McGarrah Jessee site work completed as Head of Experience while at McGarrah Jessee with many other talented people
The McGarrah Jessee Site
Bringing the New Agency Positioning to Life
“You’re the Best Kept Secret in Advertising”
We heard that phrase time and time again from peers and clients alike. But what felt like a compliment at first, was really a sign that we weren’t communicating the “why” behind who we are and what we do. We had a unique point of view on the industry. We had a clear vision that held the creative bar high. Soon, our quiet and humble nature would evolve into vibrant confidence.
We Grow Cult Brands
The new site reflects our new identity and brings it to life with motion, interactivity and personality. It clearly states our point of difference and shows the work and culture that embodies it: That we are all creative, no matter our job title. That we are passionate and striving to do and be better. That we are restless, always tinkering.
An Agency on the Move
Nothing should feel stale, dated or stagnant. This is most evident in the use of motion throughout the site, but is also true of the content that is constantly changing, evolving and in subtle ways, even the use of italic type, the staggered layout and slanted graphical elements used throughout the site.
Fewer, More Meaningful Examples of Cult Brand Work
We went from showing over to 100 projects across all clients to just around 10 of our most diverse and impactful case studies — those that would resonate the most with our CMO and consultant audience. We brought the most compelling cult brand stories to the forefront, complete with topline overviews, a case study video and more in-depth support pieces that culminate in a comprehensive results infographic.
A Bold Stance on What We Do
We grow cult brands, yet we’d never crafted that story as a part of our site. This time it wouldn’t go unsaid. We kept it simple because the idea that we build brands worth believing in isn’t hard to grasp. We just needed it to come across boldly and with enough explanation that it conveyed the intention with which we build brands.
Attracting Diverse Talent
Piquing the interest of the right creative talent isn’t about showing who we are now, but rather what drives us and where we want to be. It’s about being honest about our shortcomings and asking for those interested to help shape us into a better agency to join us. We have passion for what’s to come and believe that’s a more attractive version of our culture than showing photos of last year’s holiday party.
The Verdict
Having been a part of no fewer than five site redesigns during my time at McGarrah Jessee, I’m happy to say that this one launched in a fraction of the time that the others took — 6ish months for an internal project of this magnitude is nothing to sneeze at.