Step 1. Listen
My grandpa always told me if I was talking I couldn’t be listening (along with some other gems). The key here is for us to ask the right questions, then close our mouths and really hear what you have to say.
Step 2. Think
Directly tied to Step 1. Also mind reading comes in handy at times. If we’ve done a good job of listening we can start to think of solutions. At worst we think of more questions to ask (see Step 1).
Step 3. Collaborate
Here’s that word again. And this is our favorite part. Back and forth, idea sharing, hate this love that. This is the stuff that trust and relationships are built on.
Step 4. Deliver
Time to make you look good. Regardless of project type or size, our reputation is built on delivering what we said we would, when we said we would.
SamplesHere’s a secret… every design firm (not necessarily web firms) does branding, it’s a broad term. Very few places truly “specialize” in it. Ask any design shop if they do branding and the answer will be yes. Do we do branding… logos, stationery, company brochures, stuff like that? Yes, of course. But more importantly we are comfortable jumping into your branding at any stage – from non-existent to polished.
SamplesLike branding, every traditional design firm does print design. Magazines, postcards, annual reports, tradeshow banners, marketing packets? Yep. The talent and skills needed for those projects are the cost of entry in the design industry. Every designer worth their black turtleneck can create beautifully designed printed pieces. We can too, with the added bonus that you’ll enjoy working with us. We don’t even own black turtlenecks.
SamplesWe aren’t good at everything. And we don’t want or need to be everything to everyone. That’s why over the years we’ve developed some amazing relationships with industry partners. High-end websites, video, marketing and public relations, these are all things that we do not specialize in. Why are they listed in the, “What we Do” section then, you ask? Because we have some kick-a$$ partners in those areas, and we love working with them on your projects.
SamplesUnder promise and over deliver. We’re all about up front and honest communication. Maybe we’re old fashioned, but customer satisfaction is number one. Without that, talent and skill doesn’t matter. We like to have fun, but about this we don’t joke.
SamplesWe are a bullsh!t free zone. If we know we can’t do something well, we’re going to tell you. If we know we can’t make a deadline, we’re going to tell you. If the budget doesn’t line up with your request, we’re going to tell you. See a theme here?
This project might lead to lots of other projects, you say? Cool. Let’s just do a test project together so we can see if we like to work with you? No problem. Design this brochure for us real quick and we’ll decide if and how much we want to pay? Nope. You’ll find some folks out there that will work for free in hopes of landing future projects, but it’s not going to be us. We’re happy to do a freebie now and then for a long-term client, but like you we’re in business to make a profit/living.
This is closely tied to working for free. Spec work and pitches are great for huge agencies and Mad Men, but small design firms don’t have the resources to give away free ideas. You wouldn’t (hopefully) ask three chefs to cook you dinner then only pay for the one you like most.
See “Work for Free” and “Spec Work”. We aren’t trading whiskey for beaver pelts here.