This is one of the most important decisions you need to make for your brand, and we know that finding a designer who is aligned with your budget, style and necessities may feel impossible. Instead, you should be confident. You shouldn’t be doubting if you’re making the right decision or not, down below you’ll find some essential qualities you should be looking at before taking the big step for your small business or project.
Finding your match
Do all design agencies work the same?
If you already worked with one in the past you may know what to expect in future projects, but let me tell you that that is not entirely true. Every agency has a different method and different ways to work, it doesn’t mean that one is right or the other wrong, but you should find the one that works in the way you need it.
Some agencies focus only in some sectors
In my opinion this is one of the most important things you should look at when you are looking for a design agency.
You should see their portfolio and find businesses in the same sector as yours, this way you’ll be sure they already know how your kind of business works, researching is key when designing a brand so if an agency has been already researching your industry, this will benefit you a lot!
On the other hand, if you see that all the work they do is for example, for nightclubs and events, and your brand is about home made cookies, then it is probably not the best agency for you.
They can probably make the work for you, but a lot of the time you’ll be setting unrealistic expectations and expecting something different (unless you want your cookie business to have a nightclub aesthetic, in that case go for it, they’ll do it amazing).
Agency Focus: Style Expertise
Similar to agencies focusing on some sectors, some agencies are experts in specific styles, you can’t expect an agency where all their work is minimalist to suddenly do a retro maximalist and colorful logo.
And don’t get me wrong, they’ll probably do it, but you are not sure what to expect, the same way it can exceed your expectations, it can be disappointing.
Some agencies focus on specific approaches
A lot of agencies have their approach defined, and let’s clarify again, there are no wrongs or rights, but you need to pay attention to these kinds of details because you’ll know what to expect!
Let me give you some examples, a lot of agencies design branding and logos focusing on being simple and having the focus on photography, which is a lot of the time used for architects, tattoo artists, etc.
Other ones create maximalist logos with characters, gradients, 3D illusions, and the brand elements or backgrounds are really simple so all the focus is on the logo. Find the one that is making exactly what you are picturing!
Specialized vs. full-service design agencies
We already talked about how some agencies focused on some sectors, styles or ways to work, but what about highly specialized agencies?
There are some agencies that focus exclusively on some of these aspects, and they work exclusively on that. If you work with these kinds of agencies you’ll learn how the experience is easier, they already know what you are talking about.
The Pros and Cons of Specialization
You’ll have better outcomes and probably less changes, it is easier for you to trust in getting better results, at the end of the day they are experts.
But what is the downside of this? There are only a few agencies doing this, and it may be hard for you to find one in your sector, and not only talking about the sector but also about the design style.
You need to be sure the approach, style, strategies and decisions they are making with different brands are the ones you are looking for.
If you find one agency that fills all the prior elements then you did a good research, just remember that your budget should adapt to this one, and sometimes it can be a little expensive.
Let’s remember: they are experts in what they are doing, it probably took them a lot of time, effort and research.
Before you read our checklist: A note From Sweet Breeze
As you can see, the process of choosing the right design agency is about alignment; alignment in style, approach, and vision.
Here at Sweet Breeze, we love sharing our dreams and strategies with you, we know all the struggles of starting a small business.
We believe that communication is key and that we can do beautiful things together. If at the end of this blog you think we are your perfect match, don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can make real the brand of your dreams!
The final checklist to make the decision
Let’s imagine you already did a lot of research on agencies and you have your top favorites. Now, how to make the final decision? Here we have 3 crucial elements you can’t miss before starting working!
Look at their portfolio
You probably already did this by this point, but if you haven’t, you should. It is important that you see in detail all the work, not just a logo or mockups. Find your favorite design and share them with the agency so they can get to know your style and what you are looking for.
Look at their testimonials and case studies
With this you’ll learn how they really work, if the clients are happy or not with the work they receive, and more important if the agency has some issues you should know about.
For example: If a testimonial mentions “they take a lot of time developing the designs”, then you’ll know that if you want to work with them you need to organize your time really well and expect a long waiting time.
A good design agency will also provide in-depth case studies showing the results of their work, not just the final images.
Look at their services and prices
This is maybe the most important thing to start working with an agency, you need to be sure that their prices adjust to your budget, and that they are giving the exact service that you need.
If they are not offering what you’re looking for you can still ask them and get to an agreement.
Communication is key! (from both parts)
When you start working with an agency make sure that you are understanding everything they are offering and viceversa, that they are also understanding all the needs of your brand.
Don’t be scared to ask everything you need, from ways to work to times, to budget, to deliveries, everything!
Good luck if you decide to start your branding journey!
Find out if Sweet Breeze is your best fit
Now that you are ready to choose a design agency in a wise way, we would get so excited if you choose Sweet Breeze. You can learn more about us, see our portfolio and most importantly you can ask us anything.
We hope to hear from you soon!