Transom Review: A Creative Agency That Knows How to Tell Your Brand’s Story

Ever stared at a blank screen, willing your brand’s identity to magically appear—only to end up with a logo that looks like it was designed in MS Paint? Or maybe your website feels more like a digital ghost town than a vibrant hub for your business? That’s where Transom, a Seattle-based creative agency, comes in.

Founded in 2012, Transom specializes in branding, storytelling, and web design, with a team that boasts over 30 years of combined experience. They don’t just slap a logo on a business card and call it a day—they craft cohesive visual identities and build websites that actually engage visitors.

But does their work live up to the hype? After digging into their services (and, admittedly, stalking their portfolio), here’s what stood out.

1. Branding That Feels Authentic (Not Cookie-Cutter)

Transom doesn’t just design logos—they build entire brand ecosystems. Their approach feels strategic, not just aesthetic. They dig into what makes a business unique and translate that into visuals that actually resonate.

• Strengths: Their branding work has depth—colors, typography, and messaging all align seamlessly. No generic templates here.
• Consideration: If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly logo mill, this isn’t it. Their process is thorough, which means more time (and investment) upfront.

2. Storytelling That Actually Connects

A brand is more than a pretty face—it’s a narrative. Transom excels at weaving a company’s mission, values, and personality into a compelling story.

• Strengths: Their copy doesn’t sound like corporate jargon. It’s engaging, human, and tailored to the audience.
• Consideration: If you’re not sure what your brand’s story is, be prepared for some deep-dive questions. (But hey, that’s a good thing!)

3. Websites That Work (No Broken Links Allowed)

A beautiful website means nothing if it’s slow, confusing, or impossible to navigate. Transom’s web design balances form and function—clean layouts, intuitive UX, and fast load times.

• Strengths: Their sites look polished but don’t sacrifice usability. They also seem to avoid trendy gimmicks that age poorly.
• Consideration: If you need a super basic, DIY-style site, their full-service approach might be overkill.

4. Versatility: They Do “The Stuff In Between”

Beyond branding and web design, Transom handles print collateral, packaging, social media assets, and more. Their “if it needs to be designed, we can probably do it” claim holds up.

• Strengths: One-stop-shop convenience. No juggling multiple freelancers.
• Consideration: Specialized projects (like complex animation) might require outside collaborators.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

✅ Strong, cohesive branding – No disjointed visuals here.
✅ Story-driven approach – They make brands feel human.
✅ High-quality web design – Functional and beautiful.
✅ Full-service flexibility – From logos to social media kits.

⚠️ Not the cheapest option – You’re paying for expertise.
⚠️ May be too robust for simple projects – Overkill if you just need a basic landing page.

Final Thoughts: Is Transom Worth It?

If you want a thoughtful, well-executed brand identity—not just a slapped-together design—Transom delivers. Their work feels intentional, and their experience shows in the polish of their projects.

That said, they’re best suited for businesses ready to invest in a full branding and web experience. If you’re on a shoestring budget or need something ultra-fast, they might not be the best fit. But if you want a partner to help your brand stand out (not just exist), Transom is a solid choice.