We are a team of passionate people serving at the intersection of strategic consulting and creative making.
We chose the name Open Book because we want to tell stories people can be a part of. Your story is more than what you do—it is also your point of view. And your brand is ultimately an invitation.
We work with companies and causes who see possibility and want to create positive change in the world. Through active listening and disruptive thinking, we help give voice to a vision and then build dynamic branded materials that bring it to life. The work we do is often transformative for an organization, helping to create a clear “before and after” of how an organization understands itself and builds momentum for what it’s going after.
Who We Serve
Our Story
Open Book was founded by Sharon Sampson in 2013 because she saw an opportunity for more organizations to lead with vision in how they communicate. Sharon’s background was in strategic messaging, but an early collaboration with the design expertise of Jeremy Emmerich helped position us as a company that specializes in the strategic integration of design and words to move people to action. We don’t call ourselves a creative agency or a design studio, even though both labels could apply. Instead we call ourselves Team Open Book. Because it’s teamwork that launched this business. And teamwork still fuels us today.
Our Core Values
At Open Book, we hold to five Core Values that serve as guiding principles for how we work, create, and collaborate. These Core Values are the markers of what we expect from each other—and what our clients can expect from us. The Core Values are more than words on a wall (although they are on our wall!). They are what direct our behavior and drive the company culture we take pride in building together every day.
At Open Book, success isn’t measured by our efforts alone, but by the actual outcomes we produce and the impact that is possible through the work we create. Our work is not an end in itself, but a means to something greater.
At Open Book, it’s not about us. It’s about who and what we have the privilege to serve. We are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, generosity, and ‘giving a dang.’ We are relationship-forward in everything we do. This means demonstrating warmth and looking for ways to build connections with people. We understand that this kind of genuine care and concern for others is essential in meeting the diverse needs and expectations of our clients.
We believe that challenges don’t have to be approached as threats, but can be seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Because we know that embracing ambiguity and navigating uncertainty are essential for our best work.
Every experience, whether a success or a failure, is an opportunity to learn. When we embrace clear and transparent communication, following through on commitments, and embracing a culture of being open for what is next, we can create work from a foundation of trust and accountability.
We care more about our clients’ success than our own individual recognition. We do not compete against one another; we collaborate and support each other. This looks like offering ideas, solutions, help, and guidance freely—without wondering what’s in it for ourselves.
Our Shared Space
We are proud to be based in the Kingfield neighborhood of South Minneapolis. Our space is a reflection of our story, having grown in place each year from a single suite to today filling the second floor of our historic building. Our space is intentionally designed for both creativity and community. All are welcome here.
Our Purpose
We exist to see people clearly and serve them generously—and that shapes everything about how we work. We’re not looking to be a vendor or a one-off material-maker. We’re looking to listen well, understand deeply, and come alongside organizations as a true thought partner. When you know your story and we know you, what we make together can move people. That’s what we’re here for.