Inspired by the ethos of punk rock and “thinking wrong”, my work questions the status-quo and entrenched systems
As an unconventional multi-tool designer, I’m hell-bent on turning ideas into action, pushing boundaries to stand up new industries and social movements.
ON PUNK ROCK
I question norms and established protocol, fight for causes I believe in, and embrace the DIY ethos. I look for opportunities that challenge paradigms and shift narratives.
ON THINKING WRONG
The creative engine behind my creativity. Thinking wrong generates fresh ideas and breaks thought patterns to come up with truly innovative ideas that, when applied to climate, stand out from the noise.
Skills & Talents
STRATEGIC DESIGN
Turning complex climate science into clear pathways for adoption, ensuring breakthrough solutions and approaches reach the right people. It's the framework that makes sustainable choices the obvious, easy decision.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Shaping how people perceive and connect with climate action through compelling visual stories and messaging that inspire urgency without overwhelming. It's the vision that guides all creative decisions to build recognition, trust, and emotional connection.
Design & Visual
Design Systems
Brand Systems
Brand Development
Interaction Design
Website Design
Graphic Design
Wireframing
Prototyping
Strategy & Planning
Campaign Development
Messaging Strategy
Content Strategy
Strategic Thinking
Business Model Design
Landscape Analysis
Social Media Marketing
Event Production
Research & Testing
User Research
User Testing
Human Centered Design
Life Centered Design
Process & Methodology
Thinking Wrong
Prototyping Thinking
Systems Thinking
Design Thinking
Creative Facilitation
Climate Knowledge
CLIMATE SCIENCE
Understanding how our changing climate will impact living systems
SOLUTIONS & APPROACHES
Ensuring what is being designed actively heals and re-nourishes our damage world
POLICY AWARENESS
Considering how work exists within the framework of established (yet fragile) systems
LANDSCAPE AWARENESS
Knowledge of previous and current work being done, by whom, and outcomes
SYSTEMS THINKING
Considering unintended consequences and how to minimize or avoid them
MATERIALS & PRODUCTION
Knowledge of existing and upcoming alternative resources currently being produce and used at scale
About Me
Designer Founder
From 2016–2022, I co-founded and ran The Determined, a design strategy and creative consulting studio for brands large and small addressing our climate crisis. We launched a number of successful sustainability and climate-forward brand, campaign, product, and service projects.
This experience has built my foundation of knowledge in the science, language, solutions, and approaches needed to address our climate emergency.
Climate Designer
In 2019, I co-founded Climate Designers, a global community of designers across every industry committed to climate action.
We offer support, resources, and events to help designers become climate designers.
First Things First Author
In 2020, I collaborated with fellow designers to co-author the First Things First 2020 manifesto (FTF), the 4th version of FTF, originally published in 1964, which calls designers to the task of designing a better world.
The 2020 FTF has been translated into 20+ languages has over 2,200 signatories. And AIGA Eye on Design called it the “most urgent and powerful iteration to date.”
Educator
Since 2013, I’ve been teaching undergrads and grad students in Graphic Design and Interaction Design, part time at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, CA.
In 2020, I created “Climate Designers @ CCA”, a class I teach to undergrad and grad students in the Graphic Design and Interaction Design programs. I bring topics, resources, and ideas from the global Climate Designers community into the classroom. I apply what I learn from the class and students to the larger organization.
As of 2025, I’m a Senior Adjunct teaching in the MDes Interaction program.
In 2021, I co-created “Becoming a Climate Designer” a multi-week course on the Terra.do platform. We’ve since taught two successful cohorts with plans on teaching again in early 2023.
I’ve also taught design and other topics on Skillshare.com and at General Assembly.
Student
As a life-long student and designer, I’m always looking out for ways to expand my knowledge and skills within the climate space. Below is a growing list of courses I’ve completed.
+ RegenIntel Foundations Course, 2024 (Advanced Track)
+ Climate Wisdom Fellowship, 2023
Work on Climate Volunteer
From 2023–2025, I was part of the Work on Climate Office Hours program. During small group calls, I provided feedback, recommendations, and personal experiences with designers in the WoC community.
Outdoor Lover
When not behind my laptop, I’m out trail running, hiking, backpacking, camping, traveling, hanging with friends at one of the many San Francisco parks, or exploring SF on my bamboo bike.
In a Nutshell
Marc O'Brien is an award-winning creative strategist and designer working at the intersection of design, business, and climate.
He started his career in social design where he collaborated with a number of local communities, non-profits, and various organizations to implement solutions and ventures within a wide range of areas such as technology, public education, health, and economic development.
From 2016–2022, he co-founded and ran The Determined, a design strategy and creative consulting studio, which launched a number of successful sustainability and climate-forward brand, campaign, product, and service projects.
In 2019, Marc co-founded Climate Designers, a global community of designers across every industry committed to climate action.
He’s the co-author of First Things First 2020, the 4th version of First Things First, which calls designers to become climate leaders.
Marc is a Senior Adjunct faculty at California College of the Arts in San Francisco where he leads courses in climate design and social innovation. He’s also a RegenIntel Foundations Fellow as well as a Climate Wisdom Fellow.
When he’s not thinking about design and climate action, you can find Marc trail running, camping, or traveling the beautiful state of California.
Select Climate Clients
Press & Awards
ID Magazine
LA Times
Motherboard
Open Architecture
PSFK
SOCAP
Thinking for a Living
TreeHugger
World Design Organization
Climate Designers
IxDAward’s Future Voice winner
2022
Previous Clients
My Values
NON-CONFORMITY
To question and challenge authority and norms -- I can thank The Clash and other great punk bands for instilling this one in me
ACTIVISM
To work vigorously toward political or social change -- a career long portfolio of projects that create positive change in the world is my form of activism
CURIOSITY
To desire to learn or acquire knowledge about everything and/or about specific topics -- I love using a new client project as an opportunity to learn about an unfamiliar space in order to expand my knowledge
COLLABORATION
To work with others for a common purpose or good in the creation of something -- Collaboration is the new competition, especially for those taking climate action
CONTRIBUTION
To give time, money, service, or knowledge to make a difference in the world -- I volunteer with a number of orgs like Climate Designers and Work on Climate
LOVE
To treat others with closeness, warmth, and affection -- How does love show up more in our work?… love for each other, love for our natural world, love for ourselves
ENVIRONMENT
To prioritize care for the Earth, our environment, and all living things through your actions -- I say this often, "Without ecology, there is no economy."
PURPOSE
To live life with meaning, intention, and direction -- I’ve been on my climate journey since 2016 and I don’t see myself doing anything else with my career
OPTIMISM
To practice hopefulness and confidence about the future and to expect successful outcomes -- Designers have the ability to fill people's imagination gap to help them see a climate-positive world
CREATIVITY
To use imagination to transcend ordinary thinking and generate new ideas -- Thinking wrong about the world around us is what fuels my creative work
Kind Words From Others
I’ve worked with Marc in several different capacities, from co-leading workshops to run-of-the-mill design projects. Marc’s always energetic and ambitious with a “get shit done” attitude. He can really motivate a group of creative individuals looking for inspiration and get you to question everything you thought was right. FSU.
+ Brian W. Jones, Project M Advisor, Founder of Welcome™
I walked out of Marc’s workshop feeling completely exhausted, but also feeling weirdly empowered and proud of myself. I also viewed myself for the first time as being much more innately creative than I had ever really thought. I think many others felt that way, and I give full credit to Marc for giving us that experience.
+ Justine Lai, participant at A Better World by Design
I worked with Marc on a project to design and run an innovation workshop. Marc was a pleasure to work with, collaborative, creative, professional and always looking for ways to generate the best outcome. He understands the innovation process at a deep level, and how best to unlock the creativity of groups. I look forward to the next opportunity I have to work with him.
+ David Hodgson, network catalyst
Marc was been absolutely key in helping to take the idea of Pando Populus and move it to its current stage – involved in everything from strategic and visual development to various collateral. In every way, he has helped move Pando forward in unique and bold directions.
+ Eugene Shirley, Founding president/CEO of Pando Populus
Marc became a mentor to my students during our project together. He even took the time to check in with us over Skype several times well after his part of the project was completed. I would have him return every year if I could.
+ Heather Boone, Associate Professor at Visual Arts Center at Tidewater Community College
I worked with Marc while developing climate innovation concepts in San Francisco and was greatly influenced by the approaches that he champions and practices. Together, we were able to launch AirMiners, the world's largest innovation community dedicated to atmospheric carbon removal technologies, with the intention to make a space for creative engagement in service of getting things done. Courageous innovation is benefited from a healthy dose of "thinking wrong" so that we can find what's right, and I recommend Marc as a guide and facilitator to that end.
+ Matthew Eshed, co-founder of AirMiners
Marc is multi-faceted, multi-modal, and multi-disciplinary. I turn to him when I need to think wrong and do right. You cannot fail in collaborating with him.
+ Josh Silverman, MDes IxD Chair @ California College of the Arts
Marc is so generous—with his time, his energy, his creativity, and his smarts. The students and faculty at California College of the Arts have benefited tremendously from his fresh perspective, and I am thankful that he has joined the CCA community.
+ Rachel Berger, Chair & Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, California College of the Arts
Our program and university were lucky to have had the privilege of having Marc as an adjunct faculty. He took naturally to teaching and gave way more than was expected. He cared about each of the students and personally went out of his way to ensure that they were learning the skills necessary to become designers today. He created challenging projects, creative projects, and brought real world wisdom into our program. He is an excellent educator and facilitator, super creative, and inspiring.
+ Jason Dilworth, Assistant Professor at SUNY Fredonia, Alabamboo Make & Ride team member