Pictured left to right: John Doyle, Sam Soulek, Michael Seitz, Kjersti Hanneman, Ed Bennett, Marc Stephens, Kristin Woxland and Jen Orth
10 Thousand Design is a new interdisciplinary brand design firm in Minneapolis. The 10 Thousand Design name is inspired by the firm’s home state of Minnesota, explains Ed Bennett, founder and executive design director, “land of world-class design and 10,000 lakes, as well as by the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to master a craft like design, and lastly by the fact that the view from 10,000 feet is grand and expansive.”
The design firm evolved within ad agency Colle+McVoy and will operate as a partner agency. It launches with a broad mix of clients in retail, consumer packaged goods, and health and wellness. In the last three years, the design group has tripled in size, thanks to new clients like Target, Align Technology makers of Invisalign and Stanford University, and to extensive organic growth from existing clients like Cub Cadet and General Mills. Some of its most recognizable work includes the relaunch of the Caribou Coffee and Indian Motorcycle brands, as well as work for Target, Nestlé Purina and Grain Belt Beer.
Led by Bennett, the 10 Thousand Design team also includes creatives and designers Sam Soulek (design director), Michael Seitz (associate design director), Jen Orth (associate design director) and Marc Stephens (interactive creative director). The leadership team also includes Kristin Woxland (managing director), Kjersti Hanneman (director of insight and brand strategy) and John Doyle (executive director of brand experience).
