A strong brand starts with understanding what you're building.
I help business owners define what their business stands for and translate that into strategy, identity, and marketing that work together.
Chase + Coral the ‘79 Bus | Pacific City, OR
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How I Help
Every business eventually reaches a point where the message no longer reflects the work.
When that happens, we step back and look at the bigger picture — your positioning, your audience, and how you talk about what you do.
From there, we build the pieces that support your business: brand identity, marketing tools, and practical systems you can use with confidence.
The goal isn't more marketing activity.
It's a business that communicates clearly and moves forward with intention.
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Ways We Can Work Together
Every business arrives at brand work from a different place. Some need to define their direction, others are ready to build the creative pieces that bring it to life.
Brand Strategy
Define your positioning, audience, and message so your business has a clear direction.
Brand Identity + Design
Create the visual system that reflects your brand and supports how you show up.
Brand Systems + Marketing Tools
Templates, materials, and practical systems that help you apply your brand consistently.
Meet Maria
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Maria Ekstrand
Founder/Owner
I'm Maria Ekstrand, founder of Ekstrand Creative. My work brings together brand strategy, creative direction, and practical marketing.
For more than 25 years, I've worked with organizations ranging from global brands to independent businesses. That experience has shown me that the most effective brand and marketing work begins with understanding the business behind it.
My approach is thoughtful and collaborative. I ask the questions that surface what's already there, translate it into clear direction, and build the brand and marketing tools that support where your business is going.
Today, I run an independent practice based in the Pacific Northwest, partnering with founders and teams who want their brand and marketing to reflect the work they're truly doing.
Not sure where to start?
A free Brand Spark Call is a great place to begin.
A Brand Spark Call is a free 30-minute conversation — no pitch, no pressure. Just a chance to talk through where you are, what isn't connecting, and whether working together makes sense.
Clients I’ve partnered with
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ADR Business Services
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Alaska Airlines
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Casler Financial
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Curt Faus Construction
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Hard Rock Cafe
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Gates Corporation
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HP
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City of Oregon City
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JumpCloud
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Washington Dairy Commission
