who we are

We Shift Results Higher

UpShift creates powerful brands that are integrated across all channels, including print, digital, social media, and advertising. Our smart, innovative branding, design, and website work help your business stand out and attract target customers.

With teams in Chicago and Los Angeles, we are a unique full-service hybrid agency that combines the best of a large agency with a boutique firm. Full-service and strategy-driven like the big dogs. But delivered with innovation, approachability, and a can-do spirit of a boutique. Perhaps that's why we were voted "Agency of the Year" twice by AdWorld Masters!

UpShift was founded in 2000 by Richard Shanks in Chicago. After working for some of the top branding and advertising agencies, Richard realized there was an opportunity to deliver the same level of service and strategy found at large agencies to mid-sized companies that don’t have multi-million-dollar budgets. The original goal remains true today. We serve luxury consumer brands in real estate, hospitality, and business services with a full suite of branding, design, and digital offerings.

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what we do

who we serve

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Real Estate

Multifamily branding, marketing & advertising
Luxury apartments, single-family homes, condominiums
Our work leads to faster lease-ups & stronger sales

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Consumer

Our refined visual aesthetics appeal to luxury consumers
Financial services, tech & telecom, healthcare, and manufacturing
Deep expertise with in-store collateral, signage, websites & advertising

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B2B

B2B, business consulting, business services
Smart, stylish communications that help businesses look smart
Innovative branding, marketing, and sales collateral that resonates

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Hospitality

Branding, marketing & websites for hotels, restaurants, and bars
Communications that resonate with younger & affluent demographics
Websites, Menu Design, Social Marketing, and Advertising

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What makes us unique

Smart

Stylish

Successful

Strategy forms the backbone to everything we create.

We build 360° brand experiences across all marketing channels. That means your website, social media, print collateral, and in-person experience all utilize a common strategy, design, and voice.

We merge design and technology to create innovative marketing.

As a design firm at heart, we take a clean-sheet approach to every project to create truly innovative work that resonates with important influencer audiences.

We do what we say we're going to do.

With strong midwestern roots, we do what we say we're going to do. Clients trust us to help them define their brand voice, reach targeted markets, and stand out in crowded markets. As a result, many of our clients are long-term partners.

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