About Tone Def.

There's no shortage of creative talent out there. What's harder to find is a model built specifically for organisations leading with purpose. One that combines genuine creative ambition with the flexibility, transparency, and sector understanding that mission-led work actually demands.

That's the gap Tone Def. was built to fill. Bringing together just the right people, assembled around the right brief, directed by producers who've spent careers making complex creative work actually happen.

We’re a London-based creative studio working with sustainable manufacturing and engineering businesses, clean tech and climate startups, healthcare innovators, educators, and non-profits: organisations where creative work needs to do more than look good, to build investor confidence, move customers, and hold up under scrutiny.

That's what we're here for.

WORK WITH US

Meet the FOUNDERS

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Marion Ratie

Executive Producer

Marion is a digital and creative producer who thrives to leverage the best of the storytelling and innovation worlds to deliver unique, memorable experiences.

Her portfolio spans a wide range of formats and channels, from social and DOOH campaigns, through websites and VR training tools, to AI-driven retail touchpoints, kinetic installations and digital education modules.

Through her career, she’s collaborated with leading agencies and forward-thinking brands including Google, Siemens, Innovate UK, ESA and Cognitant.

With an academic background in communications and early roots in music events production, Marion combines strong creative instinct with sharp strategic thinking to deliver impactful, well-crafted and above all meaningful projects.

In her spare time, you could find her hiking in the Peak District, painting, or jamming on the flute in East London.

A photography portrait of Mark Kershaw, co-founder of Tone Def., wearing a buzz cut, beard, and mustache staring at the camera with a neutral expression, wearing a black shirt, standing against a plain light-colored background.

Mark Kershaw

Business Director

Mark believes that the best work comes through the best working relationships. He has led client teams at studios partnering with some of the biggest brands on the planet; helping them craft stories and experiences across a variety of different disciplines.

Mark has led strategic campaigns for global brands like ASICS, Nokia/HMD, De Beers, JP Morgan, BDG and Action Against Hunger, as well as for startups like On Deck, Regal 38183, Iagon and CCRB, amongst many others.

As co-founder of Tone Def. he applies this experience to help purpose-led businesses scale their message and make positive change to the world.

Outside of work he spends most of his time having fun with his young daughter and enjoying plant-based food.

Mark’s secret recipe? The kitchen is his creative lab!

THE MODEL

We don't carry unnecessary overhead or hide designers behind directors presentations. Around Marion and Mark sits a tightly curated community of independent creatives: designers, animators, photographers, filmmakers, strategists, and UX specialists, matched specifically to each brief. You get senior creative direction and specialist execution, with one relationship and one point of accountability throughout.

We're based in London, but our collective spans the UK and beyond. Which means we move fast, think across markets, and always find the right fit for the work.

OUR VALUES

Transparency

You always know who's working on your project, what they're doing, and why. No markups without explanation, no decisions made without you.

Flexibility

We build the team around the brief. Every engagement is shaped to fit your timeline, budget, and way of working.

Diversity

We curate a roster that reflects the world our clients are trying to reach. Homogeneous teams make homogeneous work.

Expertise

Between them, Marion and Mark have directed creative work for global corporations and ambitious startups alike. That experience is present in every project, regardless of your size.

Responsibility

We only work with organisations building a better future. We don't partner with oil, weapons, tobacco, or fast fashion businesses.

Illustration of a 3x3 orange cube with a circular hole and a cylindrical object inserted into it, surrounded by small detached pieces.

Empowered creatives produce better stories.

Better stories move the world in the right direction.

WORK WITH US

  • Ash Stott @Rhizo PTX

    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.

  • Katie Crawley, founder & CEO at Willoma Clothing

    This workshop really helped me define my North Star in my business. Mark was super helpful in showing me how to put my goals into action. I came away from the workshop with clarity, confidence, and motivation to work in alignment with my brand's vision that Tone Def. helped me to truly understand.

  • Geoff Meston, UX Manager, Unite Students

    Throughout our collaboration, Marion consistently ensured that every goal, deadline, and quality metric was met efficiently and to an exceptionally high standard.

  • Bella Jasani, Marketing, PR & Communications Director, ex EY

    Mark is a legend! Truly skilled at managing complex projects & campaigns. Mobilising teams & keeping everyone on track. Gets the brief & zones in on the heart of the objectives & milestones ahead. A pleasure to work with.

  • Jake sykes, Operations DIrector at Cognitant

    Marion combines strategic vision with strong execution, ensuring projects run smoothly  from concept to delivery.