Competitiveness is in our DNA
ColorJar plays to win.
Founded in 2008 by a professional athlete, ColorJar’s mission is to help brands perform at their best by unleashing brand potential.
Our team of strategists and designers leverage the tenets that define success in the world of sport to empower brands in the marketplace.
It’s having a relentless focus on executing against a clearly defined strategy, yet with the ability to outmaneuver the competition with creative agility, realized through discipline, teamwork, and quite simply – grit and determination.
Over the last decade, we’ve been fortunate to partner with over 100 brands, helping them achieve a brand-driven competitive advantage that drives business results.
Whether it’s making strong brands stronger or creating new-to-the-world brands, we’re driven by the mission of helping our clients and their brands win in a competitive market.
Insightful strategy realized through breakthrough design and relentless execution defines winning brands.
Brand Strategy
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Foundational Strategy
- Insights and Analytics
- Positioning
- Purpose, Persona, and Vision
- Portfolio and Architecture
- Touchpoints and Interactions
- White Space Opportunity Mapping
- Brand Playbook
Brand Design
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Visual Solutions
- Logo and Visual Identity Systems
- Branded Environments
- Digital
- Packaging
- Portfolio
- Brand Guidelines and Toolkits
Verbal Solutions
- Naming and Tagline
- Brand Voice
- Brand Messaging
Brand Expression
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Brand Stewardship
- Brand Management
- Internal Brand Programs
- Opportunity Mapping
- Launches and Campaigns
Industry Expertise
We’ve delivered for 100+ clients across many industries since 2008, from the Fortune 500 to growth-stage startups.
Hospitality
- Navy Pier
- Lettuce Entertain You
- Blue Plate
- Kapow Events
Digital Tech
- Brinks Security
- Keeper Security
- ParkWhiz
Consumer Products
- Laphroaig Whiskey
- Aiwa
- AER Dryer
- Transformation Protein
Real Estate
- CBRE
- Clayco
- 3L Real Estate
- Avail
Fitness & Sports
- Swish House
- Stephen A. Smith
- The Big Jump
- Dartmouth
Government
- Chicago Infrastructure Trust
- IDOT
- Chicago Public Schools
- University of Akron
Impact Ventures
- Chicago Innovation Awards
- The Lefkosky Foundation
- Dreamyard
- Tech Stars
Architecture & Design
- JAHN
- Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
- The B-Line
- Chapter Apartments
Finance
- Chicago Ventures
- Sandbox Industries VC
- AAM
- Lendkey
About Our Founder
David Gardner is a former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur and recognized branding authority who launched ColorJar in 2008.
Meet David Gardner
Let’s create a champion brand
Of the many firms we’ve worked with, ColorJar has the most thoughtful, practical, and research-grounded approach.
Patrick M. Sheahan / Chief External Affairs and Strategy Officer / Navy Pier
We appreciate how much ColorJar cares about us, our site, and our business.
Jennifer Bell / CMO / Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Customers across the globe have praised the new branding. It’s clear that their team is passionate about their work, and, by extension, the success of their clients.
Scott Ablin / CMO / Keeper Security
ColorJar’s expert team inspires confidence in the project through their meticulous organization and excellent communication.
Jim Horan / Owner / Blue Plate
Rental interest has improved dramatically since the engagement began, while internal feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Shawn Clark / President / CRG Real Estate
They helped us look at ourselves in a different way. The new [branding] materials convey a compelling story that is reflective of the brand’s values and goals.
Eric Bergstrom / VP of Operations / HBK Engineering
They’re a great team to work with…they delivered everything we expected and more.
Ryan Coon / Co-Founder + CEO / Avail