86 Marketing & Design Review: A Creative Powerhouse for Purpose-Driven Brands

Ever felt like your brand’s message gets lost in the noise? Like your marketing efforts are more scattered than strategic? That’s exactly where I was before discovering 86, a boutique agency specializing in purpose-driven marketing and creative design. Their promise? To help businesses like mine cut through the clutter with intentional, high-impact strategies—not just flashy campaigns. After working with them, I can confidently say they deliver on that vision.

Strategic Clarity Meets Creative Flair

What stood out immediately about 86 was their focus on purpose-driven marketing. This wasn’t just about aesthetics or chasing trends—they dug deep into my brand’s core values and audience before suggesting a single design or campaign. Their process felt more like a collaborative workshop than a transactional service.

• Insightful Brand Audits – They didn’t just ask for my logo and color palette; they analyzed my market positioning, competitors, and even customer sentiment.
• Tailored Messaging – Instead of generic slogans, they crafted messaging that resonated with my audience’s pain points.
• Design That Tells a Story – Their creative team didn’t just make things look pretty—they ensured every visual element reinforced my brand narrative.

If I had to nitpick, their strategic phase can feel a bit intensive for smaller businesses that want quick-turnaround projects. But honestly, that depth is what makes their work so effective.

Seamless Collaboration & Clear Communication

Agencies often fall into one of two traps: either they disappear after the initial pitch, or they micromanage every tiny detail. 86 struck the perfect balance. Their team was responsive without being overbearing, and they kept me in the loop at every stage—whether it was a branding refresh or a social media campaign.

• Dedicated Project Leads – No playing phone tag with six different people. I had a single point of contact who understood my vision.
• Transparent Timelines – No vague "we’ll get back to you" delays. They set clear milestones and stuck to them.
• Feedback-Friendly Process – Revisions weren’t a battle; they actively encouraged input to refine the final product.

The only hiccup? If you’re on a super-tight deadline, their thorough approach might require a little patience—but the end result is worth it.

Measurable Impact (Not Just Pretty Designs)

The biggest test of any marketing agency is whether their work actually moves the needle. Within three months of launching their rebranding strategy for my business, I saw:

• A 28% increase in social media engagement
• Stronger customer feedback on brand clarity
• More qualified leads (because my messaging finally spoke to the right people)

They didn’t just hand me a flashy new logo and call it a day—they equipped me with a cohesive strategy that kept delivering value long after our project wrapped.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

✅ Strengths:

• Truly strategic, not just aesthetic-focused
• Collaborative, transparent workflow
• Designs and campaigns with measurable ROI
• Strong emphasis on brand authenticity

⚠️ Minor Considerations:

• Not the fastest option for rushed projects
• Best suited for brands ready to invest in long-term positioning

Final Verdict: If You Want Marketing That Means Something, 86 Delivers

86 isn’t for every business—if you’re looking for cheap, templated designs or one-off social media posts, you’ll find faster (and cheaper) options elsewhere. But if you want a partner who treats your brand like their own, crafting marketing with intention and creativity, they’re a standout choice. Their work goes beyond surface-level appeal, building campaigns that actually reinforce what makes your business unique.

Would I work with them again? Absolutely—in fact, I already am.