What We Believe

We believe that every brand has a soul—built by humans, for humans, they have their own stories and journeys, which we harness and tell in authentic, creative, and compelling ways.

The etymology of the word “soul” is an ancient word that comes from “journey” which has its prototypical origins in the word for “sea”—presuming the crossing of a life narrative, the story of a&nbsplife.

As PNW natives who appreciate the ocean, we liken our methodology and philosophy to surfing and the transformative power, depth, and flow of the sea. We dive deep into discovery, taking calculated risks while keeping the shore in sight; we ride the wave of creativity, and watch the far-off waves to gauge the future.

We ride the wave of creativity, and watch the far-off waves to gauge the future.

We believe the sea is a metaphor for creativity and design.
This belief has governed GIRVIN since Tim founded the firm in 1973, creating the foundation of how we approach each client and project. Now, we are a multi-talented team with a half-century of experience and heritage in craft; expertise in a wide range of industries, skills, and interests; and a long-term, results-oriented mindset in building and growing brands. In short, we are expert brand storytellers.

GIRVIN was founded by Tim Girvin in 1973 and is one of the longest-running, privately held, continuously operating brand strategy and design firms in North America.

We started in retail—branding, environmental design, and sign painting—which led to motion picture and theatrical branding, and evolved into identity work and packaging for clients around the world.

Today, we’re a multi-talented team with expertise in strategy, messaging, naming, identity, print, packaging, environments, and more. Our curiosity and worldwide explorations have led us to create powerful brand solutions for beauty, hospitality, food and beverage, entertainment, technology, and retail.

Grounded in craftsmanship and a legacy of success

Intentional in our connections with people

Results-oriented creative solutions for building and growing businesses

Value-driven strategic design and visual storytelling

Inquisitive, intelligent, and insightful

Nimble thinking and adaptable strategies to changing markets

As a people-first creative agency, we listen and connect intentionally with the people behind the brand to get to the deep heart of its purpose and personality so that its identity can find cohesive expression in voice and visuals. Whether you’re an owner who wants your brand to get back on track with its founding principles, an established company who needs a fresh perspective and look that’ll launch you into the future, or a newly formed business who has a vision but doesn’t know where to start, we’ve got the strategic tools and creative solutions tailored to your specific needs that’ll get you reaching goals and achieving results.
GIRVIN looks to Seek Beauty in all things
Our tagline, “Seek Beauty™”, comes from our quest to make things more aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant as opposed to raw functionality. Good design is also functional, but the idea of beauty has many facets, meanings, and depths; we’re not merely looking at surface-level beauty, but actively pursuing attractiveness as a manifestation of the heart and soul.