Grain Studio is a marketing agency in Hugo, Minnesota, specializing in graphic design, expert printing, brand identity, and website design. The studio serves entrepreneurs, startups, small to midsize businesses, musicians, record labels, nonprofits, and other organizations, offering services such as logo design, stationery systems, marketing materials, large-format printing, film output, and SEO-friendly websites. With over 20 years of experience, Grain Studio is led by Josh Ernst, a graphic artist whose career spans roles at Best Buy’s marketing department, Copycats Hi-Fi Media, and various Twin Cities-based publications and nonprofits. The studio is recognized as a top branding agency on DesignRush.
Located in a renovated granary on a small ranch in the northeast corner of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, Grain Studio draws inspiration from the natural texture of wood grain, reflecting its commitment to designs that are both familiar and unique. The studio maintains a select network of professionals to deliver high-quality, affordable creative solutions. Its services include prepress support, color correction, consulting, and training, ensuring that every project meets the highest industry standards. Clients benefit from a hands-on approach that blends aesthetic excellence with technical precision, whether creating a brand identity or preparing materials for print or web.
The studio is situated on Keystone Ave N, about a mile from 170th Street North and Manning Trail North, and just under two miles from White Rock Lake and Barker Lake. It lies within close proximity to Big Marine Park Reserve and the Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area, offering a serene, nature-infused environment that complements its creative work.
Grain Studio stands out for its deep expertise in branding and printing, rooted in decades of experience and a dedication to quality. Its reputation as a top-tier branding agency on DesignRush reflects its consistent delivery of impactful, memorable visual identities. The studio’s ability to merge creative vision with practical execution makes it a trusted partner for clients across the Twin Cities region.
In Hugo, Grain Studio brings a distinctive blend of craftsmanship and innovation to local businesses and creatives, turning ideas into enduring visual stories.