas City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Columbus, Madison and 3 other cities. Each was checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- How do I choose between branding agencies in the Midwest?
- Write down what done looks like. Read why each firm is on the list and keep the two or three whose reason matches your job. Ask each for one piece of work like yours, and the name of the person who would do it. 10 of the 15 here are under 50 people, so the people you meet are usually the people who do the work.
- Did any of these firms pay to be listed?
- No. Nobody pays to be ranked. The order weighs how long a firm has done the work, clients it can name, its size, and how clear its specialism is. This list has no paid card.
- How long have these branding agencies been around?
- The oldest firm on this list states 1978 as its founding year. A year is shown only when the firm states one.
- What should I bring to a first call with a branding agency?
- What you sell, what is not working, what done looks like, a budget range, and when you want to start. The form on this page asks for those. Asking is free. You do not have to hire anyone.
- How is this list kept current?
- Re-checked September 28, 2026. Dead sites come off. Mergers and renames are updated. Firms that belong are added. Send a correction to lists@primortul.com. If you are the firm, use the For partners form.
What the trade press is writing about branding agencies.
Headlines, the source, the date, and a link. The article stays on the site that published it. If a feed is down, it is left off.
On branding agencies
Google News. Headline and link only.
How to choose, what it costs, and where these firms are based.
Describe the job. One branding agency writes back.
Tell us what you sell, what is not working, and what done looks like. We read it and ask one provider — from this list, or from the publisher’s bench — to contact you within a business day. Asking is free. You do not have to hire them. Nobody else gets what you wrote.