A Story of Legacy, Innovation, and the Future of Creative Impact
For Justin Ahrens, creativity has always been more than a skill — it’s a calling. Over two decades ago, Ahrens co-founded Rule29, a creative agency built on the principle of “Making Creative Matter.” Under his leadership, Rule29 grew into a powerhouse, earning countless accolades, including GDUSA’s Person to Watch, Socially Responsible Designer to Watch, and numerous design awards since 2000.
But Ahrens wasn’t just focused on creative excellence — he believed in the transformative power of design to make a difference. This belief inspired groundbreaking campaigns and meaningful collaborations, like the 24-year partnership with O’Neil Printing, a company renowned for its century-long tradition of craftsmanship and innovation.
Now, in a twist that feels both unexpected and serendipitous, Ahrens has returned to lead Rule29, ushering in a new era of creativity and collaboration.
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A Bold Evolution: O’Neil Printing and Rule29 Unite
This new chapter is rooted in a shared history. For more than two decades, O’Neil Printing and Rule29 combined their strengths, blending O’Neil’s unmatched production expertise with Rule29’s creative vision. Together, they brought bold ideas to life, creating award-winning work and forging a legacy of impact.
In early 2024, Ahrens left Rule29 to establish O’N Creative, an in-house agency at O’Neil Printing. His goal was to expand O’Neil’s creative services while maintaining their reputation for delivering “Made to Impress” solutions. The initiative started to grow, but Ahrens and O’Neil’s leadership saw the potential for something even greater.
This vision became a reality when O’Neil Printing acquired Rule29 and integrated O’N Creative into its operations. Now, Rule29 combines its 25-year legacy of creative excellence with O’Neil’s production capabilities, creating an integrated powerhouse under the leadership of Ahrens.
“This is an exciting moment,” said Simon Beltran, CEO of O’Neil Printing and Rule29. “Justin’s return, along with the incredible team at Rule29, represents a new chapter for both organizations. By uniting under a shared vision, we’re creating something extraordinary—a seamless blend of strategy, creativity, and execution that will drive meaningful impact for our clients.”
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The Return of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Ahrens’ return to Rule29 is deeply significant. “This is about more than coming back,” Ahrens shared. “It’s about honoring the legacy of Rule29 while building something even greater — something that integrates creativity, purpose, and execution to deliver unparalleled value.”
With this merger, the combined team offers clients:
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Integrated Solutions: Strategy, branding, marketing, design, print, and production under one roof.
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Seamless Collaboration: Ideas that balance creativity with practical execution.
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Purpose-Driven Impact: Every project is designed to connect, inspire, and drive results.
This new structure aligns with Ahrens’ long-held belief in socially responsible design and reinforces Rule29’s mission to “Make Creative Matter.”
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A Vision for the Future
By bringing together O’Neil Printing’s 115+ years of print and production expertise, Rule29’s creative mastery, and O’N Creative’s innovative energy, this partnership is redefining what it means to be a creative and production partner.
“This partnership is about building on our strengths to help our clients succeed,” Beltran emphasized. “Together, we’re not just creating bold ideas — we’re delivering solutions that matter.”
As Ahrens takes the helm, this bold evolution represents more than a business move—it’s a vision for the future of the creative industry. With their shared legacy and united strengths, O’Neil Printing and Rule29 are poised to create work that isn’t just beautiful but impactful.
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Looking Ahead
Justin Ahrens’ return to Rule29 is a testament to the enduring power of partnerships and purpose. By merging the legacies of Rule29 and O’Neil Printing, this new chapter promises bold ideas, flawless execution, and meaningful impact for clients.
Ahrens, Beltran, and the entire Rule29 team are leading the way in shaping the future of design. Together, they’re proving that great ideas don’t just make creative matter — they make a difference.