Creative Tonic is the Austin-based Branding firm that is dedicated to helping clients explore and discover the full potential of their brands. From strategy to design and much more, Creative Tonic works seamlessly across all mediums building strong, versatile brands that deliver the best experience. So if you’re looking for the best branding in Austin or possibly even the whole country, call the guys at Creative Tonic.
Inside Creative Tonic
Location: Austin, TX
In Austin Since: 2009
Core Services: Branding
# of Employees: We’re a family of 10 (and growing).
# of Four-Legged Employees: 1 or 2 on any given day.
Company Mantra: “F*ck boundaries.”
Does your agency have a cool origin story?
A veteran of the Chicago and Minneapolis design scenes, founder Michelle Houp wanted to recreate the interdisciplinary mix of industrial, graphic, packaging, interior and UI/UX designers working alongside content strategists, copywriters and concept teams she loved about her previous stops. With that in mind, she has set about creating a space for talented people more interested in great ideas than specific mediums or disciplines.
Most Interesting Physical Thing in Your Office?
We have a powered water filter, giant lego heads, a waist trimmer, multiple space heaters, countless fancy pens and a dog.
What does #agencylife mean to you?
Agency life can be much like a family. We solve problems like a family, discuss opinions like a family, and sometimes argue like a family. Overall, it’s pushing past the obvious answers to those that solve a problem in a new way.
“For us, staying small is a conscious decision to select opportunities based on how they fit into our goals and strengths as a group.”
– Michelle Houp, CEO & Founder
Partners in Crime
In 10 Words or Less, What We Do for Our Clients:
Break new ground for their industry, category and market.
3 Characteristics We Look for in Potential Clients:
- Courage
- Collaboration
- Honesty
“We talk about dimension when discussing what makes brands successful – they are defined, yet constantly evolving to meet new opportunities.”
– Craig Lennie, Creative Director
Our Clients Love Us Because:
We solve problems and consistently exceed their expectations.
Clients We’ve Helped:
Just to name drop a few: Mrs. Meyers, Windex, Rackspace, RYFT, Glade, VMG Partners, Spanning by EMC, Ziploc, Guidepoint, Cove, Indeed, Body Glove Performance.
Austin Access
The #1 Thing We Love About Austin:
The people. Austinites are welcoming, warm and always ready to have fun.
How does your agency help Keep Austin Weird?
We’re all weird.
What are your most admired local brands?
Austin Beerworks. We love their commitment to quality and to creating a unique and striking brand.
What are the top things your team will be doing at SXSW this year?
Fulfilling our contractual obligations between the hours of 9 and 5.
During SXSW, what is the…
- Hidden Gem: The east side. Can be a great place to get away from all the crowds and find a dive bar.
- Most Overhyped: The conference.
Which is your favorite Austin food truck?
Dos Amigos, taco truck around the corner from the office.
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.
- 50 Largest Marketing Companies in the World - January 3, 2018
- Top 20 Most Important Women in Marketing - December 4, 2017
- Ask The Expert: How To Assess The Health Of Strategic Agency Partners - November 14, 2017