Today marks a moment we’ve been building toward for years. We’re excited to introduce Unrelated, a creative and digital studio built for organizations that want to tell meaningful stories, drive real impact, and elevate their presence across print and digital platforms.
Since our inception in 2015, when Ben and Kurt first met, we’ve been on a mission to help mission-driven organizations amplify their voice through thoughtful design, strategic digital experiences, and storytelling that resonates.
At Unrelated, we believe good design does more than look great. It clarifies ideas, organizes complex information, and connects with audiences in ways that inspire action. Our team is rooted in journalism and editorial experience, which gives us a unique advantage: we put content first in everything we do. Whether it’s branding, narrative strategy, or digital systems, we start by understanding the story you want to tell.
A Flexible Studio Built for Impact
Our name — Unrelated — reflects the way we work. Rather than operating as a traditional agency with rigid roles and structure, we hand-pick collaborators to assemble the right team for your project. This untethered model allows us to blend the talents of designers, strategists, developers, and content specialists in ways that match your specific needs. With a small core staff supported by a wide network of independent partners, we bring both depth and flexibility to every engagement.
From brand strategy and print design to research-informed UX and custom WordPress development, our services are designed around your goals — not around pre-packaged templates. We help organizations refine their identity, tell a persuasive narrative, and translate that narrative into tools that work: whether it’s a highly engaging website, an annual report that sparks conversation, or a set of data visualizations that make complex ideas accessible.
Work That Goes Beyond Aesthetics
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with organizations that are shaping the world in remarkable ways. From supporting The Onion with a revitalized print and digital presence to building the digital experience for the Illinois Answers Project, our work spans media, climate advocacy, nonprofit impact, and more. These aren’t just design projects. They’re partnerships born of shared values and a commitment to thoughtful, purposeful work.
For instance, our collaboration with the EFI Foundation brought a bold visual identity to their digital presence and helped communicate complex policy issues with clarity and impact. With RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), we’ve translated dense research into engaging visual publications that support the organization’s mission to advance clean energy solutions.
Tools That Empower Your Mission
Part of how we bring these visions to life is through our custom WordPress ecosystem, Amplify — a toolkit and theme designed to simplify the process of building powerful, flexible, content-forward websites.
With built-in support for custom layouts, staff profiles, events, and more, Amplify is tailored to nonprofits, advocacy groups, and media organizations that want complete creative freedom without sacrificing ease of use.
Whether you’re launching a new publication, revamping your digital strategy, or crafting a visual identity that cuts through the noise, we’re here to collaborate with your organization. Not just for a project, but for the long haul of shaping your story and expanding your reach.
