We are a Design-Led Brand Strategy Consultancy built for high-end, visionary brands navigating complexity and seeking clarity.
 

Our clients aren’t looking for vendors—they're looking for visionary partners who can think like a CMO, create like an ECD, and deliver like a COO.

 

Mission

 

To build and evolve iconic, culturally relevant brands through design-led brand strategy, intentional collaboration, and bold creative that delivers business results.

We partner with visionary clients—from ambitious start-ups to Fortune 100 brands—to bring clarity to their vision, creativity to their challenges, and space for the next generation of diverse leadership.

Values

 

Design-Led Excellence

We believe great design isn’t just how something looks—it’s how it works. Every brand, every experience, and every touchpoint should reflect both strategic insight and creative brilliance that creates emotional connection.

Strategic Clarity

We don’t just make things beautiful—we make them meaningful. Our process begins with clear thinking, deep listening, and sharp strategy that drives impact.

Inclusive Collaboration

Diversity makes our work stronger and our culture richer. We actively seek and support a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and perspectives across every project and team.

Accountability + Agility

We move with intention. We set goals, measure outcomes, and make smart decisions fast. We own our wins and our misses, learning as we go.

Human-Centered Partnership

We’re not a vendor—we’re a partner. We build trust with clients by being honest, empathetic, and deeply invested in their success.

4040 Agency is owned and led by two rare forces in branding and business:

The Unicorn | Michelle Bowler

CEO

Michelle brings management expertise and strategic leadership to her work, leading and developing engaging, intuitive experiences and brands. Michelle built her passion for sophisticated and functional design while working in-house at Fortune 100 Companies such as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Mark & Graham, Bath and Body Works, Walmart, and Wayfair. A proponent of design diversity, Michelle’s mission is to create seamless and compelling brand experiences and to lead with a customer-centric, trend-savvy, and style-focused approach. 

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The Unicorn | Michelle Bowler

CEO

Michelle brings management expertise and strategic leadership to her work, leading and developing engaging, intuitive experiences and brands. Michelle built her passion for sophisticated and functional design while working in-house at Fortune 100 Companies such as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Mark & Graham, Bath and Body Works, Walmart, and Wayfair. A proponent of design diversity, Michelle’s mission is to create seamless and compelling brand experiences and to lead with a customer-centric, trend-savvy, and style-focused approach. 

The Creative Force | John Trotter

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

John is that rare designer who combines the ability to lead strategic thinking and award-winning creative. For the last 23 years, John has been doing just that, finding innovative solutions that connect and resonate. John launched 4040 Agency in 2002 to transform sports, entertainment, consumer, and technology brands through building and creating memorable brand experiences. Before launching Forty Forty, John was a Senior Design Director at Landor Associates and a Senior Creative in Nike’s in-house Design Department.

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The Creative Force | John Trotter

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

John is that rare designer who combines the ability to lead strategic thinking and award-winning creative. For the last 23 years, John has been doing just that, finding innovative solutions that connect and resonate. John launched 4040 Agency in 2002 to transform sports, entertainment, consumer, and technology brands through building and creating memorable brand experiences. Before launching Forty Forty, John was a Senior Design Director at Landor Associates and a Senior Creative in Nike’s in-house Design Department.

What We Do

Brand Strategy

  • Discovery & Analysis
  • Brand Strategy
  • Brand Positioning
  • Brand Voice & Copy Writing
  • Brand Architecture & Systems Design
  • Brand DNA
  • Content Creation
  • Campaign Strategy & Development
  • Analytical Strategy
  • Client Management

Design & Development

  • Visual Identity Systems
  • Brand Guidelines + Seasonal Visual Toolkits
  • Sales Enablement Tools (fliers, 1-pagers, decks, pitch materials)
  • Digital & Social Campaign Creative
  • Website Strategy + Website Design
  • Marketing Collateral (multi-page documents, brochures, booklets)
  • Packaging

Advertising

  • Video & Film Production (social, in-house, national broadcast)
  • Motion Graphics & Animation
  • Out-of-Home + Print Campaigns
  • Commercials for TV, streaming, or in-stadium viewing
  • Social Video Content at ScaleExperiential
  • Retail Displays + Trade Show Booths
  • Environmental Design & Event Signage
  • Branded Vehicle Wraps + On-site Branding
  • Concepting + Producing Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns and PR Stunts

Experiential

  • Retail Displays + Trade Show Booths
  • Environmental Design & Event Signage
  • Branded Vehicle Wraps + On-site Branding
  • Concepting + Producing Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns and PR Stunts

Say Hello

We’re always happy to discuss a new project or collaboration. If you have something in mind or just want to say hello, drop us a line.

New Business:
info@4040agency.com

 

Careers:
careers@4040agency.com

 

What’s going on:
info@4040agency.com