Space Chimp is the out of this world branding and digital agency based in the heart of Austin. Started by the core marketing team from FramesDirect.com, Space Chimp has grown to become the “Go-To-Guys” in building world-class brand. Check out this team of specialist, gurus, artists, magicians, mad scientist and more. I swear there’s no monkey business going on around here!
Inside Space Chimp
Location: Austin, TX
In Austin Since: 2010
Core Services: Marketing, Design, Development
# of Employees: 6 Employees, 500+ Freelancers
# of Four-Legged Employees: We have a flexible work environment where team members can work from home or at WeWork. Its not really feasible to bring a pet to our WeWork space but when your home, you have the luxury of playing and frolicking with your faithful companion at your leisure.
Company Mantra: “Be adventurous, creative and open-minded”
Does your agency have a cool origin story?
The original partners and myself (Charles Haggas) all came from FramesDirect.com which is now the #1 online eye wear retailer. We helped grow that company from a small company working out of a crazy farm house in the hill country to swanky offices downtown. The company was bought by Essilor and at that point the core marketing team got together and started Space Chimp and the rest is history.
Most Interesting Physical Thing in Your Office?
Well, we all work remotely now but when we did have an office space we had a life size Chimp costume on a mannequin that would scare the crap out of everyone in the office.
What does #agencylife mean to you?
#agencylife keeps us hustling 24/7
“People buy brands not products.”
– Charles Haggas, CEO
Partners in Crime
In 10 Words or Less, What We Do for Our Clients:
We connect brands with elite talent.
3 Characteristics We Look for in Potential Clients:
- Smart
- Passionate
- Open to Change
Our Clients Love Us Because:
We give them access to the best designers, marketers, developers and strategist in the world.
Clients We’ve Helped:
World Bank, Associated Press, Charles Schwab, Evernote, IBM, Salesforce
Austin Access
The #1 Thing We Love About Austin:
We really love the magnetic startup culture here in Austin.
How does your agency help Keep Austin Weird?
When we’re feeling frisky you may just find a dancing Space Chimp on a busy street corner or posing for a super cool photo op in Austin hot spots. I guess that’s pretty weird.
What are your most admired local brands?
Dell, RetailMeNot, Indeed.
What are the top things your team will be doing at SXSW this year?
Usually, we’re doing product launches. This year is an exception so I think for the most part we’re going to take advantage of the break and stay out of downtown for the most part. However, I’m sure some of our employees will be hitting up some select and secret shows at night.
During SXSW, what is the…
- Hidden Gem: Are there hidden gems at this point? Really, to escape from the craziness, I would recommend going to the Salt Lick about 30 minutes out of town in the southern Hill Country. They have amazing bar-b-que that is all cooked up in a big pit in the middle of the restaurant.
- Most Overhyped: The fact that you can simply get in to secret shows with little or no effort is totally unrealistic. Try using RSVPster – to signup for free events.
Which is your favorite Austin food truck?
There is a little taco trailer by our old offices in downtown Austin called Pueblo Viejo on the east side of 6th street that has the best tacos in Austin hands down. There is something magical that happens when they meet your taste buds.
Keeping Austin Weirder
The marketing and design scenes play a huge part in Austin’s creative culture. But how many agencies and design firms do you really know in the city? From advertising agency, Door Number 3, to branding studio, Creative Tonic, we will give you a detailed looked at the designers, marketers and creatives keeping Bat City super weird.
So sit back, relax, as we take you on a trip through Austin’s creative scene…
Stay up to date on all the content during our #AustinSpotted Activation by visiting the Austin Content Hub.
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