I make meaning!

This kind of work starts in the abstract world of ideas, imagination, and strategy, but ultimately resolves itself into the human operating system — language — across these areas of focus:

• Naming & Brand Architecture

• Brand Strategy & Development

• Messaging & Positioning

• Verbal Identity & General Communications

• Product Strategy & Content Design

• Brand Audits

• Creative Ideation

• Other Special Projects

Agencies have significant overhead costs. Things like rent, employee benefits, payroll, and more. These added business expenses can’t help but be reflected in inflated project costs.

As an independent consultant, I operate differently. I work on a retainer basis, with no hidden padding or budgetary bloat. While the hourly rate I base my retainer on is competitive, it still represents a fraction of what you’d pay to a formal agency. Hiring me means getting the same high-quality work, but without the extra costs.

I’m often on the road, rolling through Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the regular. But given that I work remotely, at the moment I could be just about anywhere.

:::taps you on the back of your shoulder:::

Given my tech focus, many of my clients are based in the SF Bay Area. However, I’ve also partnered with companies in Australia, Canada, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Israel, so this night owl is no stranger to hopping on midnight calls, without complaint. If you’re up to big things, I’m happy to collaborate, no matter your time zone.

My clients typically fall into three categories:

EARLY-STAGE , VC-BACKED TECH STARTUPS

I’m often brought on by technical and business-focused founders to tackle pretty much everything creative, all at once — and I bring it. One day, I might be naming or crafting strategic messaging. The next, I could be collaborating closely with designers and the product team on new features or developing marketing assets for an upcoming launch. These engagements are my favorite because I get to leverage my entire creative toolkit.

WELL-ESTABLISHED COMPANIES

In-house department heads hire me for temporary, senior-level help when they don’t have a fully-built-out team assembled yet, or when their team is at maximum capacity, but the work just keeps on coming. Either way, I jump in, function as a thought partner to the department head, clear out their mounting backlog of projects, and leave them with a clean slate—and a deep sigh of relief.

CREATIVE / BRAND / COMMUNICATIONS / PRODUCT DESIGN AGENCIES

Creative leads reach out when they’re short-staffed on the engagements they’re juggling, or, when they just need fresh eyes and a crisp new perspective on a project that’s difficult to crack. Why does working with me work so well for agencies? Because they can pull me in as a reliable asset when they’re in feast mode, then cut me loose when famine hits. As a trusted agency partner, I slot right in, go deep, and do my part to help make the agency shine.

While most of my work is with consumer-facing tech companies, I’ve taken on projects across many different verticals, and happily offer a 20% discount to certified non-profit organizations.

WITH BRANDS
I work on a retainer basis with a minimum three-month commitment to start. This model has consistently proven to be the most transparent, results-driven, and mutually beneficial for the hands-on, integrated client work I love to do. Nearly all of my clients extend beyond the initial term, often signing a second, third, or even fourth contract together.

NEED A SHORTER ENGAGEMENT?
I also offer day-long deep dives. These are ideal if you’d like to benefit from my expertise around a targeted need, without committing to a long-term retainer. Please reach out for details on my day rate and availability.

WITH AGENCIES
Agency engagements are customized to fit the unique needs of each project. Let’s connect to discuss what’s possible!

Having spent years on the client side, I know very well how frustrating it can be to hire someone who makes big promises at the outset, but ultimately hands off the work to a more  junior team member, and/or fails to deliver on those promises. That’s why I work with no more than two clients at a time. To ensure that I can provide both with the undivided attention and high-quality work that they deserve.

Reach out via my contact form, or via alli@meaningmakercreative, and I’ll take it from there. If it makes sense to, we’ll schedule a call, and should you decide to move forward, I’ll send over my simple, 3-page contract. Then, once it’s signed and returned, it’s official: I’m all yours!