Odd Notion started in 2020, during a year that pushed many people to reevaluate their role in their communities and how they could create meaningful change. Founder Eleazar Ruiz, inspired by the events of that year, particularly the impact of George Floyd’s murder, realized he wasn’t contributing to their community in the way he wanted.
What did it mean to truly show up and create positive change? While building the studio, the idea emerged: to create a business that could be involved, give back, and work with clients doing good for people and the planet.
This vision shaped the agency’s identity as a branding-focused company, allowing Ruiz and his team to influence critical decisions at the highest level, guiding what companies do, how they do it, and what they stand for. This strategic choice gives them a seat at the table where they can impact conversations and decisions that drive change.
Today, clients seek out the agency—a certified B Corp—for its unique perspective, shaped by the founder’s Dominican roots and experiences, and their ability to tackle complex and straightforward problems.
Agency stats
- Founded: 2020
- Location: Portland, Oregon
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Best-known for
The agency’s core strengths lie in its ability to apply branding principles to brand creation and campaign work for established brands, including past work for Lyft or Nike.
As a brand studio, they respect and maintain a brand’s identity while helping craft messaging and visuals that align with core values. Their work often focuses on environmentally or socially conscious campaigns. For example, they were hired by Lyft to build awareness around electrification and access to car chargers in underserved neighborhoods.
They also work with nonprofits, such as a recent project for Serve LA, a food pantry. For this project, they launched the brand and created a campaign to maximize its visibility. This effort earned them three awards last year.
Why the agency loves being indie
Being independent is vital because it allows Odd Notion to pursue their passions and make their own decisions.
Ruiz says he always wanted to run his own studio and, as a person of color, felt it would be difficult to find a traditional studio that provided the platform and opportunities needed to address the issues he cared about. By creating their own space, they built a door where there wasn’t one, allowing them to speak openly about important topics, allocate a portion of revenue back to the community, and operate on their terms.
The independence also means they can take immediate action on the causes they believe in. This freedom was particularly vital during 2020, which felt like a call to action. For them, independence isn’t just about running a business; it’s about creating a platform to drive change right now, not someday.
In Portland, this spirit of independence is echoed by local leaders like Stephen Green and Jelani Memory, who are doing incredible work in their community. Green, for example, is a great source of insight into what’s happening in Portland beyond the typical narratives. Memory has made significant strides with “A Kid’s Company About,” recently selling to DK Publishing, demonstrating how local leadership can have a big impact.
Why brands should work with this agency
Brands should work with Odd Notion if they’re looking for a fresh, thoughtful perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere. They’re very intentional about their choices, knowing that representation matters, focusing on how people are portrayed, how problems are addressed, and ensuring the right tone and voice for every brand. They bring a unique angle rooted in genuine care for how brands connect with their audiences.
As a certified B Corp, Odd Notion is committed to a triple bottom line: profit, people, and the planet. They’re passionate about ensuring their work has a positive impact beyond just making money.
Why talent should put this agency on their list
- Small, Flexible Team: A small team that is highly flexible in their work, with a mix of in-office and remote days (three days from home).
- Work-Life Balance: Strong emphasis on work-life balance; no expectation of crazy hours, drawing from the founder’s experience at other agencies.
- Local Focus, Open to Remote: Currently focused on hiring locally in Portland to build a strong culture, but open to remote partnerships and freelancers from anywhere.
- Diverse Talent Needs: Regularly work with freelancers, including writers, copywriters, web developers, web designers, and motion designers.
- Creative Environment: A creative studio environment filled with artists and designers, maintaining a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Marketer shout out
Odd Notion is all about marketers and CMOs, big or small, who are doing great work in health and wellness, technology, or food and beverage—especially those who genuinely honor people and the planet. They’re looking to talk to folks passionate about creating products that positively impact the world, from sustainable packaging to innovative, people-focused solutions.
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Contact
- Email: hello@oddnotion.com
- Phone: +1 360-803-4726
- About the Author
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Doug Zanger is the founder and editor-in-chief of Indie Agency News. He is also the founder of the Creative Bohemian consultancy, lives in the Pacific Northwest and is insufferable about it.
