Hersick + Webster Creative Partners

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and director of Social Studio, a local neighborhood atelier that holds art classes and workshops.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hersick + Webster?

My business is very new, and my background is in teaching; I had no sense of professional marketing. I decided to defer to branding experts to delineate and reflect my vision.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

James (Creative Director, Hersick + Webster) and Laurel (Art Director, Hersick + Webster) engaged me in extensive conversations to help discover my professional identity.

They first met with me to learn about my business and the space I work in. An initial deliverable that I’d wanted was a new logo, but they used the design process to not only arrive at a logo but to help me figure out what direction I wanted to take with my business.

We had weekly meetings to produce different branding elements for my business. They delivered a comprehensive brand strategy to clarify our target audience. They helped me choose on-brand language to reflect my business values. The partners delivered different branding options for me to choose from, and every stage of the process was iterative and fluid.

In the end, they delivered a logo, a website, and a variety of collateral brand elements, like internal and external décor for my workshop. 

What is the team composition?

I just worked with James and Laurel.

How did you come to work with Hersick + Webster?

They were recommended to me by my good friend and advisor. She works in the marketing department of the University of Maryland, so even though I hesitated to seek professional assistance, I trusted her recommendation. I was also attracted to Hersick + Webster because they have a history of working with companies for social good.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent somewhere under $10,000. I expect that the collateral materials, like Mailchimp templates, flyers, and notes will cost me an additional amount.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in August of 2019, and the work is ongoing. My business opened in September, but the roll-out of the branding elements has been gradual.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve done exceptional, thorough, and thoughtful work. Thanks to them, I was able to truly discover who I want to be, as a business. They’re outstanding at what they do—and the goal of community-building, which is an integral component of my business, came naturally to them.

The conversations we had were extremely valuable because they legitimized some of my half-formed ideas. My clients love their work and the interactivity of their designs. I’ve received great feedback from both children and adults. The designs have both a playful appeal as well as sophistication. I would never have arrived at these designs by myself, so I’m very grateful.

How did perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great because they were very transparent about delineating the timeline and explaining how the process works. We held weekly meetings through video call. They were reachable through text and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were phenomenal to work with; they transcended the traditional client relationship to really partner with me. They never tried to sell me anything, they really collaborated with me to push me towards actualizing my professional identity.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Other than wanting them to live closer to me, I don’t have any complaints. They handled a long-distance engagement exceptionally well; they visited me for in-person meetings and made me feel very close to them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust their process, and don’t hold back with your ideas. They’re the ones who can help you execute and visualize your dreams in a way that no one could do on their own.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Bridges Inc. has a long history in federal contracting in the cybersecurity and big data space. We also have a new commercial venture.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hersick+Webster? 

They helped us with a complete rebrand of our company. They worked on everything from the logo and messaging to graphic design and style guide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Hersick+Webster started with research through focus groups specifically designed to capture different perspectives in our company. Participants included both technical and office positions, as well as staff that have been here long- and short-term. They asked questions such as what excites them about the industry. They exposed them to different media to find out what they thought looked more like us. 

The focus group helped us hone in on the right digital identity, voice, and tone. They worked closely with us to develop a recommendation options, which we shared some with a multi-functional team. We got internal feedback and then brought final recommendations to the CEO and a small group of stakeholders to make the final choice. 

What is the team composition?

We usually worked with about three people.

How did you come to work with Hersick+Webster? 

I'd worked with them in a previous role. We put out an RFP. They were one of several to respond, and they were chosen by our leadership team. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Work began in February 2017 and was completed in March 2018. The overall relationship is ongoing because the rebranding project then flowed out into all new opportunities.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work for us won awards, so they delivered an award-winning campaign. It received a resounding favorable response from our internal and external communities. We were named a top workplace by the Baltimore Sun in 2018 right after the rebranding. 

How did Hersick+Webster perform from a project management standpoint?

Hersick+Webster was very responsive and communication was so easy. We typically used email. If anything was urgent, we'd text or call. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

It feels like they're part of our family. Hersick+Webster is our right hand, go-to resource. They’re very involved with us with us on projects so it doesn't feel like we're using an outside contractor. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, not off the top of my head. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Be clear on what's a "must" and then leave open what's not. That's their space to come up with ideas.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive of Wild Light Garden Collective

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We grow and ship hardy perennials, native plants, and herbs to gardeners of all experience levels.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Hersick + Webster Creative Partners to accomplish?

• Brand exploration & identity for new business start-up.
• Messaging & tone for new business start-up.
• Print & digital assets for new business start-up.

SOLUTION

How did you find Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Hersick + Webster Creative Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Hersick + Webster Creative Partners were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Hersick + Webster Creative Design completed a brand identity for my new plant nursery business using a thorough and focused three-phase process. During the project we defined the brand’s strategy, picked a name, and designed a cohesive visual identity applicable for web and marketing applications. They also provided some marketing and social media strategy, along with website design counseling.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Hersick + Webster Creative Design created a brand identity that I could then transfer to my social media pages, and pass off to my website creator to build out my online presence and e-commerce. Once we had the branding, everything else flowed very smoothly!

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Laurel was incredibly responsive and went above and beyond to help me understand how best to apply my branding, including offering strategy and specific examples to guide me. The brand exploration phase was very in depth and took more time than I had initially anticipated, being a new business start up and not knowing what to expect, but we needed that time to get the branding right. What resulted was a brand identity that felt very authentic, which I felt both excited and proud to have out there in the world!

What was your primary form of communication with Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I really loved working with the Hersick + Webster Creative Design team! They are just good people, personally and business wise. They really live in and engage with the communities they serve. They have remained engaged with me and my small business effort even after closing the project, and are cheerleading me on as I grow. You can tell they care and they are invested in making sure you succeed. I am so appreciative of the energy and enthusiasm they bring, and feel they are simply "one of the best" design teams out there!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Hersick + Webster Creative Partners could have done differently?

Truly there was nothing to improve upon - the project and the process were so enjoyable! I had fun, learned so much, and felt supported all the way through. I have a brand identity that feels true to myself and is getting amazing feed back, that aligns with my mission, values, and goals for my new small business.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

This nonprofit organization works with girls in grades 3-8, providing them with valuable life skills.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Hersick + Webster Creative Partners to accomplish?

• update and evaluate our strategic plan

SOLUTION

How did you find Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• Referral

Why did you select Hersick + Webster Creative Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Hersick + Webster Creative Partners were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Guided our board and staff in updating our strategic plan while incorporating IDEA aspects. Provided a wonderful visual brochure of our objectives for the next 4 years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Collecting information from keyholders and condensing it into practical action items. Once action items were confirmed, put actionable items in a brochure that aligned with our branding guidelines.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

All items were delivered on time. They were very responsive to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The ability to communicate with stakeholders and consolidate their input to create a practical and effective strategic plan for our group.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Hersick + Webster Creative Partners could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hersick+Webster?

Rebranding and Website Development and Design

What were your goals for this project?

Create a timeless website and logo design with more mobile capability.

SOLUTION

How did you select Hersick+Webster?

I wanted to work with people I knew.

Describe the project in detail.

We worked closely on branding designs, and then started website development. The website development worked around the conceptual layout with ease of use and call to action being critical components. We finalized text and imagery to match our goal.

What was the team composition?

Me working directly with the two owners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We noticed a significant increase in our New Appointment Request directly correlated to our website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Timely and thorough.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication is impressive. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Publications editor at a large academic medical center and 14-hospital system.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hersick+Webster?

Design of a quarterly physician-facing print publication.

What were your goals for this project?

Appeal to physicians, readability, flexibility for revisions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My predecessor selected this vendor. I am happy to continue, as they are responsive to our needs and do a great job.

Describe the project in detail.

I submit text, photography and any other content, they provide a proof, and based on client input, we can expect to have two more rounds before they provide files for our print-mailing vendor.

What was the team composition?

I am the only one on our team who communicates directly with the vendor. I coordinate all other activities on our end by our photographers, in-house creative director, marketing and communications staff and faculty physicians.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A recent article, after publication, is believed to have resulted in more than 100 referrals of patients to the physician interviewed in the article.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective on their end. They turn around corrections and proofs very quickly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with their good communication, collegiality, and ability to solve any problems—and most importantly, their good design.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of.