By Zoe Hazel Thomas

Studies show that over 600,000 new businesses are started each year but 90% won’t last 10 years. In a country saturated with marketing and creative design agencies, and with the number expected to grow by 4.2% by 2026, Orland-based creative director David Warren knows first-hand how important it is to stand out from the competition. 

Here, we find out what makes David’s agency special — and what you and your business might stand to gain from working with him.

Q: So how did it all begin?

In 2018, after almost 15 years working on multi-million dollar creative projects, touring the country as a performer, working with big-name brands and honing his business skills, David launched Origin Media Group (OMG) — a creative agency with a science twist.

“Early in my career I was fortunate to realize that you can have the most innovative ideas for the next big product or service, but if you don’t know how to execute them, those ideas are worth nothing. Art is ideas, but science is execution,” says David. 

From this realization, OMG took shape. David combined his studies in psychology and design with hands-on business marketing experience to create a unique science-based framework for creating successful brand stories.

“When I started focusing on developing deeper relationships with my clients, I began to discover what made them unique,” he explains. “At OMG, this is the now the first step in a tried-and-tested formula we call ‘Finding Your Origin.’ Once we discover your unique brand DNA, developing a brand identity and marketing strategy that really resonates with your ideal customer is quite simple.” 

Q: So what makes Origin Media Group unique?

“Nowadays anyone can go to a stock site and buy a generic logo; or download an app to design their own website or marketing content. BUT the fact is that 95% of logo and website creators have no idea what key factors influence buying decisions!

“We understand the science behind how people obtain and retain information, and why they buy; and 2020 was a great opportunity for us to start developing a proven framework that combines the art of engaging design and the science behind communication and marketing – to empower anyone to start and grow a thriving brand in any economy.”

“After being fortunate to work with many creative individuals over the years, I’m a huge believer in teamwork,” he says. “I’m always looking to partner with other like-minded and passionate people. No man is an island and no successful business is an island. Teamwork makes the dream work."

Q: Why do you do what you do?

“Often small business owners have a lot of expertise in their industry, but lack the time and expertise to build an online presence or marketing strategy that gets real results. And even more don’t understand the value or the science behind how people interact with brands at a fundamental level. This means they’re losing money and customers every day because their brand visuals or marketing message doesn’t resonate with their ideal customers.

“Studies have shown that 50% of business fail in the first five years and 90% fail within 10 years! I started Origin Media Group knowing the odds against me, because I believed that we could help change those statistics for every business owner."

Q: Is investing in brand design worth it?

"Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last year and a half has been tough on small business owners. Many are scaling back and reworking their goals. Often in challenging times, branding and marketing is shelved. Some business owners and entrepreneurs have taken a huge hit during the pandemic, and may be hesitant to invest in their brand because they don’t know if they can afford the investment, or if it will make a difference."

This, David believes, is a mistake. 

“When we started in 2018, I 100% believed then —  and even more now, that we can help businesses grow their brand and online presence the right way, regardless of industry or the state of the economy. Every day that goes by that you’re not investing in your brand and a marketing plan is a day you’re losing money for your business, and putting yourself in danger of becoming another failed business statistic.

“More people are working from home than at any other time in history. And more and more people are looking for solutions to their problems online – that your product or service could offer! And when the pandemic becomes a thing of the past, people will remember the value that you provided them, which got them through this time.

Q: So what’s next?

At the end of 2020, David set a goal to partner with 500 businesses over the next five years. He will provide these businesses with his science-based framework for starting and growing a thriving brand the 'Right Way.' Not only does he want to work hands-on with his clients to develop their brand presence and see them thrive, he also wants to provide the education and tools necessary for aspiring designers and new business owners to take control of their futures.

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Schedule a consultation here to find out how OMG can help you build and grow your brand the 'Right Way,' from Origin Story to Success Story!