Hi, I’m Karen Westing.
After 15+ years leading communications at the YMCA, the City of Seattle, and Philanthropy Northwest, I started West & Word — a studio for organizations that want their words to matter.
Why West & Word
Most marketing feels like noise. We believe communication is the work of being understood — clearly, honestly, and by the right people. That belief shapes what we take on, who we work with, and how we write.
Values
Curiosity
We ask more questions than we pitch. Every organization has a story that’s already there.
Creativity
We treat words as craft. Plain language isn’t plain thinking.
Compassion
We write for real people, not personas. Kindness is a strategy.
Fun
Good work isn’t sterile. If the process is joyless, the output tends to be too.
How we work
1. Listen
We start with conversation, not a template. What do you actually want to say?
2. Clarify
We surface the story underneath the words — positioning, audience, core message.
3. Shape
We draft, revise, and refine until the language sounds like you, not like marketing.
4. Strengthen
We hand off tools you can use — not just deliverables you’ll file.
Let’s talk
Tell me about the work you’re doing. I read every message.