CASE STUDIES
We provide actionable solutions.
We get right to the heart of the matter for a variety of clients delivering world-class creative and innovation work. From agencies to in-house teams to startups, each client's path is unique.
IN-HOUSE TEAM
Systematizing Creative Excellence
Client:
An in-house creative and design studio that makes inspiring brand moments to educate, inspire, and connect people in meaningful ways with a leading AI product.
Engagement:
A new Managing Director was tasked with fortifying a world-class creative and design operation to take a leading AI brand into the future. We supported strategic planning, team design, and change management to spark the group’s evolution and enable creative excellence at pace and scale.
In order to enable this creative innovation, the Production discipline also needed to evolve. We helped architect an industry-leading Production discipline with clear frameworks and critical foundational standards and materials. We established a framework for Production discipline management, mentorship, and connection that establishes and grows best-in-class approaches.
Insight:
A reset should be driven by core principles.
You can update your structure while staying grounded in your values. The specifics of your culture will power your evolution and allow you to meet a moment of change with velocity and inspiration, rather than confusion and fear.
Components:
STUDIO
Establishing Lasting Foundations
Client:
Thread Creative, an independent writing studio that harnesses the power of words and AI innovation to make more meaningful brands.
Engagement:
We advised the Thread leadership team on evolving their offerings in the face of market disruption, and expanding their business development strategies. In-depth conversations with the leadership team unearthed a unique competitive advantage that could be leveraged for new business, thought leadership, and focus in the craft.
In order to fulfill their newly articulated business goals, we also advised Thread’s Production leadership on how to galvanize key individuals with critical skills central to success. Alongside a vision and materials for an integrated Production discipline that is indispensable to business, we created a comprehensive framework and program for Producer Learning & Development, from junior to executive level.
Insight:
Clarify roles before building L&D programs.
It’s important for an organization to ensure the foundation for each discipline is established and sturdy before expecting more. The first step is to create (or update) and roll out materials to thoroughly communicate roles, responsibilities, skills, and leveling. Only after full clarity is established and communicated is your team ready to grow.
Components:
“Tsilli and Amie gave us the right combination of pep talk and real talk. They showed us the way forward and made us feel like we can rise to the occasion. The biggest impact of working with NoCo: our leadership team is aligned on a direction.”
– Molly Inderhees, Managing Director
STUDIO
Revitalizing Strategic Direction
Client:
Jolby, an independent design studio that delivers world-class brand and illustration systems.
Engagement:
After a shift in leadership, Jolby had us work with them to sharpen their brand positioning, build financial intelligence, and assist in business planning and operations. By analyzing books, team design, and pitch materials, we were able to find opportunities for solidifying the business as they moved into their next chapter.
An analysis of their accounts and delivery methods also led us to develop an org chart that could support them into the future, as well as a career ladder to serve as an inspiring north star of excellence for all roles. We delivered a roadmap for implementation and supported leaders through the rollout and hiring.
Insight:
To make progress, make a plan.
To run a healthy team and studio, you need to make a yearly business plan. Setting objectives and defining key results is a critical part of this—but first you need to understand what you’re trying to measure and assess, and why.
Components:
“The best part of working with NoCo was the research and care put into discovering what was best for Jolby and me. It 1000% didn't feel like a cookie-cutter solution, but something that was right for our studio at the crossroad we are at right now.”
– Josh Kenyon, Owner
STUDIO
Fortifying Business Fundamentals
Client:
ToyFight, an independent digital innovation studio based in the UK that collaborates with brands and agencies to create memorable experiences.
Engagement:
We advised the founding partners across business, operations, and brand to prepare them for growth. From mindset shifts to tangible actions, we charted their path forward in how they go to market and nurture their team and practice for scale.
Insight:
Intentionally craft your team and your workplace.
The best thing you can do for your business is move from reacting to proactively planning. That means designing the space you’re in, the resources you provide, the roles on your team, and the process for advancement.
Components:
“It can sometimes be hard to see beyond the day-to-day, but since we’ve worked with NoCo I am getting better at understanding the more medium to long-term aspects needed to make improvements to our business.”
– Leigh Whipday, Partner
AGENCY
Transforming Org Frameworks
Client:
Kamp Grizzly, an independent agency creating meaningful connections between the world’s best brands and the cultures they participate in.
Engagement:
Having achieved scale, Kamp Grizzly needed innovation in their approach to career management. We developed a framework and roadmap for implementation, including culture-sensitive change management, and coached leadership in carrying it through.
Insight:
Change can be inspiring.
You have to believe that change is possible to make it possible. Then, you enlist others through thoughtful planning to make it possible together.
Components:
AGENCY
Architecting a New Offering
Client:
An integrated brand experience agency based in Portland, Oregon.
Engagement:
Years of execution in a sweet-spot of brand delivery had stagnated the project and client opportunities for this 23-year-old independent studio. After outlining an approach for visionary strategic business planning with the founder, we outlined the approach to determine opportunities for new offerings and detailed the plan to build it.
Insight:
Don’t scale in size while growing a new offering.
Growth efforts should distinguish and prioritize between growing a new capability or increasing agency size. To establish a new offering, the team needs space to log wins and understand learnings. Don’t put the pressure of scale on a new offering before it’s good and ready.
Components:
STUDIO
Revitalizing Strategic Direction
Client:
+&>, an independent design studio specializing in “Narrative Places” – exhibitions and installations activated by stories.
Engagement:
Through guided conversations, we zeroed in on the right kind of work and operating approach to take as they pursue the best projects for the practice.
Insight:
Your creative vision is your differentiator.
The work you’re passionate about making is usually the highest value work you can deliver. Prioritizing that is the best way to increase your rates and grow your business.
Components:
“NoCo helped us zoom out and think more strategically about what we're really after as a studio. Their insights helped us re-shape our operations and process to reflect our values and give us the space to create our best work.”
– Traci Sym, Partner
STUDIO
Focusing Strategic Vision
Client:
Outlet, A beloved creative community space in Portland, Oregon, that’s part risograph print shop, part store, part illustration studio, part workshop & pop-up event space, and part zine library.
Engagement:
Through guided conversation, we untangled a complex set of services and clarified their purpose and relationship to one another. Recognizing distinct audiences, goals, and functions for each program gave structure to both the public offerings and the operations behind them.
Insight:
Create clarity for yourself and your community.
If you offer a broad range of services, make your offerings clear to both the audiences you’re trying to reach and to yourself, including in the way you track your finances and structure your systems.
Components:
“NoCo helped us not only organize our diverse offerings but also approach them with renewed vigor and optimism! It felt great to get a fresh perspective that was the perfect balance of realistic and hopeful.”
– Kate Bingaman-Burt and Leland Vaughan, Owners
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