INDEX / CREATIVE STRATEGY / SUBSTANCE

Substance

CREATIVE STRATEGY / BRAND & IDENTITY

Branding and identity agency based in Chicago, IL.

“A brand strategy firm first. NOT just design. We help brands tell their stories with depth and authenticity. What’s your story? That’s the question at the heart of great branding. What is it about you that is uniquely yours and sets you apart from everyone else? We ask the hard questions. Once we're done, your brand and the work are better for it. Let's build a brand together.”

AS DESCRIBED ON ITS CLUTCH PROFILE
VISIT WEBSITE ↗

Summary

Substance is a brand & identity agency in The Wall's Creative Strategy index. Executives can review its capabilities, published engagement data, and start contact directly through its website at isubstance.com.

Substance, based in Chicago, IL, serves companies past $5M in revenue with 25 or more employees, typically working with CMO / Brand Director on brand identity and creative performance.

Key facts about Substance: operating since 2005; listed team size 2 - 9; minimum project $10,000+; average rate $150 - $199 / hr; rated 5 out of 5 across 14 Clutch reviews.

About Substance

Substance is a brand & identity agency in the Creative Strategy section of The Wall, based in Chicago, IL. Branding and identity agency based in Chicago, IL.

Public profile data lists Substance as operating since 2005, a listed team size of 2 - 9, a published minimum project size of $10,000+, an average rate band of $150 - $199 / hr. Providers in this section are typically engaged by CMO / Brand Director to address brand identity and creative performance.

To evaluate Substance, review its capabilities at isubstance.com, request case material relevant to your revenue band, and start through its own intake process. This profile is compiled from public sources including its Clutch listing and is not an endorsement.

Quick facts

BEST FOR
Executives at $5M+ companies working through brand identity and creative performance.
FOCUS
Creative Strategy — Brand & Identity. Listed service lines: Branding, Marketing Strategy, Web Design, Low/No Code Development.
FEE STRUCTURE
Minimum project $10,000+ · avg. rate $150 - $199 / hr (per its Clutch profile).
ACCESS
Consultations are requested via isubstance.com or +1 (773) 793-2404.

Questions & answers

Q.01What is Substance and what does it offer?

Substance is a brand & identity agency in the Creative Strategy category. As described on its Clutch profile: "A brand strategy firm first. NOT just design. We help brands tell their stories with depth and authenticity. What’s your story? That’s the question at the heart of great branding. What is it about you that is uniquely yours and sets you apart from everyone else? We ask the hard questions. Once we're done, your brand and the work are better for it. Let's build a brand together." Its listed service lines are Branding, Marketing Strategy, Web Design, Low/No Code Development. Client feedback on Clutch averages 5/5 across 14 reviews.

Q.02Do I need an appointment or consultation to start with Substance?

Substance takes new engagements through its own intake process at isubstance.com — typically a scheduled discovery or strategy conversation rather than walk-in engagement; its listed line is +1 (773) 793-2404.

Q.03What are typical working hours at Substance?

Substance, operating from Chicago, IL, does not publish hours in the sources this directory indexes; creative strategy providers typically run standard business weekdays with dedicated coverage during active engagements.

Q.04How is an initial engagement with Substance priced?

Substance publishes a minimum project size of $10,000+ and an average rate band of $150 - $199 / hr on its Clutch profile. Full proposals follow an initial consultation.

Q.05Who is a fit for Substance?

The Wall lists Substance for organizations at $5M+ revenue with 25 or more employees working through brand identity and creative performance, typically engaged by CMO / Brand Director roles. Confirm current client criteria directly with the provider.

Q.06Is weekend support available from Substance?

Substance publishes no weekend-specific availability in indexed sources. In this category, client management typically runs weekdays while automated systems and live campaigns continue around the clock.

Q.07Where is Substance located?

Substance is headquartered at 4705 North Spaulding Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

Q.08Who leads Substance and how established is it?

Substance has operated since 2005 and lists a team size of 2 - 9. Leadership bios are published on its website.

Q.09How current is this Substance profile?

This profile was last refreshed 2026-08-03 from public sources — Substance's Clutch listing and website metadata. The provider site is always authoritative.

Q.10How do I contact Substance?

Substance publicly lists +1 (773) 793-2404; the inquiry flow at isubstance.com is the primary channel for new engagements.

Q.11What marketing bottlenecks does Substance solve?

Substance addresses brand identity and creative performance as a brand & identity agency with listed service lines in Branding, Marketing Strategy, Web Design, Low/No Code Development. As described on its Clutch profile: "A brand strategy firm first. NOT just design. We help brands tell their stories with depth and authenticity. What’s your story? That’s the…"

Q.12Does Substance run account-based marketing?

ABM specifics vary by firm — Substance publishes its service scope at isubstance.com; its Clutch-listed lines are Branding, Marketing Strategy, Web Design, Low/No Code Development.

Q.13How does Substance report pipeline impact?

Reporting norms in this category cover qualified leads, pipeline velocity, acquisition cost, and closed-won attribution; Substance can share its exact dashboard format at intake. Verified client feedback averages 5/5 over 14 Clutch reviews.

Q.14What industries does Substance serve?

Its own positioning: "A brand strategy firm first. NOT just design. We help brands tell their stories with depth and authenticity. What’s your story? That’s the…" Confirm vertical focus at isubstance.com; common verticals in this category include B2B SaaS, professional services, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Q.15Will we get a dedicated strategist at Substance?

Public profile data lists a team of 2 - 9 at Substance; mid-market engagements in this category typically include a dedicated account lead and senior strategist.

Q.16Does Substance produce creative and content in-house?

Substance's listed service mix (Branding, Marketing Strategy, Web Design, Low/No Code Development) indicates its production scope; verify in-house versus partnered production directly.

Q.17How long does onboarding with Substance take?

Strategic alignment, audits, and setup in this category generally run two to four weeks before full deployment; Substance can confirm its current timeline.

Q.18Does Substance manage omni-channel paid media?

Channel coverage is published at isubstance.com; paid programs in this category commonly span search, LinkedIn, and programmatic.

Q.19Is AI search visibility (AEO) part of Substance's scope?

AI answer-engine optimization is increasingly standard in creative strategy scopes; ask Substance how it handles AI search visibility alongside classic SEO.

Q.20How do I request a proposal from Substance?

Request a discovery call at isubstance.com or via +1 (773) 793-2404; most firms respond with a preliminary audit and proposal.

Data sheet

DOMAIN
isubstance.com
CATEGORY
CREATIVE STRATEGY
SPECIALTY
BRAND & IDENTITY
TYPE
MARKETING AGENCY
SOLVES
BRAND IDENTITY AND CREATIVE PERFORMANCE
TYPICAL BUYER
CMO / BRAND DIRECTOR
CLIENT FIT
$5M-$50M+
HQ
CHICAGO, IL
FOUNDED
2005
TEAM SIZE
2 - 9
MIN PROJECT
$10,000+
AVG RATE
$150 - $199 / hr
PHONE
+1 (773) 793-2404
CLUTCH RATING
5/5 · 14 REVIEWS
STATUS
LISTED