Skeleton Crew

Based between Squamish and Vancouver, Skeleton Crew is a brand and communications agency unique in its personal approach to brand and communication outlines. Co-founded by two veterans of large London agencies, Jack Finn, an art director and designer, and James Hearn, a brand strategist and writer, Skeleton Crew has found its stride in delivering big projects with a small team, offering a more intimate and collaborative approach. 

After years of working in massive teams, their experience in big agencies with hectic and high-pressure environments refined their process, leading them to want a more personal approach to brand development. “James touched down in Vancouver first, and I followed about 18 months later,” says Finn. Together, they set up shop. The goal was to deliver big agency thinking but in a nimble and no-fluff way. This philosophy is what sets them apart and was the inspiration for the name Skeleton Crew. “We much prefer working as a smaller team because the brands and companies that we work with get to deal with us. There’s no communication breakdown,” Finn says. 

At Skeleton Crew, the core team of four handles a broad range of projects, from brand identity and strategy to creative campaigns. Hearn leads the discovery phase, ensuring the team fully understands the client's brand, business, and goals. This in-depth research and strategic articulation are critical components in forming the perfect brand identity or campaign work brief. As Finn puts it, “Understanding every facet of a brand is crucial. It’s about digging deep to ensure we capture the essence and needs of our clients.”

Their services extend beyond just brand strategy and identity. They also collaborate with a network of specialists such as motion graphics artists, photographers, illustrators, and CGI experts that they bring in as needed for specific projects. Their recent work on a Red Bull film, Anytime, launching on September 20th, 2024, is a prime example of their approach. They hired a CGI artist to realize their concept - a gritty, 3D film title that perfectly captured the essence of the project. “Bringing in specialists allows us to tackle projects with the precise skills needed for each job,” Finn explains. “It’s about having the right tools for the right job.

Community involvement is also key for Skeleton Crew. Finn shared a recent project, Nowhere Left to Rest, an art installation addressing homelessness in Vancouver. “We built gravestones out of tent material as a metaphor for the lack of rest these people face, being moved on all the time,” he says. The project aimed to raise awareness and direct people to resources advocating for real solutions.

For Finn and Hearn, Skeleton Crew is a passion project. “When we come up with an idea, we believe in it because of the depth of research we’ve done,” Finn says. “There’s nothing better than presenting work you know is right because you’ve done the hard work to back it up.” 

Looking ahead, Skeleton Crew is excited about the future. “We’re five years old as a company, and every year, we’ve evolved, bringing in new clients and tackling fresh challenges,” Finn says. The agency’s growth is evident in its expanding portfolio and refined creative process. “With each new project, I see how we’ve developed from year one to year five,” he says.

As they continue to grow, Skeleton Crew remains committed to delivering top-tier brand strategy and creative direction in an authentic, easy, and impactful way.