I create meaning. This kind of work starts in the abstract world of ideas, imagination, and strategy, then lands in 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—rent, salaries, benefits, and more—and those costs inevitably end up in inflated project fees.

As an independent consultant, I work differently. I offer retainer-based engagements with no hidden padding or budgetary bloat. While my hourly rate is competitive, it’s still a fraction of what you’d pay an agency. That means that you’ll get the same high-quality work, minus the markup.

I live in the SF Bay Area, but given that I work remotely, and am often on the road, 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 Bay Area–based. But I’ve also partnered with companies in Australia, Canada, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Israel. This night owl doesn’t blink at midnight calls, so if you’re up to big things, I’m happy to collaborate, no matter where you’re located.

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 types of 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 senior thought partner, clear out the backlog, 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 tricky project. 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 things slow down. 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 three-month minimum commitment to start.
This model is transparent, results-driven, and ideal for the integrated, hands-on work I 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, perfect for targeted needs without a long-term commitment. Contact me for 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—so you get my undivided attention and the high-quality work that you deserve.

Reach out via my contact form, or via alli@meaningmakercreative. 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. Once it’s signed, it’s official: I’m all yours!