Substance is a Chicago branding and visual communications firm. For 20+ years we have partnered with organizations with purpose.

We help brands define and clarify their substance through research, strategy, messaging, and visual design.

20+ years of Substance
75+ branding projects

About Us

We work with organizations that have something worth saying and need a brand that says it with conviction. Our engagements are collaborative by design, rigorous in research, strategic in direction, and built to outlast fickle trend cycles.

Our Areas of Impact

Brand strategy

Direction before design.

Organizational naming

The first word people remember.

Visual identity

Recognition built to outlast trends.

Messaging & Verbal Identity

Your voice, made unmistakeble.

Website Design & Development

Your brand`s online ecosystem.

Stakeholder communications

Expressing your brand consistently

Substance was an ideal strategic partner. We are thrilled with the new brand and can’t imagine a better outcome for our organization.”

Barbara Thayer, Chief Executive Officer, Candor Health Education

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We knew that a new name and brand were necessary, but the prospect of rebranding an organization with a 45 year name and heritage was somewhat daunting. Substance carefully navigated us through each phase of the process, developing clear, actionable research and strategy, culminating in a new name and brand that was transformative. They listened carefully at every juncture, and delivered a brand that allows for us to move our mission forward.”

Ken Grunke, Executive Director, Pathlights

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The design concepts and professionalism from Substance truly set them apart. Throughout the process they were true professionals, catering to  our needs, incorporating feedback, meeting deadlines, and communicating proactively. We are very happy with the site and have received great feedback from our clients. We are proud to show it off and have undertaken subsequent work with Substance, taking the web design through our other communications.”

Simon Brocklehurst, Partner

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