Behind the Brand

News | Insight | tips & Tricks

Unless was built on a simple belief: creativity thrives in clarity, not chaos. In this introduction, I share why I founded the agency, how my experiences shaped my approach to branding and leadership, and why I see structure, alignment, and systems as the real drivers of sustainable growth. It’s an invitation into how I think, work, and build.

Strategy-first. Personality included.

Unless is a brand strategy and creative studio for companies that are ready to grow up — without growing boring.

We help founders and teams turn instinct into infrastructure: clear positioning, scalable systems, and brands that actually make sense in the real world.

No noise. No guesswork. No trying too hard.
Just smart strategy, strong design, and work that holds up.

Riley Schmitz

Founder of Unless
Branding Expert Located in Calgary, AB.

Strategy-first. Personality included.

Unless is a brand strategy and creative studio for companies that are ready to grow up — without growing boring.

Smart strategy, strong design, and work that holds up.

Riley Schmitz

Founder of Unless.
Branding Expert.

Strategy-first. Personality included.

Unless is a brand strategy and creative studio for companies that are ready to grow up — without growing boring.

We help founders and teams turn instinct into infrastructure: clear positioning, scalable systems, and brands that actually make sense in the real world.

No noise. No guesswork. No trying too hard.
Just smart strategy, strong design, and work that holds up.

Riley Schmitz

Founder of Unless
Branding Expert Located in Calgary, AB.

Building brands that feel inevitable.

Brand strategy & systems for companies that want to grow without losing themselves.

Building brands that feel inevitable.

Brand strategy & systems for companies that want to grow without losing themselves.