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.
The Oregonian profiled Watson Creative’s early rise—from Matt Watson’s departure from Nike to building a purpose-driven agency grounded in research, trust, and human-centered design. What began with scrappy sports projects grew into strategy-led work across industries. The article captured not just momentum, but mindset: curiosity over ego, people over polish, and brands built with meaning. A decade later, the mission holds: do work that matters, and do it differently.
George Fox University profiled Matt Watson and the early days of Watson Creative—a studio born from grit, purpose, and a belief that design solves real business problems. The article traced Matt’s leap from Nike to launching a values-driven agency amid personal upheaval. Today, that same ethos drives Watson’s work across industries. From NFL loyalty platforms to nonprofit rebrands, Watson blends strategy, empathy, and creativity to build brands that matter. And the story’s still unfolding.
Watson Creative partnered with Portland Team Fitness to amplify its vibrant, high-energy brand. Led by founder Alayne Rowan, the studio’s bold identity was brought to life through dynamic colors, explosive patterns, and a brand video that moved Alayne to tears. With a clean, versatile visual system, Watson helped position the studio for growth beyond Portland—capturing not just a business, but a truly unique fitness experience.
When Anthem Memory Care sought a brand refresh, they weren’t chasing polish—they wanted empathy and truth. Partnering with Watson Creative, they transformed their brand from the inside out, shaping everything from digital touchpoints to physical spaces. The result: a heartfelt, human-centered identity that resonates with families, caregivers, and professionals alike—reflecting the deep compassion at the core of Anthem’s mission.
When the San Francisco 49ers needed a next-gen fan engagement platform, they turned to Watson. The result: a custom-built Fan Loyalty Portal launching at Levi’s® Stadium, connecting in-stadium behavior with digital rewards. Designed for one of the NFL’s most tech-savvy fanbases, the platform doesn’t just meet expectations—it redefines them. A bold play in fan experience, built to raise the bar.
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.