From Tellwell Story Co. Fargo, NoDak | April 2025
Experience Doing This Work + Samples
At Tellwell, we specialize in bringing clarity and connection through story-driven design and communication. We've produced annual reports and print publications for organizations across the region, including:
- Emergency Food Pantry – Annual report focused on food insecurity and community response
- Lake Agassiz Development Group – Annual and impact reporting across rural and economic development
- Ronald McDonald House Charities – Story-centered print materials sharing family impact and donor recognition
- InterBel Telephone Cooperative + Northwest Communications – Annual reports and ongoing member engagement content
In addition to these annual pieces, we run robust quarterly print programs for nonprofits and co-ops, helping them stay connected to stakeholders in meaningful, consistent ways.
We also produce two recurring magazines, including a national publication for Western Governors University—mailed to over 7,800 state legislators across the country. These stories showcase innovative solutions in workforce development, education access, and healthcare. Each issue requires detailed project coordination, print production, and strategic alignment with client values—similar in scope and intent to the Bush Foundation's annual mailer.
More available at https://wetellwell.com/about/projects/
Project Team + Relevant Experience
Megan MacFarlane, Project Manager
Megan leads our print and campaign work. She brings calm coordination, keeps complex projects on track, and ensures client feedback is heard and implemented with care.
Sandie Kuehn, Senior Designer
With deep experience in layout, accessibility, and visual storytelling, Sandie creates elegant, easy-to-digest designs that center both message and audience.
Max Kringen, Executive Sponsor
Max is Tellwell's founder and creative lead. He ensures everything we deliver is aligned with story, strategy, and purpose—connecting your values to your audience.
As a North Dakota-based, queer-owned business, we know firsthand how important representation and intentional communication are. Our team reflects a range of identities and lived experiences, and that perspective shapes our work from start to finish.
Who We Are + How We Work
Tellwell is a small, senior-level creative studio built around storytelling that drives connection and action. We help foundations, nonprofits, and cause-driven brands craft communications that reflect their impact and values.
At Tellwell, we believe who tells the story—and whose story gets told—changes everything. This philosophy drives both our team composition and our creative process. We purposefully amplify voices that have historically been overlooked—from Indigenous students navigating higher education to rural community health initiatives—ensuring diverse perspectives shape the narratives we craft.
Our work aligns naturally with the Bush Foundation's purpose of inspiring creative problem-solving across sectors. Through your annual mailer, we can help showcase the impact of your grantmaking by centering the authentic stories of the communities you serve throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share this geography.
Like you, we believe communication is key to creating impact beyond direct funding. By translating complex ideas into accessible, human-centered stories, we help bridge understanding and spread powerful solutions across the region—making it better for everyone.
Our approach is collaborative and clear. We believe in strong process, proactive updates, and honest conversations. We show up as thought partners, not just vendors—offering strategy and support where needed, while listening closely to your team's vision and preferences.
Keep it human.
Real stories. Real voices. No fluff.
Make it make sense.
Simple design. Clear flow. Accessibility in mind.
Stick the landing.
Meet deadlines. Communicate well. Deliver with care.
References
We'd be happy to connect you with these partners:
Fees + Structure
We are comfortable working within your proposed budget of $8,000–$12,000. We typically structure this work as a flat project fee based on scope and number of revisions. That includes:
- Creative direction + strategy
- Full layout and design
- Two rounds of revision
- Print file prep and press coordination
- Mailing setup with vendor (we can work with yours or recommend partners)
Optional additions:
- Writing or editing support
- Photography consultation or sourcing
We're happy to co-develop the best structure based on your needs and internal capacity.
Proposed Timeline:
Late May
Kickoff meeting and strategy alignment
June
Content planning and initial design concepts
July
Design development and first round of revisions
August
Final revisions and print file preparation
September
Production oversight and mailing coordination
Throughout the process, we maintain bi-weekly check-ins to ensure clear communication and timely adjustments. Our team is skilled at managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring your annual mailer meets both quality standards and delivery deadlines.
Bush Foundation Mailer RFP Submission