We are an interdisciplinary team of strategists and creatives. We come from advertising, marketing, communication design, journalism, information technology, fine art, and education. We are a global team based in Vancouver. We are Vigilantes.
To get to the next level, you have to go beyond the thinking that got you where you are today. Our team provides the insights and fresh perspectives that let you imagine your future, a more appealing identity, and a path to get you there.
Starting from yes is overrated. I'm all for starting from no. Without a critique of the status quo, how do you even know what needs improving?
Arndt Klos, Principal
Arndt is a brand consultant with over 20 years of experience in brand development, identity design, and strategic communication. Originally from Germany, he’s worked with domestic and global brands, including Nokia, Porsche Design, and Loewe Technology, and has held roles at advertising agencies like Grey Worldwide and Boros. After relocating to Canada, he co-founded brand consultancy Vigilantes in 2012. Arndt brings an in-depth understanding of markets, audiences, and cultural trends, and a natural ability to unite diverse stakeholders around a shared creative vision. Arndt regularly shares his unfiltered insights on LinkedIn, as a teacher, and as a mentor.
No one will listen to everything you have to say. But, in my experience, everyone wants to know who you really are, and why you're really doing this.
Vanessa Richmond, Principal
Vanessa Richmond is an identity specialist. For 15 years, she’s helped companies understand who they are, and tell their story. As a writer about culture, her work has been published in dozens of publications including the Huffington Post, CBC, Alternet, Globe and Mail, and Tyee, along with radio, TV, and podcast. Before that, she was a high school English teacher in Canada and the UK, with a degree in education from the University of Cambridge. In her teaching, she focused on critical thinking, and co-coached a student who won the World Public Speaking and Debate Championship. She co-founded Vigilantes in 2012 to focus on brand and identity development. Her experience includes qualitative research and empathetic interviewing, market analysis, positioning, and storytelling.