Let’s face it – hiring a brand design agency can be scary.
Not scary like a horror movie, but scary like you have no idea how the process works, how difficult it is, how long it is… and if you can really trust the brand design agency you’re working with.
Whether you’re a skincare brand looking for aesthetic packaging design, a food brand wanting to catch eyes on grocery store shelves, or an up-and-coming fashion label ready to stand out, getting custom brand design is a game-changer.
But how does the process actually work? And what even is Bold Zebra anyway??
Bold Zebra is a brand design agency for brands that are tired of the boring corporate look and want to run (not walk) on the wild side. I’m Marta, founder and lead designer, and today I’m spilling all the details on what it’s like to work with me and my team, from start to finish.
Step 1: Inquiry form
The first step is filling out an inquiry form. This short, easy form helps us get to know you to see how well we fit together.
We’re not an agency that takes on any random client who shows up. We only work with clients who crave our bold vision. If your brand is the type that wants to set trends, not follow them, you’ve got our attention.
One thing we ask for from you is a Pinterest board. What kinds of colors, objects, places, emotions, and visual styles represent your brand? Take some time to get lost in Pinterest to treasure-hunt for inspiration.
Putting at least six to eight images into a Pinterest board would give us a taste of your ideas. Then we could see if we’re a good match. (If your board is full of stuffy corporate stock photos… probably not a match.)
What if I don’t have a Pinterest board?
You don’t have to create a Pinterest board, but it’s a major plus if you do. Since it uses visuals and not just words, it would be useful to help us see what’s in your head. (Plus, it’s fun.)
Step 2: Services guide
Bold Zebra is a brand design agency for brands that are tired of the boring corporate look and want to run (not walk) on the wild side. I’m Marta, founder and lead designer, and today I’m spilling all the details on what it’s like to work with me and my team, from start to finish.
Within 2 business days, we’ll get back to you, and if we’re a fit, we’ll send you our services guide PDF. Instead of a rigid one-size-fits-all package, we have multiple options to choose from. The guide has all the details on pricing and deliverables, so you can pick your perfect package that gives you what you want.
What if I don’t know what service to pick?
It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. You can ask questions on the discovery call.
Overview of our services guide
Step 3: Discovery call
Next, you’ll book a free 30-minute call with me. Don’t worry, booking a call doesn’t mean you’re locked into working with our agency. The call is for me to get a sense of what your brand is about and what makes it unique. It’s also for you to learn about us and how we can help you.
On the call, I’ll be all ears as you tell me who you are, what you do, and what you want in a brand designer. Then I’ll go over our packages and recommend the best one for your needs.
How can I know for sure if you’re the brand design agency I should work with?
Our services guide and free discovery call will help you decide. You’ll be able to ask questions so you won’t be confused. After the call, you’ll know exactly how our design process will transform your brand while keeping it true to your vision.
And let’s get one thing clear: I won’t push and pressure you to work with us. If we work together, I want you to be just as excited about it as I am!
Step 4: Payment and onboarding
After the discovery call, you’ll receive a project proposal where we’ll highlight all your deliverables, timeline and payment instructions. Once you make a 50% payment to secure your spot, it’s onboarding time. We use a project management tool called Notion to organize every client project.
With Notion, we’ll have our own private workspace to communicate, collaborate, and keep track of project deliverables. It’ll be your go-to place to find everything you need, from invoices to contracts to presentations. Forget clicking around fourteen different apps and tabs.
I’ve never used Notion! Is it complicated?
No, Notion is clean, organized, and easy to use. If you’ve never used it, we’ll guide you with simple tips so you’ll know what to do. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Overview of our client's portal in Notion
Step 5: Brand questionnaire
Our design process kicks off with you completing a brand questionnaire. This is your chance to deep-dive into your brand and come back to the surface with a whole new perspective. You’ll be asked about your brand’s story, values, ideal customers, and more.
Every question uncovers a piece of your standout brand, putting it together like a puzzle. This helps us learn about you, but you’ll learn too. Many clients tell us they love the questionnaire because it got them thinking about their brand on a new level. If you’ve ever doubted whether your brand is unique enough to grab attention in your saturated market… you won’t doubt anymore.
What if I’m not sure how to answer the questions/not sure if my answers make sense?
No worries. Do the best you can and if you want, we can hop on a call to go over your answers. We’ll help you figure out any question that has you stumped.
Step 6: Two creative directions
With the questionnaire done, my team and I spend a week or two exploring your brand and creating your brand strategy. Then we’ll present you with two creative directions to choose from.
A creative direction is a potential concept for your brand design. For each creative direction, you’ll be able to see the visual concepts and read about our intentions behind the designs. The creative directions aren’t just there to look nice (although we have to warn you, they’re going to look pretty awesome). They’re also strategically designed to help your brand attract your ideal customers faster.
I’m one of those people who has trouble making decisions…
It’s okay, this is your brand we’re talking about. You want to get it right. If you can’t decide between the two creative directions, talk to me in a message or call. I’ll save you from an overthinking spiral and give you the clarity to decide.
Step 7: Brand visual identity
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Based on your chosen creative direction, my team and I work on the main brand assets like the full logo suite, typeface pairing for your new visual identity to use them in marketing materials, your new color palette and any other extra brand graphics.
We use an easy-to-follow process called the One Concept Method. Based on our study of your brand, we put our expertise to work on one high-quality concept that follows the creative direction that you approved. We show you the concept, then you approve or suggest revisions. We will readjust the concept based on your feedback.
When you give feedback, you’re talking directly with me. It helps to be as specific as possible so I’ll know exactly what’s on your mind. Don’t be shy – be honest with me. I’ll be honest too. If I think your brand would be best represented in a different way than what you’re suggesting, I’ll tell you. I’ll always explain the thought process behind the designs so you’re not left in the dark.
What if your designs don’t fit my brand?
This is the biggest fear clients have when they hire a brand design agency. But thanks to our inquiry form, discovery call, and questionnaire, we’ll know your brand inside and out. That’s how we create designs that capture your brand’s personality. And we listen to your feedback so we can express your vision even better.
Step 8: Finishing additional elements
At this point, you have your branding foundations done. Now we get to finish any additional elements in your branding package. For example, you may get packaging design, web design, business cards, or other assets. Again, we welcome your feedback during this process.
How do I know what extra elements my brand needs?
Different brands need different design elements based on their business model. We help you determine exactly what your brand needs based on the way your business works.
Step 9: Last Payment and offboarding
We’re right at the finish line. After you make the remaining 50% payment, we’ll offboard you and hand over the final files. You’ll get plenty of different sizes, colors, and file types – you may end up with over 200 files.
Q: That’s a lot of files! What if I don’t know how to use them all?
No problem. We’ll give you a cheatsheet showing you how to use the files, plus you’ll get brand guidelines or a brand book depending on your package. You’ll know how to use all your shiny new brand collaterals on your website, socials, packaging, and more.
Bonus step: Repeat and referral discount
The party’s over. But we’ll invite you back for another one. As time goes on you’ll likely need new graphics for launches, events, sales, and content releases. We’re here for it, and when you come back you’ll get 20% off for being a repeat client.
Plus, if you have any bold and quirky business owner friends, send them our way and we’ll do their brand too. You’ll get a 20% discount on your next service. That’s our way of saying gracias.
I don’t even have a question. I just love the fact that I get a discount.
We knew you would!
Now you know the Bold Zebra process from A to Z. We typically take about a month to create your visual identity and two weeks for brand collaterals. Web design usually takes around two months depending on how complex the website is.
It’s time to finally stop putting off that rebrand you’ve wanted for a while. Or if you’re a new business, get showstopping brand visuals right from the start. Check out our brand design agency portfolio here and inquire about our services here because everything you’ve just read is about to become your journey.