At Barkis & Co., we’ve never been the kind of agency to take shortcuts. As a creative marketing agency in Monterey, our journey—just like the work we do—has been fueled by passion, creativity, and an obsession with solving problems in the most elegant way possible. We’ve learned through years of experience that exceptional results come from blending old-fashioned, relationship-based business values with cutting-edge strategies.
Where Creativity Meets Strategy
Austin’s love of design began over 15 years ago, long before Barkis & Co. was even an idea. What started as a streetwear clothing brand quickly became a creative journey. He immersed himself in graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling, earning accolades and a degree in design along the way. Meanwhile, Nicole’s story began in high school with a gift—a DSLR camera that sparked a lifelong love of visual communication.
Fast forward to college, and Nicole found herself drawn to psychology, business, and the way people think. Pairing her degrees in psychology and business administration with Austin’s design expertise was the beginning of something magical. We combined our skills not just as life partners, but as business partners. It started small—helping Austin’s clothing brand market itself—but soon grew into something far bigger than either of us expected.
Taking the Leap
In 2013, we packed up and moved to Southern California to see what opportunities awaited us. It was exciting, fast-paced, and a little chaotic, but we quickly realized something important: our boutique approach was where we thrived. While big-city agencies chased volume, we found success by going deeper, taking the time to truly understand the needs and goals of each client.
Even as we worked on big opportunities, we missed the small-town feel of close, community-driven partnerships. By 2015, Monterey felt like the perfect place to set down roots and grow. This is where Barkis & Co. truly came into its own as a creative marketing agency in Monterey.
A Process Obsessed with Excellence
What sets us apart? It’s the way we obsess over optimizing everything we take on. From the very first meeting with a client, our focus is on identifying pain points, aligning with their goals, and creating something that not only looks beautiful but functions seamlessly.
We always start with research: Who is your audience? What’s missing in your industry? What’s frustrating your customers right now? From there, we design strategies that solve those problems while staying rooted in real data and industry insights. Whether it’s creating a website, refining a brand identity, or building out an SEO campaign, we take the time to do it right.
The Result: Frictionless Marketing
The result? Solutions that feel frictionless. For us, marketing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about convenience. It’s about creating systems that work on the back end just as beautifully as they look on the front. And we don’t stop there; once a campaign or system is live, we refine it further using analytics to ensure it’s delivering on its promise.
Our Secret Sauce
Unlike many agencies, we don’t rely on a rinse-and-repeat playbook. Every client we work with gets a fresh perspective. That means diving headfirst into your industry, whether it’s precast construction, drone manufacturing, or boutique pet products.
We’ve worked with emerging markets, established industries, and even niche passions, all with the same goal: to create forward-facing strategies that communicate your brand’s unique value. We’re not here to just create beautiful visuals (although we certainly do that, too); we’re here to help you tell your story and connect with your audience in ways that truly matter.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Now, as we step into 2025, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come and looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead. With the launch of our new website, we’re doubling down on our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and innovation.
This year, we’re leaning into the tools and technology shaping the future of marketing, like AI-driven analytics and automation, to deliver even better results for our clients. While we’re nearly at capacity, we’re carefully growing our team to ensure we can continue delivering the hands-on service that’s at the heart of everything we do.
And yes, it’s been 10 years since we chose Monterey as our home. It feels like a milestone worth celebrating. Here’s to the next decade of creating, optimizing, and growing—together.
