We’re on a quest to create wealth by making the seemingly mundane memorable
At 39steps, we’re storytellers, designers, and strategists helping business owners and marketers rediscover what makes their organisation special.
We empower teams to proudly tell their story, attracting better clients and talent along the way.
The brand storytellers
For over 21 years, 39steps has been helping clients shape and share their stories – and we’re pretty good at it. Our creativity works hard. Our approach changes with every client. But our passion never does.
Awards are lovely, sure. But for us, success means seeing our work in action: helping clients grow, thrive and tell their stories with pride.
We can’t do that without digging deep. As a creative branding agency, we get under the skin of your organisation, uncover what makes you unique, and use our experience to connect your story with the people who need to hear it.
There are rarely 39 steps but we’ll take as many as it takes to deliver the work you deserve.
Learn more about our rebranding process
We get under the skin of your organisation
Making the seemingly mundane memorable
Not every business gets the spotlight and that’s exactly why we do what we do. We work with accountants, engineers, funeral directors, and other essential services that often get overlooked in the world of glitzy branding.
But to us, there’s nothing boring about businesses that keep the world turning. These are the organisations that make a real impact, and we love helping them show up with clarity, confidence, and a visual identity that truly reflects their value.
Because when the work you do is complex or misunderstood, it deserves to be communicated beautifully.
Our values
We talk a lot about brand values – because they matter. A strong set of values gives any brand direction, purpose, and personality. They help build trust, unite teams, and guide better decisions. So it’s only fair we share ours.
These are the values that shape everything we do at 39steps – and help our clients tell their stories with clarity and confidence.
Sparky
Always ready to try new things
Curious
Asking the right questions to dig deeper
Responsive
Quick to act when it matters
Clear
Cutting through the noise
Genuine
No fluff, just honesty
Supportive
Here to guide, not just tell
Meet our creative team
We’re 39steps, a tight-knit creative studio based in Edinburgh – a wee team with big ideas, oodles of experience, and the right mix of straight-talking and creative spark.
Our clients tell us they love what we do, how we do it, and the real impact it has on their business. That’s what gets us up in the morning.
We’re small enough to care deeply and experienced enough to handle the big stuff. We’d love to be part of your story. In the meantime, here’s a bit about us:
Julie set up 39steps in 2003 and remains the gaffer at the helm of Team39. She’s the first point of contact for new enquiries and brings straight-talking brand and marketing consultancy to every project. Outside the studio, she supports local charity Kids Love Clothes, wrangles two teenagers – and belts out 90s bangers in a band. She’s mildly obsessed with shoes, Scandi noir, and red wine (not always in that order).
Steven joined 39steps in 2007, bringing design experience from publishing and marketing. Since becoming a Director in 2010, he’s helped shape the agency’s creative direction, focusing on sharp identities and meaningful messaging. He leads the creative team and ensures every brand looks confident and considered. Outside work, Steven is a full-blown car geek and walking encyclopaedia of automotive trivia. He also enjoys drawing fun car illustrations – fuel for both sides of his brain.
Charlotte Chapman
Planner & Researcher
Charlotte is a multi-award-winning planner and researcher with 15+ years turning customer insight into clear brand strategy. She’s worked agency-side and in-house across sectors like FMCG, public services, and finance, helping brands find their voice and tell their story with purpose. When not deep in data, Charlotte is the world’s slowest runner – often overtaken by walkers, kids, and sprinting spaniels.
Eri Griffen
Senior Brand & Digital Designer
Eri is a seasoned multidisciplinary designer with 20+ years’ experience in Japan, Australia, Ireland, and the UK. She works across commercial and corporate clients, combining big-picture thinking with pixel-perfect precision on everything from brand identities to websites. Off duty, Eri creates award-winning illustrations and strolls the Meadows with her pugs, Gyoza and Mochi.
Gordon Sheppard
Web Developer & WordPress Support
Gordon’s WordPress knowledge is second to none. With 30+ years in tech support and service delivery, he’s the go-to for fast, secure websites and smart web advice. Whether building from scratch or troubleshooting plugins, Gordon keeps 39steps’ digital side running smoothly. Fun fact: he has no sense of smell – so maybe don’t ask if he’s left the gas on.
YOU?
Freelancers
We’re always on the look-out to work with freelancers, such as copywriters, photographers and videographers.
Might that be you? Get in touch!
Giving back matters
We believe strong brands should help build strong communities. That’s why we actively support local causes close to our hearts – like Kids Love Clothes, a charity Julie’s involved in that provides quality clothing for families in need across the Lothians.
We also give our time and creativity to nearby schools, including Nether Currie Primary and Currie High, helping the next generation feel confident, curious, and creative. It’s all part of our commitment to doing good, not just good work.
Working smarter, not harder
We’re a remote-first team, mostly based in and around Edinburgh, with a few of us a little further afield. It gives us the freedom to focus, do great work, and live balanced lives. We use a virtual office address for admin, but there’s no studio to visit – so don’t choose us just because we seem nearby. If we’re the right fit, location won’t get in the way.
We keep things paperless by default and only travel when it makes sense. That’s not about saving the planet (though it helps), it’s just how we work best.
Follow in their footsteps
MarketStreet™ has transformed the brands – and confidence – of clients across sectors. They’ve gained clarity, attracted better clients, inspired their teams, and grown faster.
Don't take our word for it...
Here’s what our clients have to say about their journey:
Ready to take the first step?
If you like the cut of our gib and think we could work well together, let’s get a date in the diary to discuss your project.