Creative Shops Migrate to Oakland...

With the recent moves of Huge Inc., EVB and Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and 99designs… along with more seasoned veterans of Oakland such as Spark Art, Oakland is becoming quite the scene for creative shops.

“We saw tremendous possibilities in Oakland,” Daniel Stein, Founder & CEO of EVB said, commenting on the once abandoned building at 1740 Telegraph Avenue that has now been transformed into EVB’s beautiful new home.  

Stein, who grew up in Los Angeles, says he had the luxury of watching the transformation of Venice Beach in the early 90s.  Just as artists, production companies, bars, clubs and more moved in and created a vibrant community there, he saw the same renaissance emerging in Oakland.  “I feel like there is a really great energy here…very innovative companies are choosing to be here,” he says of Oakland.  Stein says the advertising industry is about being able to tap into culture and the momentum of its surroundings. And, throughout his time in Oakland, he has seen just that: opportunity & momentum.

When Mad Dogs & Englishmen were looking for a new place to call home, choosing Oakland was really not a hard decision.

“We started in New York City on the lower East side about 14 years ago,” said Nick Cohen, who along with partner Jon Soto, heads the creative advertising agency.  “When we came to Oakland we felt that same kind of vibe...an eclectic city with a lot of positive energy, particularly now.”

Cohen says having similar businesses, in this case creative agencies in the same neighborhood, makes people feel like they are not alone. “In fact, it makes it easier for other employees to want to come live and work here. With Huge Inc., another creative agency that has announced they are relocating to Oakland, there will be even more momentum. I think other companies are going to consider Oakland now because a creative hub really is developing in the marketing and advertising area.”

So who will be next?  We are ready and waiting…