Schwarz+Matt

In 2016, in the heart of the Ruhr area, Schwarz+Matt began its journey with a bold and somewhat rebellious vision: to transform Dortmund into a recognized hub for creative excellence. The founders, André Schirmer and Maximilian Kersten, looked at their home city and famously declared, 'Dortmund is not an agency city. We are making it one.' What started as a versatile full-service agency has since strategically evolved into a specialized powerhouse for brand development and design. Over the years, the agency has grown from a small, ambitious team into a robust collective of 27 creative minds, all united by a singular passion for building 'Brands for tomorrow.'

The agency's philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that in a world where products and services are becoming increasingly interchangeable, strong, authentic brands are the ultimate differentiator. Schwarz+Matt has successfully bundled a decade of expertise into a systematic brand development program, helping ambitious startups, hidden champions, and leading corporations like Adesso and Thyssenkrupp to scale and succeed. Their approach combines disruptive thinking with holistic marketing strategies, ensuring that every client's identity is not just seen but felt. As an official Frontify partner, they also empower companies to manage their brands efficiently, bridging the gap between creativity and technology.

Today, Schwarz+Matt operates from three strategic locations across North Rhine-Westphalia—Dortmund, Cologne, and Münster. They have firmly established themselves as a top-tier agency, recognized as a member of the GWA and ranked among the top 25 design agencies in Germany. With a forward-thinking culture that values creative freedom, continuous learning, and flexible working models, Schwarz+Matt continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital and branding landscape. They have even introduced innovative models like 'Schwarz+Matt Plus,' a design subscription service, further proving their commitment to modernizing the agency-client relationship.