Make & Co. Review: A Boutique Design Agency That Feels Like a Creative Partner

When I first started looking for a design agency to help rebrand my small business, I was overwhelmed by the sea of options. Some firms felt too corporate, others too scattered—until I stumbled upon Make & Co., a Chicago-based boutique agency that promised "art in marketing" with a personal touch. After working with them, I can confidently say they delivered on that promise—and then some.

What sets Make & Co. apart isn’t just their polished portfolio (though it’s stunning) but the way they blend creativity with strategy, making every project feel intentional rather than just aesthetically pleasing. Here’s a closer look at my experience.

Thoughtful, Strategic Design

From our first conversation, it was clear that Make & Co. doesn’t just slap together pretty visuals—they dig into the why behind every design choice. Their team asked thoughtful questions about my brand’s values, audience, and long-term goals before sketching a single concept. The result? A branding system that didn’t just look good but worked—strengthening my market positioning and resonating with customers.

Their approach to marketing campaigns was similarly strategic. Instead of generic templates, they crafted visuals with storytelling in mind, ensuring consistency across every touchpoint.

Artistry Meets Business Acumen

Make & Co. describes themselves as "artists at heart with business minds," and that balance shines in their work. Their designs have a refined, gallery-worthy quality, but they never lose sight of functionality. Whether it was a mural for my storefront or digital ad creatives, everything was designed to perform—not just impress.

One minor critique? Their premium aesthetic might not be the best fit for brands seeking ultra-casual or edgy styles. But if you value elegance with purpose, they’re a perfect match.

Collaborative & Personal Partnership

Unlike larger agencies where you might get lost in the shuffle, Make & Co. treats clients like true collaborators. Their team is small but mighty, and you’ll likely work directly with the same designers throughout the project. I never felt like just another client—they remembered small details, checked in regularly, and even suggested creative adjustments I hadn’t considered.

That said, their boutique size means they may not handle massive, rapid-turnaround projects as efficiently as a bigger firm. But for brands that value quality over speed, it’s a worthwhile trade-off.

Community-Centric Ethos

Beyond just delivering great work, Make & Co. genuinely cares about fostering relationships—with clients, their local Chicago community, and even between their designs and the world. It’s rare to find an agency that treats creativity as a "labor of love," but their passion is evident in everything they do.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Strengths:

• Strategic, intentional design that blends beauty and function
• Highly collaborative, personalized client experience
• Strong balance of artistic flair and business-minded execution
• Deep commitment to authentic creativity and community

Considerations:

• Premium style may not suit brands wanting a grunge or ultra-minimalist look
• Smaller team means they may not scale for huge, last-minute projects

Final Thoughts

Working with Make & Co. felt less like hiring a design agency and more like gaining a creative partner. They brought expertise, heart, and a sharp eye for detail to every step of the process. If you’re looking for branding, marketing, or even large-scale art (like murals) that tells a story—not just looks good—they’re an outstanding choice. Their work isn’t just design; it’s craft, and that makes all the difference.