A straightforward look at our process, from the first conversation to the final delivery. We keep the steps clear so you know what to expect, how long things take, and where you can step in along the way.
This page sets out how we work and what you can reasonably expect from a project with us. It is meant to remove guesswork, so the points below cover scope, timelines, feedback, and the limits of what a small studio can take on. If something here does not match your situation, it is worth raising early in the conversation.
Every engagement begins with a written brief that lists deliverables, the number of revisions, and the platforms where the work will appear. We do not start sketching logos or planning shoots until that document is agreed. This protects both sides: you know what you are paying for, and we know what we are responsible for delivering.
Projects move fastest when one person on your side owns approvals. If feedback has to pass through several people or an external committee, the schedule stretches. We build in a reasonable buffer for review, but a two-week approval phase can easily become four if the chain is long. Let us know your internal process up front so we can plan around it.
The brief sets how many rounds of changes are included for each deliverable. This is not about being rigid; it is about keeping the work focused. If a direction is not working after two rounds, we will suggest a structured reset rather than continuing to tweak the same concept. That usually saves time and leads to a stronger result.
A brand identity can be designed in weeks, but a photoshoot depends on venue availability, weather, and product readiness. Social media calendars are planned monthly, and short-form video edits require raw footage to be delivered in a usable format. If you have a launch date in mind, we need to work backwards from it together.
Our experience is concentrated in restaurants, coffee roasters, artisan producers, and neighbourhood retail. That focus means we understand the realities of your industry, from seasonal menus to packaging constraints. If your business sits outside these categories, we can still help, but it is fair to know that our strongest work comes from this space.
Once the final invoice is settled, you receive working files for the deliverables in the agreed formats. We keep our internal drafts and process notes, but the finished assets are yours to use across your business. If you later need a format we did not originally supply, we can produce it at an hourly rate.
A clear sequence keeps expectations honest. Here is the typical rhythm we follow with food and lifestyle brands, including the points where you make decisions and we check in with you.
Week 1
We start with a 45-minute call about your business, customers, and what feels off with your current visuals. You send over samples of your existing packaging, menu, or social posts. We review them before the call so the conversation is concrete, not generic.
Week 2–3
A half-day session (in person or remote) where we map your brand personality, key messages, and visual references. You leave with a clear direction, not just a logo idea. We then translate that into two distinct moodboards for your feedback.
Week 4–6
We develop two logo directions and apply them to your main touchpoint, whether that is a coffee bag, a jar label, or a menu layout. You review the drafts, and we refine the chosen direction together. This is where the visual identity starts to feel tangible.
Week 7–8
We plan a photoshoot that captures your product in a real setting, not a sterile studio. You get a shot list and art direction notes. Based on the images, we build a 4-week content calendar for Instagram and TikTok, with captions and format ideas.
Week 9–10
You receive the final logo files, packaging artwork, and a simple brand guideline PDF. It covers colour codes, typography, and examples of what to do and what to avoid. This is the reference point for anyone who works on your brand later.
Ongoing
After launch, many clients keep us on for a monthly retainer. We handle the content calendar, edit short-form videos, and adapt the brand system to new products or seasonal campaigns. You stay consistent without hiring a full-time designer.
Every project includes two structured revision rounds after the initial concepts. Additional changes are billed at an hourly rate. We keep the schedule realistic, but if you need to pause for a few weeks because of a busy season, that is fine. We pick up where we left off.
Typical project length
8–10 weeks
No two brands are the same, but the path we follow stays steady. Here is the sequence we use to keep things clear, practical, and honest — from the first conversation to the day you start using the work.
Step 01
We start with a relaxed call or coffee, no slides and no pressure. You talk about your product, your customers, and what feels off with the current visuals. We listen for what the brand actually needs, not just what looks trendy.
Step 02
A focused workshop where we dig into your story, your local context, and the feeling you want people to have. We look at your competitors, your current touchpoints, and what makes you different. You leave with a clear creative direction, not just a moodboard.
Step 03
This is where the identity takes shape — logo, packaging, typography, colour palette. We also plan the photography direction and content calendar, so the visuals work across your packaging and your social media without looking disconnected.
Step 04
We test the designs in real situations — on a label, in a store, on a phone screen. You give feedback, we refine. This stage is about making sure the identity holds up in the messy reality of a busy kitchen or a small shop shelf.
Step 05
You get all the final files, organised and ready to use. We include a simple brand guide so you know how to apply the logo and colours yourself. No confusing folders, no missing fonts — just a clear system you can actually use.
Step 06
Branding is never really finished. We offer monthly content calendars, photography direction, and short-form video editing to keep your social presence consistent. You can also book a portfolio review or a two-day branding intensive if you want to learn the process yourself.
Want to see how this worked for a local roastery?
Read the case study