Here at IAN, we’re not just fans of Agency Noir…we’re also a client. (If you understood that reference, be sure to schedule all your doctor and specialist appointments ASAP.)
When they aren’t elevating our aesthetic with sleek new logo designs, the Seattle-based indie shop is working with companies like Greater Seattle, Microsoft and Amazon to enhance their brand designs. Not bad for a shop founded almost a year and a half ago!
IAN spoke with Director and Founder, Arun Talwar, to learn more about his journey from working with big conglomerate agencies to choosing the indie life, and shedding some light on the business of Noir in the process.
A seasoned pro who previously cut his teeth working on blue chip and tech brands through a number of agencies, including Accenture Song and Code and Theory, Arun and his team have hit the ground running.
“The origins of Noir may have officially started sixteen [or] seventeen months ago, but the idea for it was there for a really, really long time,” he told IAN. “And it really stemmed from seeing just how all of these agencies were getting sucked up into this kind of larger machine, and the larger machine was trying to find ways to really commoditize [the indie] and turn it into some consulting firm.”
A first generation Indian-American, much of Arun’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive to create spaces for community and inclusivity was inspired by his father who, after completing his education and establishing a career upon moving to the states, became the bellwether of the family – he used the term “godfather” – creating inroads for family members to achieve their own success in America.
Through Agency Noir, he continues to build a legacy of his own design by helping brands build theirs. He’s also dispelling the popular misconception that the creative agency scene in the Northwest region of the U.S., where he’s called home for the past 16 years, is mostly a hotbed for “quirky” personalities.
Read on to learn more about Agency Noir, and watch the video!
Agency stats
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Seattle, WA
What the agency is best-known for and their core strengths
If you’ve seen our sleek and snazzy new logo design and brand identity, you’re familiar with the work of Agency Noir. The shop is best known for its creative and design work – which includes campaigns, branding, video, digital and Out-of-Home,
Why the agency loves being indie
Having previously worked for larger agencies, where forming deeper connections to the client and the audience can be somewhat challenging based on one’s rank in the chain of command and ultimately impede the work, Arun has found having direct access to clients and their audiences and being able to make human connections that benefit both the work and the business’ long term success to be amongst the more appealing draws of being indie.
Why brands should work with this agency
Part of Agency Noir’s special sauce lies in the fact that its team is comprised of experienced industry professionals from both the brand and agency side (Arun has previously worked in client services, account management and business development). As brands are forced to make reductions to staff in an effort to work with leaner and more efficient teams, the shop’s expertise and capabilities position it to be a seamless extension of their clients’ existing teams.
Why talent should put this agency on their list
Whether they’re full time or freelance, talent is treated as one team at Agency Noir, with everyone’s input and perspectives valued equally and collectively encouraged to achieve the best outcomes for the work, the business, and the team.
“We’re always putting our talent in a position where they’re going to be set up for success,” says Arun.
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