Watson Creative

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a 133 year old member owned non-profit private social club in Seattle.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Watson Creative?

Branding and Marketing. When I first started with the private social club, I knew we were going to need a relaunch soon, especially after the pandemic hit. We couldn’t assume people in Seattle knew about us anymore, and we really needed more awareness to help grow membership.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team researched about 30 marketing companies nationwide. When I first came across Watson Creative, I knew I liked them immediately. Their progressive values and ideas were clearly reflected on their website, and they also had an edge about them that I really liked. Who they were and what they stood for was very apparent from the beginning.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

One of the main challenges we faced was not feeling like we had a real brand identity. We needed to figure out who we were and learn how to embrace it before we could move forward successfully. We were able to cancel out concepts that we didn’t want to go towards, and we found new components that were essential for shaping the future of the Club. This was a critical foundation that the Watson team set for us before they even dove into the actual marketing plan.

In the marketing plan, the team identified personas that were not the traditional personas we were expecting. These personas were evolving and changing. This became a crucial concept in our campaign plan. They also presented us with three different taglines that were exactly what we needed.

What was the team composition?

Matt and his team visited the Club and were able to get a feel for our brand first-hand. They knew exactly what questions to ask, and were able to guide us through an exercise that helped us discover who we wanted to be. They had an expert in each field who explained what the current environment was, what we needed, and then another on how to get there. They took the time to get to know who we were and brought out the best in us. They proved to us that they really care about the companies they work with.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

In the first month that we launched the campaign we had almost 1000 leads and we were able to get our name back in to the community. Until today, we use the taglines and vision that Watson helped us create to move our campaigns forward.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent. My team always enjoyed our interactions and meetings. We felt motivated and were constantly learning new trends and marketing concepts in the industry. We had a tight deadline and they were very busy but they worked with us. Watson was able to produce the work with out sacrificing the quality.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Foresight. Many companies can create a marketing campaign. I was impressed with Watson Creatives' ability to think ahead. Ask the question of where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years and create a plan on how to get there. Watson helps build a solid foundation for the future and every campaign has a purpose to move you forward.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

I wish we could have worked with them longer.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner, founder, and head brewer of a small craft brewery called Upright Brewing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Watson Creative?

We wanted to get more exposure via social media channels.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They most notably help with Instagram, but also Twitter and Facebook as well. I review content before they post it, but they create the content. They work off of a monthly calendar that I provided them. Some of the photography work they’ve done, we’ve used on our website as well. Around our 10th anniversary, they helped with events including a prize giveaway and promotion, making a lot of printed materials.

What is the team composition?

Ava (Content Writer) is my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Watson Creative?

They’re actually our neighbors in the office building we’re in. We got connected just from them visiting the brewery and then they offered to work with us. It’s an informal setup.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in the summer of 2018 and the relationship is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve had a lot of general positive feedback from our customers.

How did Watson Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We have in-person meetings where we go over the metrics and they show me how everything is performing numerically. Primarily, we communicate via email but we also communicate over the phone and in person. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m really impressed with the quality of people there overall. They’re all really good at what they do. I think that the work they’ve provided for us is really excellent and it has been a really easy go.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They seem to cover a broad range, so I feel like they could do well with all manner of businesses. I recommend them to just about anyone because they seem versatile.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

National executive recruiting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Watson Creative?

Company branding, logo design, creating marketing materials and new business launch.

What were your goals for this project?

Create an identity for my company that will be easily recognizable throughout my industry.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I searched many firms throughout the area and Watson Creative was the most responsive and seem to understand how to guide me to get what I’m looking for.

Describe the project in detail.

I need a logo design, company imaging creation and visual messaging.

What was the team composition?

I was assigned an account representative that walked me through each step along the way. I felt like I had an advocate within Watson Creative. He made me feel like I was his sole priority.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Watson Creative listens and reacts! I needed design help for my business but didn’t know how to articulate my needs. They walked me through their a simple yet comprehensive intake process which really helped me understand how I want to brand my business and for the long and short term while keeping my business goals in mind.

The results were far beyond my expectations and I’m moving forward with my business with a sense of pride! Watson Creative is the best choice with very fair pricing and extremely responsive. You won’t be disappointed. Stop searching for a design firm. You found Watson Creative.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The best experience I’ve had.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was extremely impressed by their knowledge of how to articulate my thoughts even when I wasn’t able to fully describe what I’m looking for. I feel like I gave them a vague idea of what I needed, and they took it to the next level and far exceeded my expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The quality and the speed of the project was far Exceeded my expectations. The only thing I’d be curious about is learning a little bit more about other service they have that might impact my business.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m self-employed, and my company does business consulting, leadership, and team development coaching.

As a disclaimer, I’m now providing Watson Creative with consulting services as they grow their team including coaching some of their executive leaders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Watson Creative?

We needed to build a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I think it’s a WordPress site, and it looks great. The process was very collaborative. The designer I was assigned was very responsive and professional. I had ideas, flavors, photos that I had envisioned. This was the first business I’d started on my own, so I needed that web development expertise. They asked a lot of good questions to guide us on what would work best for me. They didn’t push a template on me, which I really appreciated.

They also created business cards and a logo for me.

What is the team composition?

I worked with a designer, as well as the resource who did the backend. He helped me do some things where I could make a few changes myself.

How did you come to work with Watson Creative?

I know Matt (Founder, Watson Creative) from our time at the same university. He worked there, and I attended the school.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent around $10,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March until June 2015. I’m now in talks with them to trade services; I’ll offer them something and they’ll create a video for me for the website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Satisfaction has been great. People have responded well to the site, saying it’s informative and attractive. They built in some information about me as well that tells my customers about my personality. The navigation is very smooth

How did Watson Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

The owner is great to work with. Through my relationship and reaching out to him, he partnered me with the right person to ensure there was good alignment from the beginning. They’re very collaborative as a small studio, which gets things done quickly. They stayed very engaged with me as a client to see how things were going. Project management was very good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

If I had to choose an agency in Portland, they’re one of the top ones for small designs firms. They’ve hired talented people and get out their way, they let them do their work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They may not have communicated as well back in 2015 as they do now. The communication was good, but it could always be better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be transparent. Go in with your ideas and work with Watson. Be open to not being the expert. They’re a top-notch agency to collaborate with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a professor at Oregon State University in Design & Innovation Management. Matt Watson was a student of mine in the Graphic Design Program.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Watson Creative?

Matt has been consulting with our design programs for the past 10+ years.

What were your goals for this project?

To have successful and influential alumni advise and mentor our faculty and students.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Matt Watson is an Oregon State alumni.

Describe the project in detail.

Matt sits on our Advisory Board for the Design Programs in the College of Business at OSU and also mentors students and hires our graduates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our students are much better informed after visiting Watson Creative and talking to Matt and his team at Watson Creative.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I have known Matt since he was an undergraduate student at Oregon State University in the graphic design program. Over the past 25 years, I’ve followed Matt’s post-graduate journey, starting at Lippincott in New York, moving to Nike, and finally starting his own agency, Watson Creative in Portland.

Over that time he has remained dedicated to his alma mater by teaching and inspiring students, working on our Advisory Board and hiring dozens of OSU grads. I can attest not only to Matt's critical design thinking and problem-solving ability but also to his character and to the people he hires.

I have enjoyed getting to know the team at Watson Creative and I highly recommend them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of my own consulting firms that is geared towards working with business executives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Watson Creative?

We wanted assistance with branding for a new business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They assisted with brand strategy and design services. This included deck building, website design, graphics, and copywriting. 

What is the team composition? 

Matt (CEO & Executive Creative Director) is my main point of contact, but I also worked with Ian (VP of Communications). 

How did you come to work with Watson Creative?

Matt was a former coworker of mine when we worked at Nike. We got together to discuss our new ventures, and I realized he would be a great fit for the project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested a bit less than $10,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2019, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We haven’t launched the new brand yet. However, Matt has done a good job and been consistent with his point of view. He has a clear view of what the project will look like. His advice has helped move the project forward. 

How did Watson Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very responsive and open to dialogue. Even though the team is busy, they’ve remained easy to get in touch with. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Matt is a very stoic strategist. He thinks about the big picture and is creative in his work. He brings about a lot of unique ideas that I may not have considered. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t say anything negative. Their business is growing and figuring out how to manage their workflow, but they’re doing a good job. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open to the strategies and ideas that they might bring.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

VP of Marketing for one of Oregon’s 50 largest businesses,.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Watson Creative?

Brand development, video production, graphic design.

What were your goals for this project?

Enhanced brand image. Ability to stand out in a crowd of competitors.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Based on trial of smaller projects. Communication, design competence, marketing acumen, brand understanding.

Describe the project in detail.

Multiple corporate and product brand development programs. Development of a strategy and related array of branded content for trade shows, web and other channels focused on building recognition and leadership position within industry and categories.

What was the team composition?

Account manager, videographer, junior and senior designers, digital experts, and Matt Watson himself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

High visibility to key partners. Increased email marketing open rates. Marketshare increase.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Efficient with a whatever it takes attitude.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their spirit to do it right and their passion for branding stood out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Communication for all sides can never be perfect, but they don't mind listening more if needed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

At the time I worked with Watson I was the Marketing Director at Scott Edwards Architecture

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Watson Creative?

We hired Watson to take us through a branding exercise and design us a new website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our firm had recently undergone its first ownership transition. One founding partner had stepped down and five had stepped up to take the reigns with the remaining founding partner. Our vision remained the same, and we were excited to learn how our voice had changed and how we wanted to reemerge to the world with a refreshed brand illustrated through a new website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We polled our peers and interviewed several well respected firms.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected Watson we had a kickoff meeting that led to several intensive workshops where the 13 person management team worked to distill who we were as a firm, our voice and how that would translate into our website. A smaller web design team then met with Watson weekly to work through the design details of the website through rollout.

What was the team composition?

Initially it was the 13 person management team from SEA and a team of 4 from Watson, including Matt Watson. Then as we figured out the higher-level branding and visioning the team became myself working directly with the Watson team and reporting progress back to the 6 person SEA ownership team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website was a huge improvement. And the process that we took to get there helped us come together as an organization at a time of transition. It has been 5+ years now and the website has held up well and we couldn't be more proud of it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. We had obstacles and setbacks like any team, with staff turnover, trouble making decisions on the ownership side, etc. But we worked through them all with clear communication and a shared commitment excellence.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Matt and his team partnered with our architectural firm over 5 years ago and since then we’ve watched Watson become a trusted name in the AEC industry. I can clearly remember the passion behind Watson’s work and the expertise brought to every task – it’s because of them that our culture and brand are communicated the way we envisioned.

I was recently back at the Watson studio and was very impressed with the culture and the team/family environment. They’re just as kind and welcoming as they are talented!

Are there any areas for improvement?

The team was exceptional. I would work with them again and have remained friends with Matt over the years. The firm he has continued to build is exceptional.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and President of Green Theme Technologies Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Green Theme Technologies Inc. is a global textile innovation company based out of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Watson Creative to accomplish?

• Search Engine Optimization,Web development and design and Conversion Optimization.

SOLUTION

How did you find Watson Creative?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Watson Creative over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Watson Creative were assigned to this project?

11-13

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We are looking to increase our visibility on Google, have accurate information on our website and convert clicks into leads by having content that is constantly being published.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Tangible progress through improved keyword rankings, enhanced website visibility, and increased organic traffic.
• Proactive communication and tailored strategies laying a strong foundation for future growth and success in driving conversions. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They are always on time! They were super prompt and exceeded expectations when it comes to my company's needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Watson Creative?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

• The individualized assistance and attention to detail.
• The positive culture at Watson Creative shows through their work and that is important!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Watson Creative could have done differently?

No, not from my experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chairman and CEO of Labcorp

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Watson Creative to accomplish?

we hire to produce a poster based on written version of Quality Policy. We wanted to present our Quality Policy in an accessible, easy to understand form.

SOLUTION

How did you find Watson Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Watson Creative over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Watson Creative were assigned to this project?

11-15

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

On the basis of the descriptive version of the Quality Policy, a poster has been prepared, presenting the most important points of the Quality Policy, which, through visualisation, very well represents the sense contained in the content.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

It was excellent cooperation, quick and fruitful.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

without any problems, with excellent mutual understanding in both languages: polish and english.

What was your primary form of communication with Watson Creative?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Watson Creative's professionalism and speed of action were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Watson Creative could have done differently?

No