ugly is a construct.

We don't work in ugly or pretty—we use strategic thinking to create meaning, craft unique brands, and tell stories people care about.

Ugly Wolf is a full-service, award-winning strategic brand design agency based in New York and Dallas.

Spearheaded by Katie Kravit and Julie Steinhagen, we collaborate with you to create comprehensive brands that resonate.

Our difference

Small, on purpose

At typical agencies you pay top dollar for the most seasoned execs but get the most junior designers to actually do the design. Not here. We are with you from start to finish, doing every step of the process. We are small on purpose to give our clients our full attention.

Creative Partners

Our style of work is collaborative and casual. We have backgrounds in-house and in-agency, so we aim to give you the best of both worlds. Think of us as an extension of your team.

Custom fit to your needs

We build custom teams and quotes around each project, allowing us to scale up or down, based on your unique needs. If needed, we can select trusted subject-matter experts to add to our pack in order to best suit your vision. There is no such thing as one-creative-fits-all in our business.

full-service studio

We’ve worked with start-ups and big corporations, from launch to rebranding. We meet you where you’re at. We’ll strategically formulate a set of tools for how your brand thinks, sounds, and acts; design a visual identity for how your brand looks; and then bring your brand to life.

Press & Awards

Great Companies 2024 International Women Entrepreneur Award

Katie Kravit & Julie Steinhagen
Dieline Awards Winner, 1st Place, 2024

Dairy or Dairy Alterative Packaging Concept, Kashoo Creamer
Anthem Awards, Silver & Bronze 2022

Design and Innovation – Responsible Technology; Sustainability, Environment & Climate, Finch

“Ugly Wolf brought our company to life and are so much more than our designers - they're truly our strategic partners. As a founder, there are constantly a million things to worry about. For us, beautiful branding is never one of them.”

—Lizzie Horvitz, CEO & Founder, Finch
"Working with Ugly Wolf was an incredible experience for the whole Frankie’s On The Park team. They really took the time to understand our very unique customer and place within the retail market. Our new branding and website design has definitely proven to be an investment worthwhile for our business."

—Frankie Burik, Marketing Director, Frankie’s on the Park
“Working with Ugly Wolf was the best decision we could have made when it came time for us to create our brand. They listened to us and heard the threads of our ideas, and then would come back to us with products and options that were well beyond our expectations. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Charlie Covey, Co-Founder, One Aether
“From initial concept to final execution, Ugly Wolf were true professionals, keeping the project on schedule and on budget. They’re extremely skilled in creating visually stunning designs that resonate with our target audience.”

—Joe Christensen, CEO & Co-Founder, NuSkool Snacks
“Working with Ugly Wolf exceeded all of my expectations. They are creative, organized, patient, and went above and beyond with everything they did. I am so impressed by the final outcome. Working with them was enjoyable and seamless.”

— Dr. Julie Waisbren, Owner, Waisbren Primary Care
"Ugly Wolf helped us refresh a 40-year legacy brand with a more modern look and a full set of brand guidelines that we leverage daily, all while respecting the heritage of our brand. They listened to what was important to us, took the time to understand who the brand is, did the legwork on the competitive landscape, and came up with something that was truly unique and ownable for us. They are wonderful partners, talented designers, and strategic in thinking. I couldn't recommend the team more highly."

— Phil DeGisi, Chief Growth Officer, SavATree