72—Meet the expert

Austin Moffatt Barkwell Howe, the person

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First, let’s deal with the long, crazy-ass name that I was given, shall we? It was probably the impetus for me getting good at naming. As revenge perhaps? Obviously, I had no choice in the matter. My maternal grandfather was Austin Moffatt Barkwell, and my mother married a Howe.

My company name, Austin Moffatt Barkwell Howe, Namer, Positioner, Writer, Brand Voicer, reflects my commitment to being authentic and truthful in terms of who I am and what I do. I’m always telling clients that the truth is their most powerful weapon, so it was time for me to put my name where my mouth is. I am not a we, I am a me. Together with you, we are a more powerful we. 

Download my Org Chart

I love naming. It’s hard as hell, but I love it. Naming, for me, is like a really condensed poster, and, as you can read in my book, Designers Don’t Read (see below), I believe that a great poster, combining art and writing and design, can change the world. Something about the compression of an idea with minimal elements. That’s why I also love identities. Art, writing, design, in the service of a singular idea.

I love working with designers. Preferably great ones. That’s why I’m willing to lend my reputation, my experience, and my expertise to their team. To help them get more work. To make them more money. To have more wins. And to collaborate on work that is smart and beautiful and meaningful.

My favorite deliverables

I love working with designers to help their clients differentiate themselves through naming or renaming. Verbal identity. Story. Positioning lines. Brand voice guidelines. Messaging.

I can also bring significant value to your:

AI
Posters
Brand videos
Social media content
Web story and headlines
Campaigns
Out of home
Brand books
Agency self-promotion

My books

Designers Don’t Read
Designers Don’t Have Influences

My social

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Here’s how your peers responded to the question, “What value, if any, have you seen me bring to your design projects?”
Austin brings passion, delight and joy to his work and his working relationships. He relishes the details of his client’s challenges, becoming a student of their industry. Brilliant writer? Definitely. Source of energy that powers the entire team? Hell yes.
Joe Stitzlein
Executive Creative Director, Designer, Stitzlein Studio
Global Creative Director, Google
Senior Global Creative Director, Nike
You can count on Austin to bring the ‘what if’ to creative development in ways that push open the doors to what could be. Austin is one gifted storyteller. Part of this is his command of the language (despite and/or because he is Canadian?), part of it is his intelligence, experience, and range of voice and attitudes. Most of it is his ability to reach into an emotional core.
Steve Sandstrom
Creative Director, Sandstrom Partners
Recent inductee, One Club Hall of Fame
I’ve never met a writer who’s more passionate about design, branding, and communication.
Fredrik Averin
Design Director of this website for Austin Moffatt Barkwell Howe
Independent Design Director & Graphic Designer
Proprietor of The Idea of the Book
Creative Director, SapientRazorfish
Designer, Landor
Your best design work will happen, when collaborating with Austin. He understands design as well as some of the best designers. He is relentlessly passionate about the work he produces.
Jon Olsen
Studio Olsen
Design Director, Wieden+Kennedy
Creative Director, Sandstrom Partners
Work with Austin Howe. At least once in your life. It will be a gift to yourself and the creative problem you’re tackling. We’ve tackled several together.
Andrew Clark
Head of Design, H&R Block
Product Marketing Creative Director, Sonos
Director, Bruce Mau Studio
Austin is a collector. He finds the most talented people in the world, and finds a way to not only work with them, but push his team to the limits.
Bill Cahan
Cahan & Associates
Austin is my go-to guy when my brand or product strategy needs a relevance imperative. He’s spirited and passionate, always looking for the kernel of truth to build a big idea around.
Rob Wees
Creative Director, Ziba Design
I have worked with Austin on several projects and love the fact that he is always looking for an unexpected answer that no one has thought of before.
Bob Dinetz
Bob Dinetz Design

01—Naming for Brands & Products

When a client asks if you do naming, you absolutely do

02—Brand Positioning & Story

The more inspiring the story, the more inspired the design

03—Brand Voice & Messaging

Brand Voice has become a best practice, so let’s practice

04—The Business Proposition

New income streams, enhanced reputation, no investment

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