Relentlessly focused on delivering.
WHY US
We won’t settle for the way it’s always been done. We dig deep, challenge assumptions, and bring a fresh perspective to every piece of your marketing.
Through more than a decade of steady growth, we’ve dreamed big, planned carefully, and fiercely championed our clients’ success.
Based in Pittsburgh, Deep Varnish is led by Shawn Graham. Every engagement includes senior-level strategy, brand storytelling, and a focus on the outcomes that really matter.
Why teams choose Deep Varnish
OUR DIFFERENCE
We’re not the biggest agency and that’s the point. Our clients work with us because we go deeper where it matters most.
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Diving Deep
Everything starts with understanding. We uncover what really matters to your audience before we ever talk tactics.
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Strategy + Action
We think like a CMO and work like a hands-on partner. Smart strategy, executed with precision.
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Small by Design
When you work with Deep Varnish, you work directly with founder Shawn Graham. No handoffs or wasted motion.
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Impact Over Output
We measure success by what moves people, not how much content gets produced.
MEET SHAWN
Who you’ll actually work with
I’m Shawn Graham, founder of Deep Varnish.
I help brands see what’s possible and build the strategy and creative to make it happen.
After 20+ years helping teams sharpen their message and marketing, I started Deep Varnish to bring clear, CMO-level thinking to organizations that need it most. I’ve worked across sectors and stages, from purpose-driven nonprofits to ambitious growth brands.
I’m a published author, keynote speaker, and currently serve on the board of the American Marketing Association Pittsburgh as Vice President of Member Recruitment and Retention.
What I’m Known For
Creative Vision That Translates – Helping brands imagine what’s next, then shaping it into strategy and creative that delivers
Strategic Marketing – Building campaigns that connect the dots between brand, audience, and results
Collaborative Execution – Staying involved from strategy through delivery to make sure the work works
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Branding | Website Design | Creative Strategy
John brings more than 20 years of experience leading design and content strategy for websites that do more than look good — they perform. His work helps organizations connect creative vision with clear business objectives.
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Digital Marketing | SEO | Google Ads
For more than 15 years, Justin Mastrangelo has helped create, implement, and optimize hundreds of results-driven digital marketing campaigns spanning multiple platforms and industries. Previously, Justin was nominated to serve as the President of the American Marketing Association Pittsburgh Chapter.
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Nonprofit Fundraising | Capacity Building
Diane Walter brings 20+ years of experience across iconic brands and high-impact nonprofits. She is an expert in organizational transformation, data-driven marketing systems, and building meaningful human connections.
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Photography | Videography
Evan Custer is creative and innovative photographer/designer/videographer with a passion for all aspects of multimedia. He also has a collegiate background in marketing and print which makes him well apt for any advertising or media solution.
Marketing that goes below the surface.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Deep Varnish exists to help organizations create marketing that’s meaningful, focused, and effective.
We dig below the noise — beyond tactics and buzzwords — to uncover what makes your brand resonate. When people truly understand what you do and why it matters, they act.
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We listen deeply to uncover what’s really holding your marketing back.
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We sharpen your message and strategy so every piece of marketing connects.
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We help you bring it to life through focused execution and measurable results.
What’s in a name?
Varnish /’vär-nish
To enhance, clarify and finish.
Deep /dēp
Marketing that goes below the surface.