Strategic Branding and Graphic Design
Established in 2003, Marquis is an award-winning, woman-owned, strategic branding and graphic design firm specializing in solving complex brand and communications challenges. Our approach fuses market intelligence with creative strategy, resulting in memorable and effective brand communications for our clients. We’re committed to helping your brand stand out from the crowd and to making your customers and you say “WOW.”
Focus
Portfolio
Fenway Enterprises, Fresenius Medical Care, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Roche Bros., InterPro Solutions, Health Advances, Criterion Development, Ned Davis Research, Goodnow Farms Chocolate, Northland Investment Corp., Keratin Biosciences, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, NFC Forum, Boston Lyric Opera, and more.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Brand ID
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is the world’s leading, independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. Marquis was engaged to create a new logo and comprehensive brand identity for their Institution, located on Cape Cod. This world-renowned organization needed to refresh and modernize their classic identity to increase awareness of their work and their impact on our planet, create a brand system that works across all their departments, as well as attract a broader audience throughout the U.S. and beyond.
The new logo icon is symbolic in its design and incorporates both the old and the new. The outer shapes represent the three parts of their new tagline: Our Ocean, Our Planet, Our Future. The negative space inside the icon is in the shape of a sail, from their original research vessel, The Atlantic. The logo was created as a responsive logo system, allowing for flexibility in the mark throughout various applications, both digitally and in print.
Marquis created a full brand identity system for the Institution, beyond just the logo, including comprehensive brand standards and a series of initial branded materials, to guide their internal communications teams and the development of consistent branded materials over time.
Fenway Park Events Brand Identity & Collateral
The Boston Red Sox/Fenway Enterprises engaged Marquis to develope a new identity and flagship sales materials for their events business at Fenway Park. To appeal to their high-end corporate and individual clients, we created a 20 page comprehensive brochure with a pocket in the back for business cards and specialized inserts. We art directed a week-long photoshoot to capture the stunning images of Fenway Park and used special papers and printing techniques to reflect the history and textures of the beloved ballpark, to make the piece truly special. In addition, we created a digital version of the piece for distribution via email by their sales team.
Fresenius Medical Care Annual Medical Report
Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading kidney care and dialysis company, has engaged Marquis to design its Global Annual Medical Report for several years. This journal of research and thought leadership is distributed globally to top executives, physicians, scientists, and researchers within the organization, as well as to external audiences interested in advancing care for renal patients.
This past year, the overall concept and design of the infographic-intensive piece showcased the “Power of Ideas” and Fresenius Medical Care’s collective impact on innovation, sustainability, and value-based healthcare worldwide. The 100+ page book was perfect bound, printed on a co-cure press, with a soft touch coating and a raised UV overlay effect on the cover.
Our work with the company has led to brand development work for the North American division, as well as the Global Medical Office, through the years.
Velo Luxury Apartments Brand Development
Criterion Development Partners, a real estate operating company specializing in the development of investment-quality multifamily communities, engaged Marquis to create a comprehensive brand identity and a full suite of marketing tools, for their new luxury apartment property.
Located in the Forest Hills area in Jamaica Plain, this high-end complex needed to appeal to a wide audience who would likely commute to the city via the train across the street. A fast-paced city life, juxtaposed with the enjoyment of nearby parks, recreation areas and shopping, became the inspiration for the brand.
After conducting research, Marquis worked with their team to name the property “Velo” representing “velocity” and the movement that their residents will be able to take advantage of living there. We created a meaningful brand identity complete with logo, brand guidelines, compelling core messaging, environmental signage and banners, and a suite of marketing materials including brochures, advertisements, direct mail, community flyers, and more.
Gen Sou En Tea House
Harada Tea, a 100+ year old green tea company from Tokyo, Japan, engaged Marquis to develop a U.S.-based brand for their premium green tea products, as well as create the identity for their modern Japanese tea house, Gen Sou En Tea House (the first of its kind), in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. We developed a full identity inspired visually by Japanese calligraphy and brush stroke art, as well as messaging highlighting the authentic traditions and processes of Harada Tea. Brand elements included logo, messaging strategy, visual identity for both the product lines and the tea house itself, website, tea house menus, signage, packaging, in-house and take-out paper goods, and more.
Brothers Marketplace Brand Identity
Roche Bros., a Massachusetts-based grocery store company, wanted to create a smaller neighborhood market experience inspired by European-style food markets and the original vision of Pat and Bud Roche, who opened a neighborhood meat market called Roche Bros. in Roslindale, MA, in 1952.
Out of this concept the new Brothers Marketplace brand was born. These small stores offer a different kind of grocery shopping experience — one focused on local produce, regional artisan products, gourmet prepared foods, as well as a diner and cafe/bakery areas.
Marquis was engaged to develop a comprehensive brand for the new store from the ground up. Elements included naming, development of key brand messages and in-store decor language with a unique point-of-view, logo and full visual brand identity program including signage, advertising, direct mail, menus, posters/banners, point-of-sale displays, “In Season” magazine, packaging/labels, interior decor elements, shopping bags, uniforms, coffee mugs and plates, website, and more.
In addition, we created a comprehensive brand book that allowed for the tight execution of the brand across all marketing channels and in-store materials for opening a new store.
InterPro Solutions Brand Identity
InterPro Solutions is a leader in helping large organizations manage their physical infrastructure. The company’s EZMaxMobile application helps companies save time, money, and increase job satisfaction among their workforce.
InterPro chose Marquis because its communications did not represent either the promise or the reality of their brand. The company is beloved by its clients and poised for growth, but its communications focused on software features rather than the larger and demonstrable benefits that InterPro delivers.
The company also had two completely different websites—one for its corporate identity and another for EZMaxMobile, its flagship product. This further complicated confusion for potential clients.
As InterPro’s strategic partner, we repositioned the brand and its products, wrote core messaging, designed a new visual identity, developed a unified website, and produced a modular suite of printed and online sales materials.
How I Met My Dog Brand Identity
How I Met My Dog is the first service that custom matches people and dogs based on behavior and lifestyle and breed. This missiondriven startup chose Marquis to be its full strategic partner.
We worked closely with the founders to develop a visual identity, position and present the initial concept to investors, develop the website and matching interface, and create all materials for the recruitment of adopters, shelters, and families who need to find new homes for their dogs.
Our greatest challenge is to create an engaging, intuitive experience that meets the needs of several different audiences. Because How I Met My Dog is a new concept, the website needs to be both information rich and direct—keeping people moving through the detailed survey and matching process.
How I Met My Dog recently launched its New England beta test and already has attracted thousands of active adopters and the attention of more than 250 media outlets. Our role will be ongoing as the company expands nationally.
Renal Research Institute Brand Identity
The Renal Research Institute engaged Marquis to develop a new brand identity, and an on-going series of marketing toolkit elements, for their organization at the outset of their 25th Anniversary.
Work has included logo development, full brand identity, brand standards guidebook, website, marketing collateral, social media post graphics, video/animations, and more.
Goodnow Farms Chocolate Brand Identity
Goodnow Farms Chocolate, a local handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolate company, engaged Marquis to develop their original brand identity, packaging, and marketing tools for their start-up business from the ground up.
Made on a 225 year old farm in Sudbury, Massachusetts, this brand embodies old New England charm and the chocolate making (and enjoying) ideals of yesteryear. The brand identity reflects these qualities with custom artwork, gold foil details, and high-quality finishes. Projects included brand identity, logo, messaging, chocolate bar packaging, gift boxes, apparel, photography, stationery system, gift certificates, email marketing, social media graphics, and e-commerce website.
Reviews
the project
Branding & Graphic Design for Global Healthcare Company
“We’ve been pleased on so many levels, and they’ve been a really important partner on several of our key projects.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We’re a global healthcare company that provides products and services. I’m the senior VP of communications in the medical office.
What challenge were you trying to address with Marquis?
We hired them to help us with design and branding.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Marquis helps us with our brand identity and art direction. They’ve done everything from brand programs and a full brand refresh to full creative communications campaigns for initiatives.
They do graphic design for print, web, electronic, social media, and video. The team also designs our annual global medical report, a 150-page document. They oversee all of the digital assets and creative materials for that annual campaign, including social media assets and the design and creative used in our videos. They design many of our different medical office campaigns.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with anywhere from 4–6 people from within the firm, all of whom have been exceptional. This includes Julie (Principal & Founder), who serves as their art director. We’ve also worked with Taylor (Senior Designer), Mary Ann (Brand Strategist & Creative), and a project and account manager.
How did you come to work with Marquis?
We’ve had a long-term relationship with Marquis. I started working with them in 2013, when I was at another company.
How much have you invested with them?
My company has spent more than $500,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
My current company has been working with Marquis for five years, since September 2016. The work is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They deliver exceptional results, time and time again. Many of the campaigns that they've helped us create have digital components, so we can track how well they perform. These campaigns continue to be some of the highest-performing in our company.
How did Marquis perform from a project management standpoint?
Marquis does a superior job in terms of project management. They are amazing at keeping all of the programs on track. In many cases, they’re able to either improve on deadlines or come in with even greater efficiency.
They’re an excellent partner. They do a great job of listening to what the client is trying to accomplish, and they’re able to deliver design, branding, and creative materials that help the client do what they’re trying to accomplish. That really distinguishes them as a company.
What did you find most impressive about them?
First and foremost, the quality of their creative product is superior. The creativity of their design, as well as their approach to creating brands, is very thoughtful. When you add to that the project management, their excellent listening, and the overall client service, they’re just a real joy to work with.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I really can’t think of anything. We’ve been pleased on so many levels, and they’ve been a really important partner on several of our key projects. I really only have positive things to say — their design work is great, as is their service.
Any advice for potential customers?
Be open and clear about what your goals and objectives are. Marquis does a really great job of listening carefully. If you're clear about what you’re trying to accomplish, they can come back with a very thoughtful plan to help you do that.
the project
Visual Identity for Oceanography Research Org.
“They handled everything with grace and patience.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the creative director of a large oceanography nonprofit.
What challenge were you trying to address with Marquis?
After 60 years with an outdated logo, we needed a visual identity overhaul that represented the diversity of work and the reputation of our organization.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The team created an entire visual identity brand guideline for us, based on interviews and previous data. This brand guideline included a responsive logo collection, new brand typography, colors, textures, photo guidelines, icons, and infographics.
What is the team composition?
Our primary contacts were the owner and a senior designer, though there may have been many behind the scenes.
How did you come to work with Marquis?
I found them on Clutch. Their reviews said they were in line with what we needed. Their website and consequent proposal were what brought us in. Their work is creative and professional.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in January 2020, and our work is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Our followers on social media think that the redesigned logo is fantastic, and while change is difficult, our staff also appreciate the fresh, new look. We’ve been around since 1930, so it was a difficult undertaking to update our visual brand and logo. They handled everything with grace and patience, as we have a lot of differing opinions and stakeholders.
How did Marquis perform from a project management standpoint?
They were great all along the way. They were very communicative and engaged. Any time I asked questions I would always receive a response the same day. The fact that we initiated this work, went into a global pandemic, and still managed to get everything completed is an incredible feat. We communicated via email and video conference.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re incredibly creative and thorough in their thinking. They collect a lot of data first before heading into the creative process. They were just very smart throughout the whole process.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I’m not sure. We didn’t finish as soon as we had expected to but that was an issue on both sides because of COVID-19.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
My advice is not to go in with any preconceived ideas. Let them be the professionals that they are. They do re-brands and they’re good at it. Trust that they’ll do the research and come up with solutions with you.
the project
Rebranding and Website Development for a Software Company
"Working with the team was easy, and I enjoy each engagement we get to have."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the sales and marketing director for InterPro Solutions, a software company that provides mobile products for facilities management.
For what projects/services did your company hire Marquis?
We hired Marquis to assist us with a complete rebrand of our company. The list of deliverables included web development, marketing materials, and logo designs for our company and products.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted a website and online presence to match the positive reputation of our products and services.
How did you select this vendor?
After an extensive online search, I invited two companies to present to our team. We wanted a local company that would communicate our message clearly in non-technical language. The Marquis team was the clear choice because they employed an in-house writer that would be part of the entire project.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Marquis guided the entire branding process; they selected the colors and messaging for the logos. Once they completed branding, we moved to website development which was divided into two phases—building the main website and migrating the blog. We continue to work closely with Marquis. They create our tradeshow materials, brochures, online landing pages, and advertisements.
What was the team composition?
I work directly with the founder, brand strategist, and senior designer.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The website matches the sophistication of our software and complements the high level of service we provide our clients. Our employees are now proud to wear the InterPro logo on their shirts; they show off our website and marketing materials to their friends and family. My staff also provides me with input on future marketing ideas.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
I feel like the Marquis team was an extension of my own team. When I met Julie (Principal and Founder, Marquis) and Mary Ann (Brand Strategist, Marquis), I knew we would work well together. There were a lot of similarities, and the ideas they brought were even better than I had anticipated. Working with the team has been easy, and I enjoy each engagement we get to have.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
No, nothing comes to mind. Every time they send me options, I find it hard to pick the one I like best because I enjoy them all. Marquis understands our company, our products, and the industry we serve.
Are there any areas for improvement?
I wouldn't change a thing. Julie, Mary Ann, and Taylor (Senior Designer, Marquis) are the best. I look forward to our continued relationship.
the project
Full Rebrand for Design-Build Company
"Their principal was a delight to work with."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the director of marketing for a design-build company.
For what projects/services did your company hire Marquis?
We needed help to create an updated brand personality for our 75-year-old company.
What were your goals for this project?
We were looking to create a story that differentiates us and helps us stay relevant to our clients in this very competitive market.
How did you select this vendor?
After working with another local branding company, we didn't feel like they understood us nor were they helping to tell our story in a meaningful and impactful way. After some research, Marquis caught our eye. The way they told their own story inspired us to learn more. They were the perfect fit for us.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
They produced a new logo, tagline, and content to highlight our strengths along with a new website and marketing material.
What was the team composition?
We worked directly with their principal, her senior writing expert, and a very detailed project manager.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We’ve received tremendous positive feedback on our new website, tagline, and logo. Creating a new brand has helped us stand out among our competition. We're able to stay relevant with our existing clients and confidently reach out to new ones.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The workflow and production schedule was laid out early, on and they kept us on task.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their principal was a delight to work with. Her energy and passion for our business were wonderful. I also thought their prices were fair, and they respected our budget.
Are there any areas for improvement?
We had a great working relationship with them, and I can't recall any areas that I would have changed.
Marquis maintains a long-term partnership by managing some of the company’s highest-performing campaigns and delivering superior results. Beyond that, they provide top-tier customer support and project management. Their ability to help clients achieve their business objectives sets them apart.