Independent Agency

An agency not owned by a holding company, often pitched as more agile and conflict-free, such as Mischief or Mother.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

An independent agency is an advertising agency not owned by a holding company, such as Mischief or Mother. Independents often pitch themselves as more agile, closer to senior talent and free of the conflicts and bureaucracy of large networks. They range from small boutiques to sizable firms with multiple offices.