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.
Two Session Package
Me, you, three of your leaders, and about 2–3 weeks
SESSION 1:
ASSESSMENT & ORIENTATION
Capability Audit
We'll map your studio's current strengths and gaps across climate knowledge areas: science, solutions, policy, materials. You'll see exactly why you're not getting climate work and how to fix it.
Climate Landscape
Understanding where the money is, who's hiring, and what they actually need from designers. We'll analyze your past work and find your climate entry point.
SESSION 2:
STRATEGY & ACTION
Services & Positioning
Building new offerings and refining existing ones that climate companies will pay for. We'll craft messaging and positioning that proves you understand their world.
Your 30-Day Action Plan
We’ll focus on your first five target companies, an outreach strategy, portfolio positioning, and a team upskilling plan. Everything you need to pitch your first climate client within a month.
Walk Away With
Capability Overview
We'll identify exactly where you're falling short in your climate knowledge and where you have transferable skills climate companies will pay for
New/Updated Service Offerings
Specific services designed for climate/sustainability clients. We'll translate what you already do into an offering that gets you hired by climate companies in spaces you want to work in
Positioning Pillars
How to talk about your work without overpromising or undercutting your expertise. You'll know exactly what to say (and what not to say) when a climate founder asks, "Have you worked in our space before?"
Landscape Audit
Understanding of the landscape: who's doing what, funding flows, key sectors, and where design studios fit in. We’ll create a market map of where your specific aesthetic and skills fit best (e.g., AgTech vs. Carbon Capture)
Your First 5 Climate Targets
We'll identify actual companies you can pitch within 30 days with specific reasons why your studio is a good fit. From portfolio positioning to network building to identifying your goals
For Design Studio Founders and Creative Leaders
+ Exploring climate as practice area because you know there’s real budgets for projects
+ 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.
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
+ 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
From Designer 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.