We know the higher ed rules, and we’re not afraid to break them.
Higher ed brands don’t have to be boring.
They don’t have to blend in.
They don’t have to feel like everyone else.
Higher ed creative isn’t just competing with other universities; it’s competing with culture, entertainment, lifestyle brands, and everything else vying for attention. In a world where students, alums, and donors are bombarded with content, the best ideas don’t just stand out; they demand attention. SimpsonScarborough’s creative team doesn’t just execute ideas—we shape culture. We craft brands that go beyond “just another higher ed campaign” and create something people genuinely want to experience.
Brand Development & Strategy
For institutions redefining who they are and how they show up in the world.
- Brand Positioning & Identity: Define what makes your institution unforgettable.
- Creative Concepting: Craft bold, attention-grabbing ideas that break through the noise.
- Logo & Visual Identity: Build a visual system that speaks to who you are today and where you’re going.
- Campaign Development: Create high-impact campaigns that engage, inspire, and drive action.
- Brand Guidelines & Training: Ensure consistency, adoption, and long-term brand equity.
Brand Experience & Production
For institutions that need more than just visuals—they need immersive brand experiences.
- Brand Experience Strategy: Ensure every interaction—from social to signage to storytelling—reinforces your brand.
- Video Production: Transform institutional storytelling with cinematic, emotionally driven content.
- Creative Testing: Optimize brand assets before launch with real audience insights.
- Marketing & Content Strategy: Craft the right message, delivered in the right way, on the right channels.
Marketing Readiness & Optimization
For institutions ready to refine, refresh, and evolve their creative work.
- Content Audits: Identify what’s working, what’s outdated, and where creative can have a greater impact.
- Creative Audits: Benchmark your institution’s creative against competitors and uncover new opportunities.
- Logo Testing: Validate your visual identity with real-world feedback before going all in.
Why work with SimpsonScarborough?
We don’t think like higher ed—and that’s exactly why institutions hire us. We push beyond safe, expected, and traditional to create big, culture-shaping creative that makes an impact.
"This work will definitely stand out in the sea of sameness commonly found in higher ed marketing."
Jason Cook
VP for Marketing and Communications/CMO, Baylor University
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