What you’ll get from this post: how Ashton Hauff and her co-founder Ben grew Good Kids in Bismarck from a shared coworking space into a branding studio, the lessons she takes from it, and her advice for being a great client to any creative team.
Bismarck, a Midwestern community known for its close-knit and industrious spirit, is home to Good Kids, a design studio reshaping local and regional branding strategies. During a recent episode of Tellwell The Podcast by Tellwell Story Co., Ashton Hauff, co-founder and strategy director of Good Kids, shared her story, insights, and vision for the future of creative studios in the Midwest.
Good Kids began as a shared coworking space for local designers. Ashton and her co-founder Ben sought to create a collaborative environment that mirrored the camaraderie and creativity she had experienced in her previous roles. Over time, their vision evolved into a full-fledged branding studio dedicated to crafting meaningful brands.
“Branding, to me, is building a reputation and connection. It’s about setting organizations up for success with a strong foundation of strategy and visuals.”
Ashton Hauff, Good Kids
From modest beginnings in 2019 to becoming one of North Dakota’s most recognized creative studios, Good Kids embodies the essence of small-business entrepreneurship, combining innovation with a deep understanding of their client’s needs.
Ashton’s insights offer invaluable lessons for nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and fellow creatives striving to make a mark in their respective industries with some key components:
Along with branding, Good Kids works to nurture a thriving creative ecosystem in the Midwest. As Ashton noted, the region’s creative studios are like “iron sharpening iron.” Collaboration and friendly competition drive innovation and raise the standard of work across the community.
This collaborative spirit aligns with Tellwell’s mission of being the premier creative studio in the Midwest. By building relationships with like-minded organizations, both studios contribute to the region’s burgeoning reputation for design excellence.
Ashton’s advice for clients seeking creative services comes down to preparation and trust.
Understand the problems you aim to solve and remain open to creative solutions.
Use tools like the DACI model (Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed) to streamline feedback and decision-making processes.
Engage actively during the project to ensure timely and meaningful outcomes.
As Good Kids celebrates five years of creativity and impact, Ashton and her team have ambitious plans to expand their regional and national presence while staying true to their core values of collaboration and quality.
“We want to grow but stay small enough to maintain our culture and ensure every voice is heard. It’s about quality over quantity.”
Ashton Hauff, Good Kids
Good Kids and Tellwell Story Co. share a belief in the power of stories. Whether it’s through a logo, a rebrand, or a video, stories shape perceptions, inspire action, and create connections. As Ashton and her team look to the future, one thing is clear: the Midwest’s creative scene is in excellent hands.
If you’re inspired to strengthen your organization’s brand or explore new ways to share your story, give us a shout. Together, let’s continue telling the stories that matter.
This episode is a good start. But if you’re ready to stop reading about storytelling and start investing in yours, let’s talk.
