FOR DESIGN STUDIOS & CREATIVE AGENCIES
Our climate emergency is the biggest design opportunity ever
The climate sector is exploding, but generalist studios can't close deals. Climate companies need designers who can do what you already do. They're hiring, just not you.
The problem? You can't speak their language. You don’t know their world.
Designers who understand the space are landing $100K+ contracts in sectors you didn't know existed.
The Opportunity
Billions are flooding into climate: energy, transportation, food, agriculture. These companies need visual design, UX/UI, systems thinking, strategic problem-solving. The skills you already have.
But, they can't find qualified design partners.
Most designers lack basic climate literacy. Climate companies need partners who understand:
+ Climate science
+ Regenerative approaches
+ Regulatory frameworks
+ Carbon metrics
+ Impact assessment
+ Behavior change
The work is there. The budgets are real.
You just need to bridge the knowledge gap. I help you do this.
Climate Strategy Sessions
As a SME Advisor, I bring my 10 years of design and climate knowledge into every Climate Strategy Session to support your internal business strategies. I can work hourly or within a budget, whatever works best for you.
KICK-OFF (PREREQUISITE)
Required for any new Climate Strategy Session.
What we cover: An initial 60-min session with the leadership team to understand your mission, purpose, and drive in doing this work.
What you walk away with: A clear alignment on your studio's climate goals and recommendations on which options are necessary for your success.
SESSION A:
THE INTERNAL AUDIT
Best for: Studios who want to pivit, but aren't sure if their team is ready or where their current gaps are.
We Map: Your studio's current strengths and gaps across key climate knowledge areas such as science, solutions, and materials.
You Get: A Capability Overview highlighting transferable skills and the exact reasons you aren't winning climate work (and how to fix it).
SESSION B:
THE MARKET LANDSCAPE
Best for: Studios who are ready to work, but don't know who is hiring or where they fit in the climate ecosystem.
We Analyze: Where the funding is flowing, who's hiring, and what climate clients actually need from designers.
You Get: A Market Map showing your best climate entry point and exactly where your aesthetic and skills fit best.
SESSION C:
SERVICES & POSITIONING
Best for: Studios who know the market, but need help packaging their offer to attract the right clients.
We Craft: New and refined service offerings that climate companies will pay for, plus messaging that proves your expertise.
You Get: Positioning Pillars and Updated Service Offerings so that you know exactly what to say (and what not to say) to land a project.
SESSION D:
THE 30-DAY ROADMAP
Best for: Studios who are ready to pitch and need a targeted plan of attack.
We Focus: Outreach strategy, portfolio positioning, and team up-skilling centered around your first five targets.
You Get: Your First 5 Climate Targets to pitch within 30 days, complete with specific pitch angles and portfolio guidance.
SESSION E:
SUSTAINABILITY INTEGRATION
Best for: Studios who want to seamlessly and practically integrate climate-forward design into their existing client projects.
We Train: Your team on practical, day-to-day methods for integrating climate-forward decisions (materials, waste, energy, etc) into non-climate projects.
You Get: An Implementation Toolkit with a simple decision guide and curated list of sustainable material substitutes to use immediately.
Don’t see something that fits your needs?
I offer bespoke advising to specifically address your situation. Book a free Discovery call to chat through this.
For Design Studio Founders and Creative Leaders
+ Exploring ways to make existing client base more sustainable regardless on their work
+ Repositioning around sustainability because you want to reach new audiences
+ Getting pressure from your team to do work that they have a personal interest in
Climate companies need design partners who understand spaces like carbon markets, regenerative principles, and policy.
I know this because I've worked with them.
Select Design Studios
I’ve contracted with design studios to support their client’s sustainability projects.
I’ve also advised design studio leaders to become better climate partners for their clients.
I've Been Where You Are
In 2016, I had to figure out how to break into the climate space as a design studio founder. We had no roadmap, no guidebook.
Since then, I’ve been bridging the gap between design, climate, and business.
+ Co-founded and ran a successful climate design studio for 7 years
+ Built Climate Designers, a global community of 5,000+ members across 5 continents
+ Helped climate tech startups secure over $30M in funding
+ Worked across industries such as regenerative agriculture, carbon removal, ocean health, circular manufacturing, conservation, and environmental law
+ Co-produced over 100 projects addressing LA County's sustainability plan
+ Created climate design courses for California College of the Arts and Terra.do
+ Presented numerous talks and interviews covering design and climate action
+ Worked across regenerative agriculture, carbon removal, ocean health, circular manufacturing, conservation, and environmental law
+ Write about design, climate, and business on my blog
Kind Words From Design Founders
“Marc O’Brien has been instrumental in helping Serotonin Creative Consultancy amplify its focus on climate-forward initiatives. From the very beginning of our collaboration, Marc’s vision and expertise have guided us in taking our work from simply supporting purpose-driven clients to becoming a trusted creative partner for organizations at the forefront of climate innovation.
With his deep knowledge of the climate space and a knack for strategy, Marc has pushed Serotonin to align our creative efforts more meaningfully with the needs of our climate-focused clients. His ability to connect us to his extensive network, share invaluable resources, and introduce frameworks tailored to the climate economy has elevated the quality and impact of our work.
Marc’s collaborative spirit and dedication to addressing the climate crisis have not only expanded Serotonin’s capabilities but also solidified our commitment to supporting organizations driving real environmental change. Working with Marc has been a game-changer, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and partner with someone so passionate and purpose-driven.”
Casey Hogue
Founder & Executive Director,
Serotonin Creative
Brandt Williams
Co-Founder, Thinknado
“Working with Marc has been transformative in addressing climate change communication challenges. His unique ability to facilitate difficult conversations with a demeanor that is both disarming and progressive has proven invaluable.
What sets Marc apart is not just his design expertise, but his thoughtful approach to facilitation strategy and collaboration. When you need someone to help stakeholders move past inertia and take meaningful action on climate initiatives, Marc's combination of strategic thinking and collaborative spirit makes him the ideal partner.”
FAQs
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This package can span across 2–3 weeks depending on schedules. There is about one hour of prep work before we get started. Each section within each Session is about two hours. To respect your time, there will be minimal work between each session.
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If we are virtual, we’ll break down each session into smaller time blocks to avoid Zoom fatigue. If we are doing this in-person, we will time block appropriately to maximize our time together.
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While AI excels at data analysis, modeling, and prediction, incorporating creativity and the human-touch is essential for;
+ Identifying and making meaningful connections between people and ideas
+ Asking innovative questions with the ability to hear nuanced answers
+ Applying creative and tailored approaches that consider both intended and unintended consequences
My work is deeply rooted in human experiences and requires complex skills like creative direction, strategic design, and creative facilitation. I have honed these skills throughout my career, working on diverse projects, teaching, and leading teams of creatives. My work is fueled by my values and personal experiences, including my love for the punk rock ethos.
AI is a great tool in a number of climate specific applications, but these systems burn through tons of energy and fresh water. If we’re going to use AI, let’s use it wisely. Ignore the cheap bells and whistles.
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No problem. My advising package is flexible enough to work with any sort of team or company profile.
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I work hourly or within a budget.