SOLOMENKO DESIGN

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Greyscale Clothing, a clothing company selling high quality merino t-shirts to people with a love for minimalism and nature.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Solomenko Design?

Darya from Solomenko Design helpes us to bring our brand vision to life. This included professional creation of logo, font, style guide, packaging and labelling of our products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I knew Darya from previous work and was very happy when she was available for this project.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After an initial briefing and checking with us what our needs are, Darya worked on a detailled proposal for branding guidelines and included us in the creation process so we were able to give feedback. Once the direction was clear, she provided us with many different variations of the logo designs that we were able to refine quickly. Darya reacted fast on our inputs but also came up with many ideas that improved the result in the end. After the corporate design was done, we got to work on package design and accompanying materials (textile labels, hang tags). Darya stayed close to our wishes while also coming up with improvements to make the results even more professional.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked together with Darya through all stages of the project. She handled all the phases very professionally.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The brand guide, the design material & the different formats were all provided without us having to request it. Darya suprised us with more variations (e.g. for social media) than we asked for. All the work done is top quality.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Darya listened carefully and understood what we're looking for. At the same time she questioned some ideas/choices and brought up ideas from her professional perspective without being intrusive. We really appreciated this approach.

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

The proactive communication and clear expectation setting was excellent. Darya over-delivered on her promises by finishing work packages earlier than we expected. delivered more results than we initially agreed upon.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No, we are really happy with the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a small e-commerce business that produces activewear from eco-friendly materials like recycled ocean plastic and recycled coffee beans. We focus on activewear for sensitive skin, only selecting fabrics that don’t cause a rash or irritation when people exercise.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Solomenko Design?

I needed help building my brand identity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Solomenko Design helped me build my brand identity from scratch. We had an initial call where I gave Darya (Principal) a brief that explained the idea behind my brand. The task was creating a look for a luxury brand because our pricing is expensive due to production costs. 

From there, she came back with three proposed solutions, and we started to collaborate based on the option I chose. We would meet once a week, and Darya would make presentations with 5–10 different versions of each brand identity element, including logo, color schemes, and fonts. I would choose one, we’d agree on it, and she would finish that element. 

We agreed on a color scheme, which was strictly followed on my website, print, and logo. Darya designed the logo, giving me options for shapes and fonts. She also helped me define the fonts used for my website copy and social media. 

Additionally, Darya designed our social media looks, such as Instagram. These looks are more flexible, but they still follow a line. Since my company’s slogan is related to nature, Darya recommended using an ocean theme and white as the main color. 

As for the website’s aesthetics, she designed them to strictly follow the brand book rules she’d created, giving the site an identity that matched the exact look and feel we’d predefined. She also created designs for our clothes’ printed labels and a thank you card. 

She provided me with Google Slide sample slides so that when I pitch to investors, my presentations align with my brand’s theme. Basically, Darya provided visual results and brand consultation. She delivered a complete brand book I then gave to the agency managing my Instagram and the developer who built our website. The logo design is also included in my packaging. Her last delivery was a complete wholesale catalog. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with Darya.

How did you come to work with Solomenko Design?

I reached out to Darya based on personal knowledge from past work experiences. We’d been employed at the same company six years ago, so I knew how professional she was. 

Eventually, she'd decided to dive into a new industry and became a designer. My ex-colleagues were using her services, I saw her branding work, and I was impressed with what she’d done. I contacted her to see if she’d be interested in working with me to help create my brand identity.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent €2,500 (approximately $2,800 USD) on the brand identity and €150 (approximately $170 USD) on the wholesale catalog.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July 2021–January 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve received many compliments on the aesthetics of my website, which is due to the guidelines Solomenko Design created — everyone who’s seen the site has told me it looks very professional. 

The packaging, thank you notes, and tags Darya designed have also received compliments. Thanks to Solomenko Design, I also have a unique logo that was approved for trademark.

If I ever need anything related to my brand identity in the future, I will continue to work with Solomenko Design because they know my brand.

How did Solomenko Design perform from a project management standpoint?

They were excellent at project management. Darya always communicated with me and delivered on time for every deadline we agreed on.

We used WhatsApp and email to communicate. She provided exact information that was very concise and timely; I always understood exactly what was going on. 

She was always in touch and gave me a heads up on the timeline, so I knew when to expect items to be ready. She was also approachable; I could text her from a different time zone, and she was always available.

We used shared Google Slides to track the work. She would add items to the presentation, and as soon as a new slide dropped, I could see the progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One thing that stood out about Solomenko Design was that Darya listened to me openly and provided opinions based on my brand instead of personal opinions. All her advice was to make sure that my brand had the best outcome — it wasn’t about her or me, but the product we were creating. 

I appreciate that she put her professionalism first, instead of personality or ego. Darya was able to apply my vision and create something based on it. I liked Solomenko Design’s interpretation of my brand.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any improvement suggestions; I’m really happy and satisfied with what Solomenko Designs delivered.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

For every brand, the clearer the instructions you give, the easier it is for designers to create something for you. That said, it’s very difficult to know what you want from the beginning. 

When I came to Solomenko Design, I had a messy vision, and it took me some time to figure out what I wanted. I made drastic changes at the beginning of the process, including the whole color scheme. Darya was super open and reworked everything she’d done before. 

If you know exactly what you want from the beginning, that’s the easiest way. If you don’t, I recommend you spend some time doing homework before you go to the designer, so it’s easier for you and them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder/coach at MyCareerDev.com. Our online platform is built to provide educational content and coaching services to support womens' careers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Solomenko Design, and what were your goals?

Our platform was launched in 2021 and it needed the captivating and authentical visual brand identity. I hired Darya Solomenko to develop the logo, identity (font, colour palette, optionally pattern) and templates for newsletter, slides, workshop materials, as well as website formatting.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I considered 2-3 options/offers online. Darya Solomenko also was recommended by a couple of peers who were happy with her process and results. Key factors were

1. clear and professional communication;
2. transparent process,
3. customer focused solutions combined with consulting/expert advice;
4. timely delivery;
5. quick edits/adjustments along the way;

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

To start the process, Darya and I had a briefing call for 45 mins where we discussed the brand, audience/anti-audience, application areas, workflow. After the call, Darya prepared and presented back a presentation with initial visual research, competition, analysis, and 5 broad themes for MyCareerDev.com.

Following our feedback session, Darya further developed the preferred idea and presented back several use cases. We had 3 sync sessions where we clarified some of the details. Darya has always welcomed and encouraged open and transparent communication and she has always responded to any queries within 48 hours. The final project included all brand assets delivered via Google drive.

The list of deliverables is

Two versions of logo, formal and playful;

1. Development of tagline;
2. color palette;
3. typography,
4. use cases,
5. brand guide;
6. on-site consultation on website design
7. social media banners/icons,
8. workbook/presentation template;
9. list of competitors to support further brainstorming/idea development;

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with Darya Solomenko.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Online education space is a highly competitive industry with very low barriers to enter. Brand identity is key in a new product launch where I looked to attract target audiences. Since the launch, I have successfully recruited and ran small group sessions, webinars, and also acquired individual clients for further 1on1 work. I received nothing but compliments on our material and visual presence.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Darya has established clear expectations around the communication and process from get go. We had in-depth kick -off conversation, weekly syncs to discuss milestones, and also ad-hoc sync based on my queries. We also communicated over email/chat for frequent updates/quick questions.

Darya listened to feedback and implemented it along the way. The final delivery was exactly as expected and on time. I felt regarded and understood at every step of the way.

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

My biggest concerns working with creative professionals were around unpredictability, timelines, and lack of alignment on aesthetics. This project has also been the first project where I hired and worked with the designer. Darya went above and beyond in collaborating. They were based on a shared vision, regular communication, and transparent process which delivered fantastic outcomes for me and my future business ideas.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Darya has been not only a designer, but also a trusted advisor/expert who combined her previous business experience with her creative expertise in her approach. I hope she continues to offer her proactive ideas to her future clients who can majorly benefit from this unique combination.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am career coach and a cultural adaptation advisor for Russian speaking immigrants in the US.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Solomenko Design?

I hired Darya Solomenko to design a cover for my first book.

SOLUTION

How did you select Solomenko Design and what were the deciding factors?

I always rely on reviews and personal recommendations Darya came highly recommended from a professional contact I trust. Her portfolio, proposal and most importantly an incredibly organized and customer centric work process made my decision to work with her very easy.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Darya has a comprehensive project workplan with a detailed intake meeting and a very transparent process. After initial ideation Darya developed 4-5 prototypes and when I picked one direction, she designed two versions of the cover for my book: hardcover and paperback.

After the design was done I asked for a major revision, and Darya completed that one too. She was incredibly responsive and accommodating.

How many resources from the Solomenko Design team worked with you, and what were their positions?

One, Darya, the owner and designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Both covers turned out beautifully! I am very proud of my first book, and Darya played an important role in its launch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow process was incredibly important. The team has had a successful career in customer facing roles at FAANG, and you can tell they are pro by structured approach and laser focus on the customer. All the communication was crystal clear, and the timelines and deadlines were met.

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

The combination of creativity and a structured process stood out in the partnership. I generally find it difficult to work with creatives as they tend to miss deadlines and go off-track from my limited experience, and Darya stands out as a unique power of both creativity and focus on timely results and customer outcomes.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I think I did not pay enough for the excellent design service Darya provided!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of Fat Walrus Brewery, a craft beer brewing company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Solomenko Design?

Our company was very new, and because it’s crucial to stand out in the crowded craft beer space, we needed eye-catching beer can designs. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Solomenko Design designed my beer can labels from scratch. I provided them with a brief highlighting my desire for a walrus graphic. The design had to relay the type of beer in the can while still complying with industry packaging regulations. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with Daria (Graphic Designer and Illustrator) from Solomenko Design. 

How did you come to work with Solomenko Design?

I was Daria’s colleague before she started Solomenko Design. I’d been following her work for a few years, and after looking at her portfolio, I hired her — she puts her heart into each design. 

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested around €400 (approximately $460 USD) with Solomenko Design, but I expect the prices for the next project to go up. 

What is the status of this engagement?

My partnership with Solomenko Design began in March 2021, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Solomenko Design has created two great packaging designs for my brewery, so I will be reaching out to her in a few months when I launch my new beer. I appreciate that Daria always provides at least three proposals for me to discuss — I haven’t had any issues with her labels, creatively or technically. 

How did Solomenko Design perform from a project management standpoint?

Solomenko Design’s project management is excellent. Daria uses her experience from her corporate career to run projects and communicate efficiently. Around 50%–60% of communications are through email and Google Drive, but we also had several phone and video calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like ​​Solomenko Design’s designs and visuals. I also appreciate how efficient Daria is — I’ve worked with other creative firms before and their project management wasn’t great, so sometimes I wouldn’t get responses to emails. Daria is a fantastic combination of creativity and efficiency. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for Solomenko Design to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d advise customers to be very clear about their requirements for a design — providing Daria with specifics will make the entire process much more manageable. Also, I’d suggest that customers be proficient in Google Drive and various digital tools. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder of LaPatronniere a DIY subscription box to learn sewing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SOLOMENKO DESIGN, and what were your goals?

Brand identity creation - Darya really helped me shaped the visual identity of the brand:

• logo creation
• color palette
• box packaging creation

She translated visually the vision of the brand I had in mind. I'm extremely happy with the high quality result of her work.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Before starting, Darya really wanted to understand the project, the targeted audience, the values and the business. Compare to other vendor I talk with, this truly truly made the difference. I've also really appreciated that Darya did a lot of benchmark work on other competitor, similiar brands as well as inspiration.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

• Introduction meeting
• Scope of work and sizing the need 
• Work the achieve the milestones defined including:
  • Benchmark and inspiration
  • proposal with round of feedback
  • finals deliverables
  • Very clear agenda for each session

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

One

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before I had no brand identity, no logo, no website, no physical box packaging. With the work of Darya, my brand came to life! She prepared a folder with all the elements we agreed one and now I'm able to manage my brand and the different communication elements from what she did. The packaging also went for printing and is now selling itself everyday!

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Extremely organised! For every meeting we had an agenda, some prep, work and then we identity next steps. Deadline were perfectly managed and even anticipated before events (holidays etc.). Darya is very professional and take care of your business deadlines.

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

Business understanding - not only design aspects, but they really tried to understand the project entirely to ensure they could extract the truth from your brand. I've really loved the benchmark and inspiration work Darya did, it's a lot of work extremely valuable for a founder in the creation of the brand.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing coming to my mind :)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CO-CEO of the Medtech Company Lumetry, we develop breath gas analysers to support people with lung diseases.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Solomenko Design?

We are a newly founded company and needed support create our own differentiating logo as well our very own corporate design.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We looked for a designer that is creative, has experience in the B2C sector and an open ear to feedback.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After a kick of meeting we scheduled quick and efficient, yet creative follow up loops until we found the perfect results.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

All C-level was involved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The progress was a great success, we found the format, colors and shapes that we were aiming for.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They were very proactive and always provided updates in less than 48 hours.

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

Her guidance, her capability to deal with our feedback and the way she understood what we are looking for (even though at the beginning of the project, we were not sure ourselves).

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None