We’re a team of brand strategists, designers,
and writers driven by a singular purpose:
to elevate, celebrate, and advance your business.

Let's skip the dog and pony show and focus on you

How We Help You

We need to change the perception of who we are.

Yes, let’s tell people our real story.

We’re great at what we do but no one beyond our customers has heard of us.

Help us spread the word.

Our brand identity is as dated as the disc the company logo is stored on.

Please bring us into the 21st century.

When asked what we do, everyone in the company has a different answer.

Help us speak as one.

Our sales force constantly complains they don’t have the right sales tools.

Please make them stop.

We know we need to be more digitally engaged, but we’re not sure what makes sense for our brand.

Help us get geeked up.

Our brand is inconsistent and we don’t know how to fix it.

Help us make sense of this mess.

Our business has changed its focus and we need to “re-invent” ourselves.

Help us find our true identity.

Our business is complex and our communications are confusing.

Help us keep it simple.

We’re a start-up. We have backing but no brand.

We’re ready to get out there.

What We Do

Every Marquis program is built around some or all of these steps, whether you choose to look at your brand from the ground up or dive right into communications development. We’ve outlined our full branding process here, but your work with us will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Our Capabilities

Brand Development

  • Brand Strategy
  • Positioning
  • Naming
  • Key Messaging
  • Tagline Development
  • Brand Identity
  • Brand Standards
  • Logo Development
  • Identity Systems
  • Copywriting
  • Marketing & Communications Strategy
  • Event Branding & Design

Digital

  • Website Strategy
  • Information Architecture
  • Website Design & Development
  • Digital Media
  • Digital Publishing
  • Email Marketing
  • Content Marketing
  • Video
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Social Media
  • Lead Generation Strategy
  • App Development

Print

  • Sales & Marketing Collateral
  • Stationery Systems
  • Sales Kits
  • Press Kits
  • Annual Reports
  • Product Catalogues
  • Magazines
  • Advertising & Direct Mail
  • Signage & Environment
  • Packaging
  • Campaigns & Programs
  • Promotions & Gifting

FAQ

What are the costs to work with you?

We feel that creating a successful brand for your business should be viewed as an investment and not a cost. Our up-front pricing is based on helping you develop a solid foundation for your brand (or project), which will amortize for years as your brand evolves. At the beginning of our engagement, we learn everything we can about your business, and the assignment, and give you a project fee estimate before working together. Our pricing generally falls in the middle of the branding firm scale, we’re not the least or most expensive. We pride ourselves in delivering strategic work, on time and within budget.

How long does it take to complete each project?

Each assignment is unique and therefore, timelines vary. In general, you can expect concepts and/or initial designs within 2-4 weeks after our discover and define phase activities are complete. We will set a schedule at the beginning of a project, based on your realistic deadlines, for full production of the work.

What if we have a limited budget?

We at Marquis will work with you to determine the most effective way(s) to utilize your marketing budget as often as possible. We solve business problems and are not in the business of “upselling”. If it will solve the problem, we will recommend it, if not, we won’t. In the event the project is too small for us to handle, we will let you know up front and most often, refer you to someone better suited to your needs.

Will you work with my printer/copywriter/web developer?

Marquis prefers to work with our own experienced partners. Our strong relationships have been built over many years and therefore, you receive the highest quality product and service. Should you prefer we use your partners, we will charge an extra fee to work with someone new or transfer responsibility of the process to our client.

What are your hours?

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Marquis is closed weekends and major holidays and generally have a flexible schedule the week between Christmas and New Year’s. We value work-life balance to stay fresh, so we plan ahead and work smart.

Who will be working on my account?

The people you see in meetings are the people who will work with you every day. Your account will always have the attention of a senior team member, a designer, and our project manager. Other members of the team may also be working on your account depending on the scope of work.

Will you create a design on spec for us?

We do not do work on spec. Our client relationships are built on trust, communication and mutual respect. We understand our client’s desire to make the right decision in their branding/design firm selection process and we’ll do everything we can to put your mind at ease throughout our process.

What are my responsibilities as the client?

It is important to put your trust in us by being forthcoming, allowing us to dive deep into your organization and your brand, to help uncover obstacles, solve business challenges and develop effective and creative solutions. In addition, it is our expectation that all key decision makers are involved in the process from the beginning to ensure a successful outcome.

Do you work with clients outside of Boston?

In today’s technologically advanced world, it is not uncommon that our clients are in other cities. We have several clients around the country and overseas. Our process of working with our long distance clients is the same as working with our local clients. Our initial meetings are most often in-person at your location, as well as any important milestones along the way. Communications between those meetings are via phone, email and video chat. In every case, we are reachable, accessible, and flexible.

The Wow Factor

The wow factor is your head, heart, and senses telling you to pay attention. It’s the solution that reaches out and grabs you because it’s strategically on target and surprising at the same time.

Creating the wow factor is a very conscious part of our work with you. And when we get it right, you’ll see that you’re way cooler than you think.

Resources & Tools

Our Clients

Hospitality & Events

  • Aberdeen Woods Conference Center
  • ALPS
  • Aramark – Fenway Park
  • Boston Red Sox/Fenway Enterprises
  • CBS Scene Restaurant/Kraft Group
  • C3
  • Full Impact Productions
  • Gen Sou En Tea House
  • Global Event Management
  • Global Events Partners
  • International Event Products
  • Ivy Restaurant
  • Krisam Group
  • Lakeview Pavilion
  • La Casa de Pedro
  • L’Epicureo Restaurant
  • Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
  • MassAV
  • MassMutual Center
  • Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
  • Meeting Strategists
  • Party by Design
  • Rentals Unlimited
  • Saphire Event Group
  • Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel
  • Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel
  • Westin Waltham Hotel

High Technology

  • AFL
  • aPriori
  • Aptitude Software
  • COMSOL
  • Dassault Systemes/SolidWorks
  • FIDO Alliance
  • InterPro Solutions
  • Lexicon
  • Massachusetts Health Data Consortium
  • Massachusetts High Technology Council
  • Multiview
  • Rockport Technology Group
  • Saft America
  • Veson Nautical

Financial, Legal & Prof Services

  • Cammack Retirement
  • Catlin & Cookman Group
  • Breckinridge Capital Advisors
  • Granite House Capital Management
  • Hiatt & Hoke, LLC
  • John Hancock
  • Leerink Swann
  • Lucas Law Group
  • Ned Davis Research
  • Outside GC
  • Sharkansky, LLP

Healthcare & Wellness

  • AccuVein
  • Brigham and Women's STRATUS Center
  • Cammack Health
  • Fresenius Medical Care
  • Health Advances
  • Keratin Biosciences
  • Nizhoni Health

Non-profit Organizations

  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • American Red Cross
  • MassEquality
  • Project Joy/Life is Good Kids Foundation
  • The Boston Club
  • The Rauch Foundation

Real Estate Development

  • Aimco
  • Broder
  • Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, Inc.
  • Criterion Development Group
  • Greystar
  • Residences at Light House Point
  • New England Development
  • Paris Property Group

Environment & Sustainability

  • Generon Reos
  • TMC Environmental
  • Transatomic Power
  • Triumvirate Environmental
  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Sports & Entertainment

  • Activate Sports & Entertainment
  • Bauer
  • Down Under Yoga
  • Fenway Sports Group
  • Walden Media

Retail, Fashion, Culture & Arts

  • Boston Lyric Opera
  • Downeast Cider
  • Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors
  • New England Museum Association (NEMA)
  • Roche Bros. / Brothers Marketplace
  • Timberland
  • WGSN

Education

  • Brandeis University
  • Harvard Environmental Law
  • Labouré College
  • Northeastern University

Meet Us

Too often clients are asked to choose between a big agency with layers of bureaucracy and a virtual team with no infrastructure at all.

Marquis offers an alternative model that allows us to be more purposeful, flexible, and creative in meeting your specific needs.

We are built around a physical studio staffed with full-time talent and a network of independent partners who bring deep expertise to each and every assignment.

Every member of our team has extensive experience in solving complex strategic communications challenges. Our collective skills and capabilities include strategic brand development, creative management, art direction, technology development, graphic design, and writing.

The people you read about here are the people you will see in meetings and work with every day. No bait and switch. No junior substitutes. We promise one seamless Marquis team that will include specially selected experts from our media, technology, and marketing partners, as your project requires.  

Careers at Marquis

We at Marquis believe in a collaborative work environment where creative ideas can flourish and develop, where our people feel empowered and enriched, and our clients are our partners and friends. If you share this sentiment and are a self-motivator, we’d like to hear from you. We are always looking to meet strategists, designers, writers, web developers, and all around nice creative folks.

Submit Resume

Here & Now

CLUTCH NAMES MARQUIS A LEADING B2B COMPANY IN MASSACHUSETTS

CLUTCH NAMES MARQUIS A LEADING B2B COMPANY IN MASSACHUSETTS

We are thrilled, that despite the odds during this unprecedented pandemic, that Clutch has named our agency a top B2B company serving clients in the branding, design, and marketing realm, ranking 25th out of a list of 180 firms! According to Clutch, each of the firms listed have demonstrated absolute success through their bespoke services and solutions. Thank you!

Clutch Names Marquis a Top Advertising & Marketing Agency in Massachusetts!

Clutch Names Marquis a Top Advertising & Marketing Agency in Massachusetts!

We bring the wow factor every day here at Marquis. Our award-winning agency creates effective brand communication and next level graphic and web design. We are thrilled to announce that Clutch has named us a top advertising and marketing agency in Massachusetts! 

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MARQUIS NAMED BOSTINNO

MARQUIS NAMED BOSTINNO "50 ON FIRE" FINALIST!

We are thrilled to announce that our firm has been nominated for the BostInno 50 on Fire Awards. Marquis is one of 200 finalists, selected from thousands of applications, representing companies and individuals in Boston who are disrupting their industries and making an impact in our city. Marquis is excited to be among other influencers in the "design" category for our work in Boston and beyond. Read more here.

MARQUIS HONORED WITH AN INTERNATIONAL VISUAL IDENTITY AWARD FOR BROTHERS MARKETPLACE BRAND IDENTITY

MARQUIS HONORED WITH AN INTERNATIONAL VISUAL IDENTITY AWARD FOR BROTHERS MARKETPLACE BRAND IDENTITY

Marquis is proud to announce we have been awarded an International Visual Identity Award for our brand identity work for Brothers Marketplace, owned by Roche Bros., in Medfield, MA. Marquis was one of eleven agencies recognized around the world for this prestigious award. Read the full story.

MARQUIS & BHDP ARCHITECTS SILVER WINNERS OF ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS AWARD

MARQUIS & BHDP ARCHITECTS SILVER WINNERS OF ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS AWARD

Marquis, and BHDP Architects of Ohio, is proud to announce that our brand identity and interior store signage and graphics for Brothers Marketplace won a silver award in the supermarket/grocery store design category this year. Check out the award online.

MARQUIS DESIGNS CHARLIE BAKER INAUGURATION BRAND IDENTITY

MARQUIS DESIGNS CHARLIE BAKER INAUGURATION BRAND IDENTITY

Marquis was engaged to create the overall brand identity and event materials for our newly elected Governor, Charlie Baker. The event theme, "Let's Be Great, Massachusetts", was a quote taken directly from the Governor's campaign and used as the centerpiece for the event messaging and identity, along with images of places across Massachusetts that are part of the fabric of our state. 

MARQUIS PUBLISHED IN CRAVE BOSTON BOOK

MARQUIS PUBLISHED IN CRAVE BOSTON BOOK

Marquis and Julie Vail, our Principal, was profiled in the book Crave Boston: The Urban Girl's Manifesto. Written by Melody Biringer, this book profiles Boston-based, women-owned businesses and over 100 Boston women you need to know. We are honored to be a part of this book and the growing community of women entrepreneurs. 

BROTHERS MARKETPLACE GRAND OPENING IN MEDFIELD

BROTHERS MARKETPLACE GRAND OPENING IN MEDFIELD

Marquis is proud to announce the grand opening of the new Brothers Marketplace in Medfield, MA. Marquis worked closely with Roche Bros., the owners of the new store concept, to develop the comprehensive brand, in-store decor elements, and marketing materials. With two stores currently in Weston and Medfield, the plan is to expand to additional towns throughout New England in the coming years.

MARQUIS LEADS WORKSHOP FOR NEMA

MARQUIS LEADS WORKSHOP FOR NEMA

Marquis led a full day workshop for the New England Museum Association (NEMA) titled "Graphic Design for the Non-Designer: Tips, Tricks, and Tools". This workshop helped museum professionals learn new tips and build on their graphic design skills for creating museum marketing materials. The highly attended workshop included both instruction and presentations, as well as a critique of their current work.

MARQUIS WORKING WITH ROCHE BROS. ON NEW STORE CONCEPT

MARQUIS WORKING WITH ROCHE BROS. ON NEW STORE CONCEPT

Marquis is currently working with Roche Bros. on the development of a brand for a smaller grocery store concept. The new shopping experience is inspired by European markets where customers come in for their daily grocery needs, specialty items, and delicious prepared foods. The first store will open in early 2014 in Medfield, MA. We look forward to unveiling the new brand soon!

MARQUIS FEATURED IN NEW BOOK FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

MARQUIS FEATURED IN NEW BOOK FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Marquis is featured in the upcoming book, Starting Your Career As a Graphic Designer, written by Michael Fleishman, to be published in May 2014 by the Allworth Press. We were asked to be part of this book to showcase our working terms of engagement as a guide and model for people starting their career as a graphic designer. We're honored to be a part of it. Stay tuned to purchase.

BRANDING A NEW YOUTH ORGANIZATION FOR THE ARTS

BRANDING A NEW YOUTH ORGANIZATION FOR THE ARTS

Marquis is working with a new youth organization, currently Broadway Experience, which exposes urban youth to theater arts through educational programs and live performances. We're helping create a brand that encompasses naming, identity, messaging, and fundraising materials. The goal is to grow and add other arts into their programming. Stay tuned for more. Photo by Leise Jones.

CREATING NEW MARKETING FOR FENWAY PARK EVENTS

CREATING NEW MARKETING FOR FENWAY PARK EVENTS

Marquis is engaged in the development of a new brand and marketing materials for Fenway Park Events. In the creation of this work, we had the pleasure of spending several days at Fenway Park doing a photoshoot of the park and its event spaces, and a surprise visit by Wally the Green Monster. We're looking forward to sharing the work soon.

JULIE VAIL ACCEPTED INTO THE BOSTON CLUB

JULIE VAIL ACCEPTED INTO THE BOSTON CLUB

Julie Vail, Principal of Marquis, was honored to be accepted into The Boston Club, the largest organization of women executives and professional leaders in the Northeast. http://www.thebostonclub.com/

MARQUIS LOGO WORK PUBLISHED IN THE BOOK

MARQUIS LOGO WORK PUBLISHED IN THE BOOK "LOGOLICIOUS"

Marquis was published in the book Logolicious for their work on the Veson Nautical corporate logo. The book, written by Peleg Top, is a compilation of the best logo designs from around the world. It was an honor for our firm to be represented in this publication.

MARQUIS RECEIVES FIRST PLACE AWARD FROM THE IAEE

MARQUIS RECEIVES FIRST PLACE AWARD FROM THE IAEE

Marquis was awarded first place in the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) “Art of the Show” competition for their work on the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s marketing promotion materials. The award was given for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center’s sales kit.

SPEAKING AT THE HOW DESIGN CONFERENCE

SPEAKING AT THE HOW DESIGN CONFERENCE

Julie Vail, Principal of Marquis, was honored to be a panelist at a roundtable discussion at the HOW Design Conference in Boston. Moderated by Marketing Mentor's Ilise Benun, the topic focused on running a graphic design business. Julie, along with other design firm owners, shared their expertise for an audience of designers, writers, web developers and illustrators.

MARQUIS RECEIVES A PRINT MAGAZINE REGIONAL DESIGN ANNUAL AWARD

MARQUIS RECEIVES A PRINT MAGAZINE REGIONAL DESIGN ANNUAL AWARD

Marquis was honored to be a top award winner in the national design publication, Print Magazine, for their work on the Boston Red Sox/Fenway Enterprises Event Sales Kit.

JULIE VAIL IDENTIFIED AS A “PERSON TO WATCH” IN THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULIE VAIL IDENTIFIED AS A “PERSON TO WATCH” IN THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS JOURNAL

Julie Vail, Principal of Marquis, was honored to be listed in the Women’s Business Journal, a Boston publication, in their column “People to Watch”.

JULIE VAIL WINS “SPIRIT OF ISES” AWARD AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

JULIE VAIL WINS “SPIRIT OF ISES” AWARD AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

Julie Vail, Principal of Marquis, was awarded the “Spirit of ISES” award and a Merit Scholarship for her involvement in ISES New England. Julie volunteered her time and design resources to the professional events organization.

MARQUIS WINS INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS SOCIETY ESPRIT AWARD

MARQUIS WINS INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS SOCIETY ESPRIT AWARD

Marquis was awarded an Esprit Award for their invitation design work for the local chapter, ISES New England. Julie Vail, Principal of Marquis, accepted the award at the EventWorld conference gala held in Chicago, IL.

Contact Us

Let’s connect. Give us a call or let’s meet. We’d love to hear about your brand and talk about how we can help.

Marquis
156 Porter Street
Boston, MA 02128
617-366-2060
wow@marquisdesign.com

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