TM agencies list
19
min read
In 2025, the best branding agency isn’t the biggest — it’s the one that fits your goals and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top global and boutique firms to help you find your perfect match.
Choosing a branding agency in 2025 feels like scrolling Tinder for your business. Everyone’s smart, strategic, and “design-obsessed.” But after the pitch decks and promises, will they actually deliver? Or just hand you a slick logo and a five-figure invoice?
Here’s the truth: there’s no universal “best” branding agency. The right fit depends on your goals, industry, and budget — and how well a team understands brand development, brand management, and your audience’s reality.
So we built the list we wish someone gave us. A mix of global powerhouses, boutique studios, and startup-focused brand strategy agencies. Every firm here is vetted through proven work, innovative brand strategies, expert rankings, and brutally honest community feedback.
In this guide, you’ll find:
Whether you’re rebranding a legacy company or launching something new, this guide helps you find a partner who can create brands that resonate, improve brand performance, and build long-term business success.
Before diving into each brand agency’s story, it helps to step back and compare the basics. Here’s how the top branding companies and brand strategy agencies stack up by region, budget, and strengths. Think of it as a cheat sheet — the details come next, but this view will help you spot the right fit right away.
Now that you’ve seen the high-level picture, let’s look closer at each top brand strategy agency. The following profiles break down what makes these firms stand out — from their approach to brand identity design and storytelling to their brand guidelines, culture, and measurable results.
We’ll start with startup-focused studios like TodayMade and Mission Control, then move through global consultancies, and finish with design icons shaping the future of global brand design.
Location/Region: Remote / Global clients
Minimum project size or budget: <$10k/month (subscription-style pricing
Best For: Early-stage startups building credibility fast, SaaS companies scaling quickly, and lean marketing teams without in-house design
Services: Brand identity systems, website design, motion graphics, sales decks, and rapid design sprints
Notable clients: Early-stage SaaS and venture-backed startups (case studies highlight fast growth brands)
TodayMade was built for companies that need standout branding services without the $100k+ agency price tag. The team combines brand development and design in short, focused sprints, often turning around deliverables in days rather than months. Their model feels like an in-house creative agency on demand — subscription-based and flexible enough to adapt to shifting startup priorities.
They’re a strong fit for SaaS companies, tech scaleups, and lean marketing teams that want speed and quality without bloated processes. Unlike big brand consultancy firms, TodayMade treats every client as a top priority. For teams comparing options like Freelance graphic designer vs agency or exploring graphic design outsourcing, TodayMade strikes a perfect middle ground — a flexible, high-quality partner built for growth.
Location/Region: US (New York, remote-friendly)
Minimum project size or budget: $25k–$75k
Best For: Early-stage startups, especially those seeking fast, high-impact brand launches
Services: Brand identity, naming, design systems, product design, web design
Notable clients: High-growth tech startups and funded early-stage companies
Mission Control is a boutique creative agency made for startups that want bold, high-impact design without the bloat. Their process combines strategic thinking and market research to craft brand identities that resonate from day one.
Their projects often feel like a collaboration between founders and designers — fast, iterative, and focused on delivering brand performance through clean design and storytelling. Mission Control helps startups create brands that feel credible to investors while still retaining creativity and edge.
They’re a strong choice for teams who want the speed and flexibility of a small studio with the insight of a seasoned brand consultancy.For founders who value energy, clarity, and co-creation, Mission Control is an excellent partner in crafting brand identities that convert curiosity into loyalty — a great alternative for those comparing agency fees to the cost to hire a graphic designer.
Location/Region: Global (20+ offices worldwide)
Minimum project size or budget: $200k+
Best For: Multinational corporations managing complex portfolios or undergoing large-scale repositioning
Services: Brand strategy, identity systems, naming, valuation, and brand portfolio management
Notable clients: Microsoft, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Nissan
Interbrand has been shaping brands since 1974. They pioneered brand valuation and created the Best Global Brands ranking, which defines how companies measure brand equity worldwide. Their approach combines strategy, research, and financial modeling, making them one of the most influential agencies in the industry.
This is an agency built for giants. Interbrand excels at repositioning global corporations and managing complex brand portfolios. For enterprises, they provide credibility and boardroom-level insight. For smaller companies, their pricing and processes make them impractical.
Location/Region: Global (founded in San Francisco, 1941)
Minimum project size or budget: $150k+
Best For: Enterprises navigating mergers, acquisitions, or international expansion
Services: Brand architecture, large-scale rebrands, identity systems, brand experiences
Notable clients: FedEx, BP, Deloitte, Kellogg’s
Landor & Fitch is one of the oldest branding agencies in the world, founded in 1941 in San Francisco. Over eight decades, they’ve become known for guiding companies through moments of transformation. Their specialty is brand architecture—helping unify complex businesses and product lines under a clear identity.
They are a natural fit for enterprises facing mergers, acquisitions, or global expansion. Landor’s scale and process deliver consistency across markets. For smaller or fast-moving companies, though, their approach can feel rigid and expensive. They shine when stability and structure matter most.
Location/Region: Global (headquartered in New York, founded 1969)
Minimum project size or budget: $150k+
Best For: Large organizations that need clarity in complex brand portfolios
Services: Brand strategy, naming, identity design, customer experience
Notable clients: American Express, NBA, Caterpillar, Google
Siegel+Gale is known as the “simplicity company.” Since 1969, they’ve helped organizations cut through complexity with branding that’s clear and human. They believe that simple experiences build stronger connections, and their portfolio reflects this philosophy across industries from finance to sports.
They are an ideal fit for enterprises drowning in complexity—whether that means global operations, technical products, or diverse audiences. Siegel+Gale bring structure and clarity to brand expression. For startups or companies that want bold experimentation, however, their approach may feel too polished and restrained.
Location/Region: Global (headquartered in New York, founded 1943)
Minimum project size or budget: $150k+
Best For: Legacy companies and large enterprises seeking cohesive identity systems
Services: Brand strategy, identity design, customer experience, innovation consulting
Notable clients: Delta Air Lines, Starbucks, Walmart, Samsung
Lippincott has been shaping some of the world’s most recognizable brands since 1943. They combine rigorous strategy with design discipline, producing brand systems that are both durable and scalable. Their influence can be seen in aviation, retail, and consumer technology.
They’re best suited for organizations that need consistency across multiple markets and channels. Lippincott helps established brands modernize without losing their core. For smaller companies or startups, their services will likely feel overbuilt and expensive.
Location/Region: Global (offices in London, New York, San Francisco, founded 1965)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k+
Best For: Organizations seeking bold, purpose-driven brand transformations
Services: Brand strategy, visual identity, digital design, brand experiences
Notable clients: Spotify, Uber, Unilever, Google
Wolff Olins, founded in London in 1965, has always been known for bold and unconventional work. They often tackle projects where companies need to reframe themselves for the digital era or redefine their purpose. Their projects are highly visible, sparking conversation and often pushing brand norms.
They’re a fit for organizations ready to take risks and stand out. Their rebrands are daring and high-impact, often shifting how entire industries think about design. But that boldness isn’t for everyone. More conservative companies may find their work too disruptive.
Location/Region: Global (founded in London and Madrid, 2001)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k+
Best For: Enterprises and global brands looking for bold, modern identities
Services: Brand strategy, visual identity, naming, brand architecture
Notable clients: YouTube, Gulf Air, City of London, A1 Telekom
Saffron was co-founded in 2001 by Wally Olins, one of the original minds behind Wolff Olins. Since then, the agency has developed a reputation for edgy, contemporary branding that bridges strategy and standout design. With offices in London, Madrid, Vienna, and beyond, they operate on a global scale but with a younger, more experimental spirit than the legacy consultancies.
They’re a great fit for organizations that want to balance strategic depth with creative edge. Saffron is especially strong in industries that need to refresh their image for a modern audience. For small businesses, however, their pricing and international scope may feel excessive.
The global consultancies bring process, stability, and scale. But branding isn’t only about managing complexity — it’s also about cultural impact. Some agencies are less about boardroom reports and more about iconic, timeless design. These are the studios that shape how we experience brands in everyday life.
Location/Region: US / UK (New York, London, Austin, Berlin)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k–$500k+
Best For: Organizations seeking culturally influential design and iconic visual identities
Services: Visual identity, packaging, product design, and environmental branding
Notable clients: Mastercard, Windows, MIT Media Lab, Warner Bros
Pentagram, founded in 1972, is the world’s largest independent design studio. Its partner-led structure makes it unique — each partner runs their own team with full creative control. This creates a wide range of creative styles, from minimalist tech branding to bold cultural identities.
Working with Pentagram gives brands cultural prestige and world-class design thinking. But results can vary depending on the partner you work with. They are a top choice for organizations that want design credibility on a global stage. For smaller companies, the costs and uncertainty may outweigh the benefits.
Location/Region: US (New York, San Francisco, founded 2008)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k–$250k
Best For: Consumer brands and tech companies seeking bold, culturally resonant identities
Services: Brand strategy, identity systems, packaging, digital experiences
Notable clients: Spotify, Mailchimp, Dropbox, Nike
Collins is a design agency with a reputation for creating visually daring work that captures cultural attention. Since 2008, they’ve combined strategy and storytelling with strong visual systems, working with brands that want to stand out in crowded consumer markets.
They’re an excellent choice for consumer-facing tech or lifestyle brands that need to be memorable. Collins thrives on cultural relevance and expressive design. For more conservative industries or B2B-focused companies, however, their style may feel too experimental.
Location/Region: Global (London, New York, Sydney, Shanghai; founded 2009)
Minimum project size or budget: $75k–$150k
Best For: Startups and consumer brands that want immersive, insight-driven brand experiences
Services: Brand strategy, identity design, naming, product experience design
Notable clients: Airbnb, Deliveroo, Logitech, Premier League
DesignStudio is known for its immersive approach. Their teams often spend time inside a client’s business—shadowing employees, living the customer experience, and learning the brand from the inside out. This process has led to iconic rebrands, including Airbnb’s “Bélo” identity and Deliveroo’s global refresh.
They’re a strong choice for companies that want branding grounded in deep audience and cultural insight. DesignStudio’s work tends to combine strategy with creative storytelling, resulting in identities that feel authentic and lived-in. Smaller startups may find the immersive process expensive, but for funded companies or consumer-facing brands, it delivers exceptional value.
Location/Region: Global (offices in London, New York, Shanghai; founded 1990)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k+
Best For: Consumer goods, FMCG, and food & beverage brands
Services: Brand strategy, packaging design, visual identity, campaign design
Notable clients: Budweiser, Dunkin’, Heinz, Burger King
Jones Knowles Ritchie, better known as JKR, is one of the most influential agencies in consumer branding. Since 1990, they’ve focused heavily on packaging and identity design, helping global household names like Heinz and Burger King stand out on shelves and screens alike. Their work is bold, colorful, and unapologetically consumer-driven.
They’re a natural fit for FMCG, retail, and food and beverage companies that need branding to pop in competitive markets. JKR excels at translating strategy into design that customers instantly recognize. For B2B or corporate organizations, however, their packaging-led approach may feel less relevant.
Location/Region: US (New York, founded 1957)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k+
Best For: Organizations seeking timeless, iconic logo design
Services: Logo design, visual identity systems, brand guidelines
Notable clients: Chase Bank, NBC, National Geographic, Mobil
Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv is a legendary design firm responsible for some of the most enduring logos of the last century. Founded in 1957, they pioneered modern identity design in the United States. Their portfolio reads like a history of corporate branding, with marks that have lasted decades without losing relevance.
They are the go-to choice for organizations that want a logo built to endure for generations. Their work is highly strategic yet strikingly simple, balancing aesthetics with practical longevity. For companies looking for broader brand strategy or campaign work, however, they may not be the right fit—their expertise is sharp and specific.
So far, we’ve seen the heavy hitters and the design legends. But branding in 2025 isn’t just about corporations or cultural icons — it’s also about startups, SaaS, and digital-first businesses that need to look credible overnight. This final group of agencies combines speed, creativity, and tech-savvy execution.
Location/Region: Global (Oslo & New York, founded 1989)
Minimum project size or budget: $100k+
Best For: Cultural institutions, architecture-driven projects, and brands seeking holistic design
Services: Branding, environmental design, digital design, architecture
Notable clients: Norwegian National Opera, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Facebook
Snøhetta is unusual in the branding world because it’s not just a design studio—it’s also an architecture and landscape firm. Founded in 1989, the agency has built a reputation for projects that merge physical space, digital touchpoints, and brand identity. Their work often appears in cultural, public, and high-profile institutional settings.
They’re best suited for organizations that want branding integrated into places and experiences, not just logos and websites. Museums, cultural hubs, and architectural projects thrive under Snøhetta’s holistic approach. For traditional corporate branding needs, however, their multidisciplinary scope may feel like overkill.
Location/Region: US (Brooklyn, New York, founded 2007)
Minimum project size or budget: $75k–$200k
Best For: Venture-backed startups and direct-to-consumer brands
Services: Brand strategy, identity design, naming, go-to-market campaigns
Notable clients: Casper, Allbirds, Hims, Prose
Red Antler is almost synonymous with startup branding. Founded in 2007, they became famous for building the identities of breakout brands like Casper and Allbirds. Their strength lies in helping young companies look credible fast, often before they launch.
They’re the right fit for funded startups aiming for rapid growth and consumer recognition. Red Antler understands the pressure of startup timelines and investor expectations. On the downside, their pricing is steep for bootstrapped founders, and they may not be ideal for more traditional industries.
Location/Region: US (San Francisco, founded 2009)
Minimum project size or budget: $75k+
Best For: Tech companies and digital-first brands needing integrated branding and product design
Services: Brand identity, UX/UI design, web design, digital product strategy
Notable clients: Google, Slack, Facebook, Coinbase
Clay is a digital-first agency that sits at the intersection of branding and UX design. Founded in 2009 in San Francisco, they specialize in helping tech companies build cohesive identities that extend seamlessly into digital products.
They’re best for SaaS companies, fintech brands, and tech giants that need branding tied directly to user experience. Clay’s strength is precision and polish in digital contexts. However, they may not be the best fit for companies looking for traditional branding without a heavy digital component.
Location/Region: US (Lewiston, Maine, founded 2013)
Minimum project size or budget: $25k–$50k
Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses and mission-driven organizations
Services: Brand strategy, identity design, web design, digital marketing
Notable clients: United Nations, Allagash Brewing Company, Samson
Anchour is a boutique agency that blends strategy with design to help brands find clarity and focus. Based in Maine, they’ve carved out a reputation for building thoughtful, strategy-first identities that support long-term growth. Their team puts a strong emphasis on messaging and positioning alongside visual design.
They’re a smart choice for companies that want personal attention and a holistic approach. Anchour is especially strong with mid-market businesses and mission-driven organizations that need branding to reflect their values. For larger enterprises or companies seeking global recognition, they may feel too small in scope.
Location/Region: US (New York & Dallas, founded 2005)
Minimum project size or budget: $50k+
Best For: Startups and scaleups seeking purpose-led brand positioning
Services: Brand strategy, positioning, naming, identity design, storytelling
Notable clients: Google, Virgin, Microsoft, Hershey’s
Motto calls itself a “brand transformation company” and has been helping startups and fast-growing companies define their purpose since 2005. They specialize in uncovering the deeper mission behind a business and turning it into a bold, market-ready identity. Their process goes beyond visuals to focus on vision, values, and storytelling.
They’re a strong choice for founders who want to build a brand around meaning rather than just aesthetics. Motto’s work appeals to companies that see branding as a cultural and strategic asset. For businesses that just need a fast visual identity or a logo refresh, however, their in-depth process may feel like more than they need.
Location/Region: Spain (Seville, founded 2019)
Minimum project size or budget: $20k–$50k
Best For: Tech startups, SaaS companies, and founders expanding into global markets
Services: Brand strategy, visual identity, web design, pitch decks, product design
Notable clients: Early-stage SaaS companies and European tech startups
The Branx is a young agency with a sharp focus on tech startups. Based in Spain but working globally, they’ve quickly built a reputation for creating branding that helps founders win investors and attract users. Their services extend beyond logos into digital products, pitch materials, and scalable brand systems — perfect for early-stage SaaS teams.
They’re an excellent fit for founders who need branding that communicates innovation and credibility quickly. The Branx offers the speed and affordability that startups need, with a polished output that feels global. For enterprise clients, though, their size and specialization may feel too narrow.
Location/Region: Global (London, Los Angeles, Berlin, Sydney; founded 2015)
Minimum project size or budget: $50k–$100k
Best For: High-growth startups and consumer brands seeking bold, modern design
Services: Brand strategy, naming, identity design, packaging, digital design
Notable clients: Airbnb, Venmo, Netflix, Dropbox
Koto has quickly risen to prominence since its founding in 2015. With studios across four continents, they specialize in bold, colorful, and modern brand identities that resonate with global audiences. Their portfolio spans both startups and household names, combining strategic clarity with highly expressive design.
They’re a great choice for startups and consumer brands that want to stand out fast. Koto thrives on energy, creativity, and cultural relevance. While they may not offer the deep strategic frameworks of older consultancies, their speed and visual punch make them one of the most exciting agencies for ambitious brands in 2025.
As you can see, there’s no single “best” branding agency. The right partner depends on your stage, your industry, and your budget. A Fortune 500 might gravitate to Interbrand or Landor. A consumer startup might aim for Red Antler or Koto. And early-stage founders might find TodayMade or Mission Control the smartest choice.
That brings us to the next step: figuring out how to choose the right agency for you.
Picking an agency isn’t about who has the flashiest portfolio. It’s about finding the team that fits your needs, your budget, and your way of working. Here’s how to narrow the field.
Before you reach out to anyone, do a quick self-assessment:
✅ Do you need full brand strategy, or just a logo and visual refresh?
✅ Do you want a long-term partner, or a one-time sprint?
✅ Is your timeline flexible, or do you have a hard launch date?
✅ Do you need a global rollout, or a brand system for one market?
✅ Will your brand live mostly online, or also in packaging, retail, or physical spaces?
Your answers will help you decide whether to look at a global consultancy, a design icon, or a startup-focused studio. For teams focused on digital-first identity, reviewing the latest web design trends and understanding your website design cost can also guide your choice.
Once you’ve mapped your needs, evaluate agencies on five key dimensions:
Thinking through these factors will help you shortlist agencies that actually fit your business. But that raises another key question: should you go big with a global agency, or stay lean with a boutique studio?
Hiring a top-tier branding agency sounds appealing — global teams, famous case studies, shiny portfolios. But for many startups and mid-sized businesses, it can backfire.
Big names are tempting, but you’ll usually get more value as a big fish in a smaller pond. Large firms often prioritize their biggest accounts, while boutique studios treat every client as a priority. If your budget is limited, it makes more sense to go where your project will actually move the needle.
As one founder put it:
Smaller studios often deliver more value because you matter more to them. These shops tend to:
Boutique teams are also more likely to explore emerging typography trends and creative font combinations that give your brand identity a modern, distinctive edge — something large agencies sometimes overlook in favor of corporate uniformity.
TodayMade is a great example. It’s built for startups and scaleups that want standout branding without spending $100k+. As a smaller, focused team, they treat each project as high-priority and bring both strategic insight and design excellence to the table.
Whether you lean toward a global powerhouse or a boutique studio, the decision comes down to fit: budget, goals, and the kind of partnership you want. The next step is pulling it all together — the agencies, the criteria, and the trade-offs — into a clear takeaway on how to make the smartest branding choice for your business.
Choosing a branding agency in 2025 isn’t about finding the “best” in some abstract sense. It’s about finding the right partner for your stage, your budget, and your goals.
If you’re a global enterprise juggling multiple markets, the big consultancies like Interbrand or Landor make sense. If you’re a design-obsessed brand chasing cultural impact, names like Pentagram or Collins will feel like home. And if you’re a startup or scaleup that needs sharp, affordable branding without drowning in process, boutique shops like TodayMade or Anchour can give you focus and speed.
The options are out there — from global powerhouses to agile studios. What matters is alignment. The best agency for you is the one that listens, collaborates, and delivers work that scales with your business.
Branding is a long game. Pick the right partner, and you’re not just getting a logo — you’re building the foundation for growth.
If you’re a founder or SaaS team who not only needs branding but also wants to pitch it effectively, check out TodayMade’s presentation design services. We help startups turn their brand story into compelling pitch decks that win investors and customers.
