We’ve been watching the long game for years—tracking cultural, economic, and industry shifts that shape how brands behave and connect. These aren’t hot takes. They’re pattern-informed insights, grounded in research, and refined through real-world work. Here’s where we put the pieces together—and help you see what’s next, before it shows up at your doorstep.
These aren’t case studies or recycled playbooks. They’re reflections from our team—what we’ve seen, what we’ve felt, and what stuck with us. Real perspective from the work, the research, the late nights, and the lived moments that shape how we think. Some insights come from data. Others come from a hunch that wouldn’t quit.
Switching to Figma transformed our studio—faster workflows, better collaboration, and stronger output. At first, I was skeptical, wary of trendy tools. But the internal buzz echoed a Nike mantra I still live by: “Evolve immediately.” Like Nike’s shift to digital prototyping, Figma isn’t just software—it’s a mindset shift. Once we embraced it, the work leveled up. This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about choosing tools that push us forward.
When longtime owners Tom Burke and Jon Tang faced the closure of Sunset Lanes, a Beaverton staple since 1963, they chose reinvention over retirement—creating KingPins, a modern family entertainment center. To launch the new facility while honoring community roots, they partnered with Watson Creative. The result? A strategic brand rollout that balanced nostalgia with innovation, ensuring KingPins Beaverton felt both fresh and familiar. Eat. Roll. Play—reborn for a new generation.
At Design Week Portland 2018, Watson hosted All Mouth, No Trousers—a candid panel unpacking the growing gap between brand messaging and real-world action. Named after the British phrase for big talk with no follow-through, the event brought together creatives, strategists, and cultural leaders to explore authenticity in branding, design, politics, and social impact. The message was clear: in a skeptical world, brands must not just talk the talk—they need to show up.
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InFocus, once known for projectors, reinvented itself as a leader in collaboration tech. With innovations like Mondopad, the brand shifted from hardware to human-centric tools for modern work. To support this evolution, Watson Creative led a multi-year rebrand—translating complex products into compelling stories and visuals. The result? A bold identity rooted in connection, not just screens. InFocus didn’t just keep up—it stepped forward.
Recent wins, press mentions, new hires, and studio happenings—snapshots of where we are and where we’re headed. These are the moves we’re proud of, the milestones worth sharing, and the occasional humble brag (with purpose, always). Quick reads. Big signals. Straight from the source.
Watson Creative welcomes Mike Terry as Director of Accounts and Growth. With global brand experience, Mike strengthens strategy, accounts, and business development.
Watson Creative was honored as a 2021 Clutch Leader for Top B2B Companies in Oregon, recognized for branding, design, and digital strategy. Known for helping clients find their unique voice, Watson earned a perfect 5-star rating across Clutch reviews. The team attributes this recognition to their clients’ support and their shared commitment to meaningful work. Whether you’re building a brand or reinventing one, Watson is always ready to connect.
In How to Build a Brand (Without Losing the Plot), Matt Watson shares Watson’s research-based, purpose-driven approach to branding. Blending personal narrative with strategic insight, the piece outlines four key phases: competitor audit, consumer insights, brand DNA, and activation. It champions branding as a system of meaning—not just design—and calls on leaders to build brands that are authentic, lived-in, and built to last. The message? Let’s build something real.
Matt Watson, CEO of Watson Creative, joins Frankie Boyer on National Biz Talk Radio to explore the post-COVID marketing landscape. He emphasizes rediscovering brand identity amid crisis, urging companies to reflect on purpose, values, and the people behind their work. Drawing parallels between creative destruction and opportunity, Watson encourages brands to embrace empathy, inspire hope, and position themselves for innovation and renewal.
Adobe featured Watson Creative in a global spotlight, highlighting our collaborative, research-driven approach to branding and creative workflows. What began as a simple studio visit grew into a meaningful dialogue—capturing how we use design thinking to balance creativity with sustainability. By opening our process to Adobe, we helped inform their tools and reinforced our belief: the best work starts with listening, curiosity, and a commitment to doing things better.
From Portland to Bend, Seattle to Sausalito—our teams are spread across the West Coast, nestled between forests, surf breaks, and the occasional volcano. The kind of landscape that fuels bold ideas and creative mischief.