Album Agency

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Director for Cerveceros del Mar, LLC. CDM is an international beer company that has breweries operating in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and an export business in USA and China.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Album Agency?

We have hired Album for multiple projects over the last ~4 years including Re-branding, logo, brand identity and style guide, beer can design, name creation,

What were your goals for this project?

The goal for NCBC was to prepare the company for the launch of our export business through the redefinition of our brand and design of our first export product. The goal for Papagayo was to create the look and personality of our brand and the design of our flagship products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were originally connected through mutual acquaintances

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Our first project with Album was to create a re-brand, style guide, logo brand identity for Nicaragua Craft Beer Co and the can design of our first export product, "Panga Drops" Keller Pilsner. We then hired Album for our new brewery in Costa Rica - Papagayo Brewing Co. They created the brand "from soup to nuts" - naming the company, creating a brand identity and brand guidelines, logo set, and designing our 4 flagship beer labels.

What was the team composition?

Communication was streamlined and professional. We worked directly with Amy and Nathan.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Response to all of our branding materials has been outstanding and we feel that going through Album's process from start to finish has been an extremely beneficial to our company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was extremely effective - their process is organized and transparent. We used video conferences frequently in the early stages for brand exploration and interview.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive part of this company is their professionalism and honest, timely communication. The results from their design work are fantastic and their brand exploration process lead us to growth as a company.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Excellent all around.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Farmhouse Corner Market is part restaurant part corner market. I'm the Communications, Social Media and External Relations Coordinator.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Album Agency?

We hired Album Agency to handle our complete brand identity and web build.

What were your goals for this project?

Create a visually appealing, modern, and timeless brand that would grow with us and be adaptable for a variety of uses.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

One of our co-owners worked with Album in the past and was so happy with how their project turned out we knew they were our only choice.

Describe the project in detail.

Brand strategy and advice Logo Identity (colors, fonts, etc.) Custom icon set Initial menu concepts Collateral (business cards, handouts, table tents) Social profile setup Phase 1 website Full fledged website Some signage, packaging & apparel

What was the team composition?

I believe about 3 people worked directly with us from their team. A project manager would check in periodically and we worked directly with a designer on their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They provided such a strong brand identity that we've been able to use the font's and colors they gave us easily. As our company grows we've used the brand guidelines to ensure every piece of material we put it is consistent with our identity.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great, they have a platform that allows you to track your progress with deliverables so you know what's left to do and they work with you to prioritize what needs to get done first.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

If a team member working on our project was not available someone else from the company would field our questions. The team's response time was never more than a few hours.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we are completely satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of marketing and PR for a catering and events company based in Southern California.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Album Agency?

We needed a partner to support our internal marketing team in their outreach efforts. We didn’t want to add to our in-house team, but wanted to expand our operational capabilities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Album’s role is multifaceted. The team provides brand consulting, design and production support, email marketing, and website maintenance on an on-going basis. One of their most recent projects with us included designing handwritten drawings to cover a 40-foot wall in one of our new buildings. We showed them a few examples and they drafted a few variations, out of which we chose one and they handled the printing process. Additionally, they manage the brand curation process for the new venues that we regularly launch. They bring together ideas, designs, and other elements to create a cohesive personality that falls under the umbrella of our general brand.

What is the team composition?

I work mainly with Album’s director of brand development.

How did you come to work with Album Agency?

My company chose to partner with Album about a year before I started with the company. I was told we chose them over other agencies because of their communication skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent an estimated $500,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership began in 2013 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

With Album’s help, our company has increased our level of visibility from local to national. We are known within our industry for our marketing efforts.

How did Album Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

Our communication flow is very smooth and open. Album is able to understand our ideas and transform them within a reasonable time frame. They are proactive in asking for clarification to make sure that their deliverables meet our standards and align with our brand. I credit a huge part of this to our main point of contact. Album’s director of brand development has great collaboration skills and a thorough understanding of our company’s values that only grow stronger as our partnership continues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Album’s designing services are exceptional, not cookie-cutter by any means. The team tries to capture our company’s personality and listens to our vision, they don’t use their own ideas. I also appreciate their culture, they are hard workers, but remain approachable. The Album team doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but still take their work seriously.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, anytime we feel that something is missing in their service we feel comfortable communicating that to them.