Why choose us?
Because you’re ready to be heard.
And so is your brand.
5 by 5 Design is a branding, marketing, and graphic design firm based in Minneapolis. We uncover what’s unique about your brand, develop engaging creative that connects emotionally, and make it easy for you to move your organization forward.
We go beyond data, listen to real humans, and empower you to act.
Work that feels relevant, authentic, and worth paying attention to.
Thoughtful tools that lighten the load and help work flow smoothly.
Certified
Purpose-driven and women-owned
5 by 5 Design a woman-owned small business (WOSB) certified with the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). With an Equity Select Targeted Group status with the state of Minnesota, we make contracting fast and simple. We recognize the commitment to supplier diversity that is embraced by organizations and government agencies today and gratefully offer our diversity certification as a value add to your supply chain.
Meet the team
Diana Lillicrap
Strategist, Communicator, Detail Manager—your point person every step of the way
WHAT SHE’S REALLY LIKE
She’s called the “velvet hammer” because she asks tough questions, in the nicest possible way. She likes to talk out problems, sketch out ideas, and make lists. She’s a leader and a joiner and has been in all kinds of clubs—book, poker, pie, wine, cheese, hiking—just to name a few.
Wendy Ruyle
Explorer, Designer, Quality Controller— your creative director who makes sure ideas work
What she’s really like
Wendy is a thoughtful, methodical creative who does her best work after 10 a.m. She believes most problems can be solved on a walk or bike ride and almost never makes a snap decision. She loves independent theater and will happily recommend what to see this weekend.
Maleigh Anderson
Marketing, Administration, Project Support—your organizer who keeps things running smoothly
What she’s really like
Maleigh is the calm in the chaos and the reason things don’t fall apart. She loves a good outline, a clear plan, and knowing what’s coming next. She spots problems before they happen and quietly keeps everything moving, usually with a cup of coffee nearby.
Allison Broeren
Storyteller, Digital Marketer, Project Manager—your digital expert who executes great brand stories
What she’s really like
Allison is curious, energetic, and always chasing a good story. She loves wandering, people-watching, and planning tiny adventures that turn into big memories. She asks smart follow-up questions, laughs easily, and has a habit of turning everyday moments into something worth sharing.
Six reasons to review your brand
See the top things branding can do to help you get the action you want.
Our humble beginnings
Once upon a time, two bright women sat down over a glass of wine and brainstormed ways to use their complementary skills in communications and design to inspire emotion and incite action. After working together for nearly a decade within another large agency, Diana and Wendy set out to establish a new approach to branding—one that listens to clients and the world around to deliver brands that are heard loud and clear. Launched in 2006, 5 by 5 Design has evolved into the agile, award-winning firm that exists today.
What does 5 by 5 mean? Our name is derived from the same idea of listening and creating clarity. Inspired by how the first broadcast messages were rated on a five-point scale for strength and clarity, only those transmitted “loud and clear” could be called 5 by 5.