Clay is a US-based UI/UX design agency focused on high-end digital product design and UX/UI—from research and wireframes to polished UI and design systems.
Top Rated10+ YearsMid-Size
UI/UX DesignBranding & Creative DesignTOP 10 LIST•2026
Top 10 Branding & Creative Design Agencies in California (2026)
The best branding & creative design agencies in California, curated by AgencyCluster.
10 verified agencies
28+ years avg. experience
Updated
The Top 10
The absolute best in branding & creative design
Design and branding agency blending brand expertise with San Francisco's innovative spirit for digital-first companies.
Top Rated15+ YearsSmall Team
Branding & Creative Design
Strategic brand and marketing consultancy helping organizations realize their full potential through brand-led transformation.
Top Rated15+ YearsEnterprise
Branding & Creative Design
World-leading brand specialists connecting business strategy to brand through consulting, design, and experience services.
Top Rated15+ YearsEnterprise
Branding & Creative Design
Brand agency named Adweek's fastest-growing, specializing in launching and evolving category disrupters.
Top Rated5+ YearsSmall Team
Branding & Creative Design
Top advertising agency with brand strategy and design expertise, four-time Ad Age Small Agency of the Year.
Top Rated15+ YearsMid-Size
Branding & Creative Design
Leading branding agency specializing in naming, brand strategy, and brand identity development with creative focus.
Top Rated15+ YearsSmall Team
Branding & Creative Design
Digital agency delivering elevated corporate websites and brand identity for leading technology and B2B companies.
Top Rated15+ YearsSmall Team
Branding & Creative Design
Brand strategy and performance-creative agency helping ambitious brands stand out and drive measurable growth.
Top Rated10+ YearsBoutique
Branding & Creative Design
Bay Area's leading branding strategy agency for over 20 years, certified B Corporation combining brand with research.
Top Rated15+ YearsSmall Team
Branding & Creative DesignTop 10 Branding & Creative Design Agencies — FAQ
Common questions about the best branding & creative design agencies in California.
Who is the #1 branding & creative design agency in California in 2026?
As of 2026, the top-ranked branding & creative design agency in California on AgencyCluster is Clay, with an AgencyCluster Score of 100/100. Rankings are based on verified evidence across credibility, proof of work, reputation, category specialization, delivery maturity, and freshness. Rankings are updated periodically as new evidence becomes available.
How were the top 10 branding & creative design agencies in California selected?
This list features 10 agencies selected from AgencyCluster's curated directory. Each agency was evaluated using the AgencyCluster Score (0–100), with particular weight on demonstrated expertise in branding & creative design. Only agencies with verified credentials are eligible, and rankings cannot be purchased. The agencies on this list average 28+ years of experience. For full methodology details, see our How We Rank page.
What should I look for when choosing a branding & creative design agency from this list?
Review their portfolio for range — can they do sophisticated and playful? Ask about their brand strategy process before visual design begins. Check if they deliver brand guidelines and asset systems, not just a logo. For rebrands, ask how they manage internal stakeholder alignment and rollout planning.
How much do the top branding & creative design agencies typically charge?
A comprehensive brand identity project (strategy + design) costs $30K–$150K. Logo and visual identity alone ranges from $10K–$50K. Brand guidelines and asset system creation costs $15K–$60K. Enterprise rebrands can exceed $250K.
Trusted Rankings
Every agency on this list has been reviewed by our editorial team. Rankings are based on our transparent methodology which evaluates credibility, outcomes, and reputation.
No paid rankingsVerified credentialsUpdated regularly
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