From bold ideas to unforgettable campaigns, these Black-owned creative agencies are shaping the future of the industry.
This August, we’re turning the spotlight all the way up to support Black Business Month — because brilliance deserves to be seen. It’s a time to celebrate the powerhouse Black entrepreneurs and bold Black-owned businesses making waves across the U.S.
We’ve handpicked 11 standout Black-owned creative agencies — from scrappy start-ups to trailblazing titans — that are redefining the game and deserve a spot on your radar this summer.
1. VERB
VERB is undoubtedly one of the most innovative creative agencies in the U.S. right now. VERB describes itself as a “vibes-first brand experience agency whose actions create cultural reactions”. Yep, they’re awesome.
Co-founders Shannon Jones and Yadira Harrison are redefining experiential marketing daily. Remember the Barbie Dreamhouse that you could rent out on Airbnb? That was VERB. Or the recent Eventbrite Cheese Rave in NYC? You can thank VERB. This boutique, woman-led agency is only six years old but already boasts an impressive roster of clients. If you’re seeking experiential, headline-grabbing, heartfelt marketing, get in touch with VERB asap.
2. Creative Theory Agency
Established in 2015, Creative Theory Agency is on a mission to bring diversity and representation of global majority folks to the forefront of global marketing. Co-founded by Gary Williams and Tamon George, this is an independent, D.C.-based studio whose multicultural marketing is shaking up the industry.
Working with Strava, Delta, YouTube, and NHL, this agency is helping make diverse representation the norm (and not the token exception). Its unwavering commitment to centering the stories of people who are so often overlooked—and doing so on a sweeping scale—is powerful and essential. If you need support with inclusive storytelling, creative design, cinematography, production, or strategy, working with Creative Theory Agency is a no-brainer.
P.S. Their Instagram is brilliant too.
3. AGWE Studios
AGWE Studios is the emerging brand agency that you need on your radar. It’s run by four siblings in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, and they’re a total breath of fresh air. Their Gen-Z edge is refreshing, their branding is jargon-free, and the quality of their services is impeccable. Oh, and their ethos rules:
“Our vision is to create opportunities that uplift minority communities by changing the narratives that are readily available. Since starting in 2023, we’ve launched a diverse array of minority-owned brands.”
AGWE Studios specializes in user experience (UX) design, identity design, photography, and videography. This family-owned agency also runs AUX, a top-tier podcast and content studio in Maryland — perfect for all kinds of creators. We think they’re dreamy. And if you can’t wait to get a slice of their genius, check out their free eBook!
4. Egami
If you want a sense of how Egami is redefining the work of creative agencies, you could start with the intriguing fact that it describes itself as an “un-agency.” Then you could read its powerful mission statement:
“Our DNA is rooted in bravery. It’s how we’ve been committed to making the world better for people of color for nearly 20 years. And today, people are so much more. We are multidimensional, and we are people of culture. We focus on the complexity and wholeness of how people experience life to create movement. For brands. For business. And for the world.”
Egami has backed up that bold mission statement with high-impact work for major brands like McDonald’s and Bounty. Watch this amazing ad it created for P&G and MBIB, and you won’t be surprised that it was the first Black and woman-owned agency to win a Cannes Lions Grand Prix.
5. 19th & Park
Born in New York and working worldwide, the folks at 19th & Park are storytelling aficionados. Self-described “cultural marketing and production experts,” they operate one of the coolest creative agencies around.
Authenticity and emotional depth are key to all of the agency’s work.
“We provide solutions that are hinged on genuine connections. Because the only true measure of success is how you made someone feel.”
Wow. More of this, please.
For all your content and production needs (and inspo), head to 1Park9, its sister studio. It’s a professional, playful, and daring studio that’s also minority-owned, woman-owned, and creates jaw-dropping, scroll-stopping work.
6. $NP Designs
Based in New York City, $NP Designs is an artist-led studio that works at the intersections of technology and design.
The Caribbean-American creative director, Denise Coke, is the powerhouse behind this agency’s success. Her background in fine art is woven into the DNA of $NP Designs, which provides graphic design and augmented reality services to social causes and businesses of all shapes and sizes.
One standout feature of this agency is its commitment to “curate and produce solo art shows in inner cities with vendor marketplaces that encourage commerce in Black and Brown communities.” Creativity and community are at the heart of everything it does.
If you want to level up your events with AR, interactive artwork, or immersive motion graphics that your audience will never forget, this is one of the best creative agencies to choose. The strategy and design behind The Dropbox AR Scavenger Hunt at Render ATL deserves a special mention too (sneak peek below).
7. Burrell Communications
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Burrell Communications is an impressive creative agency at the top of its game. Its distinctive red, black, and white branding (with an edgy sci-fi twist!) sets it apart in a crowded industry. But the range and quality of its services give Burrell the coveted title of industry leader.
This agency has made branding an exact science, offering services in research and analytics, production, paid media, PR, and experiential events (just to name a few). Burrell prides itself on innovative, fast, and high-quality results. Its work for Puma, “The Fabric of Hip Hop,” is a wonderful example of its creative output.
The agency’s own words sum it up best:
“Burrell is a collective of the creatively curious. Everything we do is centered around researching, amplifying, and celebrating culture, all over the world.”
8. Consciously
Consciously is the first stakeholder marketing agency and the first Black-owned B Corp. Founded by Rai-mon Barnes, with offices in Brooklyn and California, Consciously is a value-driven creative agency reshaping how the culture of marketing looks and feels.
Cold, corporate vibes are out. Collaborative, planet-focused, and empathetic vibes are in. Consciously supports companies in connecting with their audiences with a data-driven and people-first approach. Its work with CityTri, where it created B•YOU NYC—an inclusive and high-octane running event designed for all levels of New York runners—feels particularly stand-out.
Every decision, design, and word that Consciously implements is intentional. Sustainable, impact-driven brands? Consciously is the partner you need to help you grow.
9. Gild Creative Group (GCG)
Based in Nashville, Gild Creative Group is a woman-owned boutique agency on the cutting edge of digital marketing trends. Founder and CEO Tiffany Hardin aims to amplify diverse representation and bold ideas, primarily through influencer marketing.
Working with household brands as well as one-person start-ups, Gild Creative Group offers brand marketing, influencer marketing, go-to-market strategies, and content creation. Its strategy work for Black Girl in OM and influencer marketing for Microsoft—One Million Square Feet of Culture—is particularly noteworthy.
This agency stands apart because it is committed to serving communities and crafting ‘conscious marketing’: working with brands who “prioritize the integrity of culture, community and talent.” If you’re ready to dive into the world of UGC (user-generated content), then GCG is the agency you need.
10. Translation
Working from California and Brooklyn, Translation is the independent creative agency that’s making waves across multiple industries — advertising, music, and film, to name just three. This agency translates big client ideas into culture-defining moments, helping them reach diverse and passion-led communities.
Steve Stoute, CEO and founder of Translation, is one of the best in the biz, and a name you’ll want to remember. This agency offers brand strategy, creative production, and talent marketing, and its platform, UnitedMasters, supports independent musicians at any career stage, helping them make great music and get paid for it too.
Translation is the studio all musicians, artists, daring brands, and culture vultures must follow. Here’s how they describe themselves:
“We weren’t founded on the power of advertising. We were founded on the power of cultural capital. Our unbelievably talented and diverse team is here to break conventional rules, tackling the status quo with enthusiasm and expertise for all of our clients.”
11. Creative & Creator
Creative & Creator is an up-and-coming creative agency to watch, follow, and most definitely work with. Founded by Monique Jenkins and based in Baltimore, Maryland, C&C is a design agency that fosters connections between communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
C&C’s philosophy is rooted in positive action:
“We are dedicated to elevating the voices of women, non-binary creatives, and BIPOC individuals in the creative industry, addressing underrepresentation, especially in leadership roles.”
Collaboration is key at C&C. If you’re looking for a creative, impact-led partner to amplify your CMO marketing services, branding, website design, or socials, look no further. Founder Monique Jenkins is also co-host of the Design Imposter Podcast, which explores the intersections of entrepreneurship, design, and psychology. It’s a must-listen for creatives. (They’re on the lookout for new guests too… wink wink nudge nudge).
Support Black Business Month
These are just some of the brilliant Black-owned agencies making waves in U.S. culture right now. Black Business Month is a reminder to support, celebrate, and shout about Black businesses and creators who are doing great things.
If you want more inspiration, check out our articles on the impact of Black culture and creatives on America and how to create more inclusive content.
