About us

About us

A collective built on the belief that mission-led businesses deserve better, and a commitment to creativity as a force for positive change. By design.

A collective built on the belief that mission-led businesses deserve better, and a commitment to creativity as a force for positive change. By design.

The Model

Because brand voices are as varied as the humans who make them, our creative partners are  proudly independent and teamed up based on the unique needs of your projects. Our operations and client teams are the red thread who maintain scopes, timelines and budgets, keeping you looped in, engaged and stress-free throughout the process.


Tone Def. Operations

Core Engine

contracting

operations

scoping

resourcing

creative direction

production

Tone Def. Creative

Lean Collective

design experts

strategists

copywriters

content editors

engineers

illustrators

Your engine for best-in class delivery by unique creative teams 

The Founders

portait photo of a man with a beard and a dark t shirt, smiling to the camera

Mark Kershaw

Mark believes the best work comes through the best working relationships. He has led client teams across studios and disciplines, helping brands of all shapes and sizes craft compelling stories and experiences.

His portfolio spans global brands including ASICS, Nokia/HMD, Adidas and JP Morgan, nonprofits such as Action Against Hunger and WaterAid, and startups like On Deck and Iagon.

As co-founder of Tone Def., he brings that same relationship-led approach to helping mission-led businesses scale their message and make a positive impact.

portrait photo of a woman with long hair and bangs, looking at the camera and smiling

Marion Ratie

Marion is a digital and creative producer who bridges storytelling and innovation to deliver unique, memorable experiences.

Her portfolio spans social and DOOH campaigns, websites, VR training tools, AI-driven retail touchpoints, kinetic installations and digital education modules. She has collaborated with Google, MARS, Siemens, Innovate UK, ESA, Pride in London and the NHS.

With a background in communications and early roots in music events production, Marion has a long-held belief in creativity as a driver of social equity.

The Collective

The Tone Def. Collective is a celebration of creativity in all its uniqueness and diversity, represented by a passionate team of designers, illustrators, animators, art directors and strategists.


Our values

They define how we work, who we work with, and the relationships we have with both our clients and our collective.


Transparency

We believe in collaboration, not smoke and mirrors. You have direct access to the artists you work with, and production support throughout.

Resilience

Every project is unique, and our model adapts to fit the needs of both brands and artists.

Responsibility

We elevate brands building a better future. We do not partner with Oil, Weapons, Tobacco, and Fast Fashion businesses.

Inclusivity

Our diverse team of talent is dedicated to producing inclusive and empathetic design, equipped to grow and innovate together.

Our collective comes together to bring your brand to life. Take a glimpse of our productions.

They said it

(01 - 05)

The workshop we held with Tone Def. was worth its weight in gold. In just half a day, they helped us distil Rhizo PTX’s complex Power-to-X mission into a clear, punchy brand vision. The proposal they put together was massive in scope and incredibly professional. What really sets them apart is their model, which gives you the focus and agility of a freelancer but with the reliability of a full studio. The strategic clarity they provided acted as a massive catalyst for our internal team. They are truly a top-tier partner for any purpose-driven company.

man wearing black shirt

Ash Stott @Rhizo PTX

Co-Founder & CEO

They said it

(01 - 05)

The workshop we held with Tone Def. was worth its weight in gold. In just half a day, they helped us distil Rhizo PTX’s complex Power-to-X mission into a clear, punchy brand vision. The proposal they put together was massive in scope and incredibly professional. What really sets them apart is their model, which gives you the focus and agility of a freelancer but with the reliability of a full studio. The strategic clarity they provided acted as a massive catalyst for our internal team. They are truly a top-tier partner for any purpose-driven company.

man wearing black shirt

Ash Stott @Rhizo PTX

Co-Founder & CEO

Talk to us

Whether you have a project in mind, a question or simply want to say hello, we'd love to hear from you.

The design studio for Changemakers

mark@tone-def.co.uk

All rights reserved. Tone Def. 2026. Tone Def. is a trading name of The Footprint Collective Ltd, company number 16227335 with a registered address London Office, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 5PF

The design studio for Changemakers

mark@tone-def.co.uk

All rights reserved. Tone Def. 2026. Tone Def. is a trading name of The Footprint Collective Ltd, company number 16227335 with a registered address London Office, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 5PF

The design studio for Changemakers

mark@tone-def.co.uk

All rights reserved. Tone Def. 2026. Tone Def. is a trading name of The Footprint Collective Ltd, company number 16227335 with a registered address London Office, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 5PF