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TIMELINES

Timing can differ depending on speed of feedback, how quickly we can really nail your brand, and any special deliverables.
Here's what the timeline looks like, approximately for different projects.

Branding

Web Design

COMMUNICATIONS FAQs

Good communication makes for good projects. Here are the communication basics you will need to know.

Working hours

I'm based in The Netherlands and work from MON-THU 10am- 5pm CET. I'll always try to back to you as soon as possible, but obviously need sleep + rest to be able to create. Never hesitate to shoot me a message- just know that I might not get back to you straight away.

Communication

All of our communications will be on Slack. You can expect weekly updates and files for you to send feedback on. I love IG but please keep all project info on Slack so I can easily track it down.
You don't have to get back to me within 5 minutes but in order to stick to our timeline, you need to get back to me within 2-3 business days ( more about that later ).

Feedback

We will work closely together and that means being in pretty regular contact.
I deliver work on a weekly basis and expect feedback or comments to be given with 3 business days. Not able to? check " Holidays/time off ".

Halfway through the project you will have the opportunity to hop on a call with me to discuss how things are going and adjust how we are working together. We're a team and I want to be sure you're enjoying the process..

Holidays/Time Off

We started businesses to be free and have flexibility in our lives ( + many other things like working in pjs ). I will always let you know if/ when I'm taking time off and will make sure it doesn't significantly delay the project.
Similarly, if you are planning time off ( whenever ) just let me know as soon as you've planned it! I'll make sure to work with you so you can leave your laptop knowing I got you covered.

If you know you I'm expecting feedback but honestly can't be bothered ( think mental health day, period day, traveling ), please know I GET IT. As mentioned above, feedback should be given within 3 business days to stay on track. If that's not feasible for you, just send me a quick message <3

(Re) Scheduling calls

I get that things happen! We can totally reschedule our calls.
Let me know as soon as you know that you won't be able to make it.

If they can't be rescheduled or an emergency happens that delays the project by longer than 3 weeks, we will have to pause our work and re-start at my next available start date. I will always try to prioritise you over new clients but know that moving the project to a date where we can both be present will serve you best.

USING YOUR FILES

You will get a variety of files upon the completion of your project. Here are the files types and how to use them.

SVGs for Canva

SVG is a "vector" format. That means that no matter how big or small, these files will always be crisp. The best part ? You only need to upload a single file of each logo onto Canva and be able to change the color like any other asset!
Not all platforms accept svg so you might have to use your png files instead.

PNGs

You can use PNGs for any other platforms! As mentioned above, PNGs can appear pixelated if you scaled it up too big.

Font files: OTF

This font type is used for desktop, Canva and any other platform that isn't a website.

Font files: WOFF

This is a webfont type that is used to upload your custom font onto your website provider.

FINDING & USING STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Having stock photography that fits your new brand and website is crucial to maintaining your brand. Obviously, I will set you up for success ;) but if you need more photos- whether it be in-between brand shoots or you just want them, here are some great resources and tips.

Website list

Death to Stock, $15/mo but incredible resource if you regularly need photos. This website isn't as used online yet either, so it lowers the chance of someone having the same pictures.

Pexels, DO NOT ADD A SEARCH TERM. I know that sounds crazy but simply scrolling down on the home page will yield far more interesting and unique photography.

Unsplash, unlike Pexels, you can add a search term but I find that only the most popular pictures will show up. It's worth simply exploring.

Tips

#1. Pay more attention to the feeling you get from an image rather than what it actually portrays. Per example: although I don't run a travel agency, many of the stock images on my website include nature and movement. This is to give a feeling of neutrality, peace and quiet. The feeling you get on an early summer morning. Quiet, serene but with a fresh feeling of opportunity. Don't limit yourself to obvious imagery.

#2. You don't have to use full images all the time. Look at images as a whole but know you can focus and zoom in on a specific part of the image. Here's a visual example:

Although you can use this photo in its entirety, zooming in to specific aspects can be better suited for your purpose. Basically: don't feel like you have to like the entire picture. You can find interesting aspects or compositions in images you might have not considered otherwise.

#3. Don't use cheesy stock. This should be obvious, but find photography that creates a feeling that matches your brand but also make sure that it doesn't look like a traditional stock image. The key here is subtlety and that emotion. The best stock photographs are those that don't feel like stock at all.

MAINTAINING YOUR BRAND: TIPS

Ok so you've rebranded or got a new website: now what? Here are some basics of maintaining your brand that can help.

Focus on the feelings and values

Ask yourself regularly: does this align with the feeling I want to give my people and is it in line with my values. brand strategy and messaging?
Although consistency is crucial to any business, so is cohesion. Once you've decided how your business should make people feel, you need to maintain that feeling or you won't be able to have the brand you are looking to create. Through your offers, the way you show up, imagery, copy and messaging.

Get your team up to speed with the feeling your brand should create

Let your team in on the overall feeling you want to be giving to make sure that everyone is on the same page. This counts double if you have a SMM or VA that creates content for you. In fact, if you do, I would love to include them in the strategy call and organise a call where I can go through the new rebrand or website with your team.

Hire someone to connect all the dots and maintain your brand

At a certain stage of your business, creating a designated creative team that create content and assets in line with your marketing goals will have a huge impact on your brand. Here are example of team structures that will allow you to hand off brand maintenance depending on what your business is ready for.

#1 Small creative team:
1. Creative Director/ Designer hybrid
2. SMM or VA if you create the social strategy

This structure is simple but effective. A graphic designer is far more adept at creating content that evokes the feeling you want to be giving. This could be someone in-house or a day rate. We offer retainers- either single or bundled for this exact scenario. It means you can let your SMM work in their zone of genius while having gorgeous content that fits your brand.

#2 Robust creative team:
1. Creative Director/ Designer Hybrid
2. SMM or VA if you create the social strategy
3. Web designer
4. Copywriter

This structure is a bit more robust and allows you to know that the maintenance of your brand is in the hands of experts and takes off the stress of having to think of all the moving pieces and executing them yourself. Have a big launch coming up? Give your copy and marketing strategy to your team and watch them take care of everything. The sales page, content, making sure the emails look good.
Keeping track of all the moving parts and making sure can be tricky, especially if it's not your speciality. This is the time you can start thinking about hiring a creative director to oversee every asset and coordinate between the team members.

Here's the thing: although this list seems exhaustive, you can very often find these skills in a single creative. That means that hiring a brand & web designer in one will allow you to have someone that can maintain your brand and keep everything aligned, as well as think about ways to keep your brand fresh and new.

Update your brand photography

Depending on how many pictures you get at a brand shoot, we always recommend refreshing your brand photography every 6-8 months and include unique " stock " photography that you can use in many different ways within your business. This rotation will stay fresh and help you grow what we've started.

WORKING TOGETHER AFTER YOUR PROJECT

Here's how we can continue to support you after our project has ended.

VIP Days

Consider VIP days a way to get a ton off of your design plate. Whether it be IG posts, a new lead magnet or workbook for your course, a VIP day covers it. They can be booked as a one off whenever you feel the need for $650 or in a bundle of 3 for $550 each. Many of our clients organise a VIP day every quarter and that covers their needs.

Retainer

This is an opportunity to work closely together for a set amount of hours each month. Retainer packages are entirely custom, based on what your business and team structure requires. We plan 3 months ahead of time and map out exactly which deliverables your business will need.

Additional web pages

Additional web pages would not fit in a single VIP day, so these are done individually. You can choose to include this in your retainer package with us but If you prefer, you can also inquire about these as one off projects.