Dark Roast Media

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-owner of Phunkee Tree—a tech accessory company. We sell mostly wholesale to boutique stores, but we’re also in some larger locations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dark Roast Media?

We wanted to create a catalog showcasing our new line of products.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dark Roast Media created a catalog that includes all of our new products, publishing a digital as well as principal version. They gave us multiple layouts to choose from and provided recommendations on where to place items to structure the content. Initially unusable, Dark Roast Media refinished numerous images we’d provided. Their team used Photoshop to design images, which included lifestyle pictures featuring products.

What is the team composition?

We were in contact with about 4–5 Dark Roast Media teammates. When we initiated the collaboration, Joe (President, Dark Roast Media) was our main point of contact. We also worked closely with Chris (Art Director, Dark Roast Media) and Trevor (Senior Designer, Dark Roast Media).

How did you come to work with Dark Roast Media?

We made a post on our WeWork network, which they responded to. We spoke to a few independent firms, but we liked Dark Roast Media’s portfolio and that numerous teammates would be dedicated to the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,500 on the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Dark Roast Media between May–July 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re happy with the catalog. When we’ve shown the catalog, everyone—from friends to buyers— instantly compliments it. Clients have stated that the product looks professional and nice. The images flow pleasantly and portray our tech accessories in the way we’d imagined.

How did Dark Roast Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was split between phone and e-mail. Their team was upfront and honest when communicating. Dark Roast Media finished everything in a timely manner, delivering results quickly. We held feedback rounds, which made it easy to discuss changes and edits. Their team also worked to maintain our budget, helping us discern which features would be valuable. They had excellent project management skills.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Even though it was new for them, Dark Roast Media was eager to take the catalog on. If we weren’t able to get a hold of one teammate, there was always another one ready to jump in.  They were excited to work on the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Overall, we’re very satisfied. The project took longer than expected, but that was really our fault.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Prioritize and focus on the most important tasks. Decide when you want to accomplish goals because time moves quickly. Have more than one designer to support a project like this as they will produce better results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a manager of partnerships and e-commerce at a seafood supply company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dark Roast Media?

We were moving from selling exclusively to wholesale customers to launching direct-to-consumer e-commerce business. We needed a company to help us redesign our website, build an online store, and rebrand our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with rebranding, so they provided recommendations on changing our logo and came up with a brand aesthetic, color scheme, and marketing materials. Then, they designed our website and worked with a developer from Ukraine to develop an online store for us. They acted as a project manager in that process. It was a very collaborative project, and we spoke several times a week. They continue to do graphic design work for us.

What is the team composition?

I usually work with our project manager.

How did you come to work with them?

I was considering a few design firms in New York City. Dark Roast Media didn't have much experience with e-commerce sites, but they had affordable rates. In addition, we liked the vibe of their team and felt they were a culture fit for us.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2016, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're happy with the visual aesthetic they created for us. We now have a beautiful and compelling website and packaging. We've received very favorable feedback, which is important in the e-commerce business because boxes are traveling through transit and can influence the brand awareness strategy.

In addition, the website they created is very user-friendly. It was a new experience for us because it was our first customer interfacing website, but we're very happy with the results.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

Our project manager is very responsive and easy to work with. We usually speak via email and Google Chat, and we also use Asana for project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're willing to take feedback and creative direction even though they're a creative firm themselves.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We felt we had to drive a lot of the process when it came to creating a new brand and aesthetic. That was the first e-commerce website for Dark Roast Media, and it took them a little while to understand our business goals and modernize their design strategy.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have clear goals and a specific project outline. Also, let them know what design projects your company liked and what things you've already tried.