45 Degrees is a two-person design consultancy, the partnership of Susan Hopp and Karl Schweikart.

What we do
Focusing on Organizational Identity and Design, we help our clients clarify and better articulate – verbally and visually – who they are, what they do best and why it matters.

Most are at a point of change due to, for example, stronger competition and changing business environments, growth in products and services, or changes in management and shifts in focus. Whatever the reason, there is often accompanying internal confusion of who they have become. Marketing materials and websites have become outdated and inconsistent in both look and content.

Along with guidance and handholding, our work often involves a new brand platform, re-positioning of an identity, and newly-focused print and interactive communications. We’re passionate about making a difference for our clients. It’s not about a short-term fix, or flavor-of-the-month marketing vehicle. It’s more fundamental than that.

Every organization is unique, with a specific set of people, services offered, advisors, customers, circumstances. That’s already there. It’s authentic, powerful, and theirs alone. But we find many organizations are not taking advantage of their power. They lack internal consensus around who they are as an entity, resulting in siloing, confused messaging, and inefficient marketing efforts.

How we do it
First, we lead our clients through a fine-tuned process that helps them discover that uniqueness and reach consensus. We dial it up or down, depending on need, and we get everyone in the organization on the same page, owning their spot.

Once agreed on, it’s an effective tool that can be put to use immediately as a foundation for internal communications and management decisions, and for external messaging, marketing efforts, and brand identity. It is the basis for Branding.

We, along with select creative associates, then help them take it out into the world – with words and visuals, in print or electronic. The goal: be strong, unique and consistent in all communications and encounters… at every touch point, in everything stakeholders say and do.