Steady Studio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Flow Smart Living. We’re currently restructuring the company; we did home station for many years. We’ll now be supplying furniture for commercial use.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Steady Studio?

As we were restructuring and changing our services, we needed a completely new website and guidance to help us along the way.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Steady Studio built a WordPress-based website from scratch. We initially had a planning session to share what we expected and hoped to see. They provided a mood board at the beginning and showed different aspects they could provide. Then, we started working and scheduled meetings to see the progress and give feedback. 

They built the website entirely based on some suggestions. Since I’m in the design world, I’m very particular about colors. However, I didn’t know about online colors. I did some research and suggested something I found online. Steady Studio loved everything, and we just went on from there. Besides a few options, I only provided content, and they built the rest and provided textures and design elements.

Additionally, Steady Studio referred us to someone for marketing and branding because they don’t do that.

What is the team composition?

We only worked with Ryan (Founder & Creative Director) and Rachael (Director).

How did you come to work with Steady Studio?

I initially contacted another company with little information by email; they sent an expensive quote, which was more than I wanted to pay. I did more research and found a website with reviews for specific work descriptions. I found Steady Studio there, and when I went to their website, they had an easy way to book a free phone appointment. I booked it, and we talked.

In the first 30 minutes, just by that warm conversation, I knew Steady Studio would be a good fit for us. I felt great about our meeting, so we exchanged a few emails, and then they provided me with a quote, which was perfect.

From there, they were professional, friendly, and not pushy at all. Overall, I felt great about them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $6,000 on the website because we wanted something simple.

What is the status of this engagement?

I contacted them before Christmas, but we didn’t start working together until January 2024. I was away for a bit, but the project lasted a few months from start to finish. We were done with the site in May 2024; we’re now just doing spell-checking and other details.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The end product was fantastic. We’re excited to launch our new website; we enjoyed working with Steady Studio. We’ll probably go out for drinks next week.

How did Steady Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was excellent. We set up weekly meetings and had a list of things to do, and Steady Studio delivered. It never took longer than we expected, so they were good at keeping track. In general, it was easy to deal with them.

In the beginning, Steady Studio used a platform where we could directly input notes. They’d receive the notes automatically, which was helpful. We also communicated through Zoom. We first had a face-to-face meeting, but everything else was done through Zoom, so it was easy.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Ryan and Rachael completed each other well, making them a well-rounded company. Since their expertise was different, they felt like a complete team. He was focused on the design, formatting, and the website's appearance, while she was responsible for the wording and content. The two together made a fantastic team, which stood out to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We didn’t have much experience building websites, so we couldn’t compare. However, we expected Steady Studio to deliver what they promised, and they did. Although we had seen other websites be created, ours was completely different. It was unique, so it wasn’t a cookie-cutter type of site.

Moreover, Steady Studio was open to suggestions and ideas. They were receptive when we brought up our desire to see something different. Then, the team took time to brainstorm ideas, and they delivered something better the next time. Overall, they were very responsive and engaged.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly don’t know what could’ve been better. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend doing the initial 30-minute phone call and taking the time to speak with someone. Apparently, Steady Studio gets inquiries, but not many people schedule a phone call so they can discuss.

The process was so simple when I did it. I just had to book the meeting on their calendar, and then they called me. I don’t know why people wouldn’t do that. Other companies just sent me a random number based on my existing website without asking questions. However, I didn’t want that kind of website; I wanted something different.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the franchisor of Me-N-Ed’s Pizza Parlors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Steady Studio?

We hired Steady Studio to redo our website and provide us with graphic design services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve met and discussed our needs, and Steady Studio has redesigned and redeveloped our website. They’ve also designed our graphics, artwork, and menu.

What is the team composition?

I work with Ryan (Founder & Creative Director) and Rachael (Director).

How did you come to work with Steady Studio?

We found them through a referral.

How much have you invested with them?

Our investment has been around $15,000 CAD (approximately $11,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the engagement in May 2023, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Steady Studio has done excellent work. We feel better about the design of our hard-copy menus. 

How did Steady Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve delivered work on time and budget and communicated well with us. They’re reasonable in terms of costs and turn around tasks quickly. To communicate, we use phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings. They always take our calls and are quick to respond. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Working with Ryan has been awesome. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They listen well and are attentive to our needs; we’ve been truly happy with them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to use them. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the owner of an exterior cleaning services company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Steady Studio?

We needed support to create our company's rebranding, including new business cards, design a new logo, and vehicle wraps. Our goal was to have consistent branding and marketing materials, including the website. I wanted a brand that made us look like a big company

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I first had a phone call with Ryan (Founder & Creative Director) to explain what I was looking for. He asked me a few questions and created a proposal that matched my requirements. I then had various meetings with Steady Studio, where they asked me several questions about my company to create our brand story. The team wrote an introduction to our company culture, core values, and mission and vision statements. 

Ryan presented work for us to revise and ensure he delivered precisely what we wanted. Then, Steady Studio came up with our new company's name, and after that, they designed our logo and brand collateral materials. Steady Studio also designed a retractable banner.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two teammates from Steady Studio, including Ryan.

How did you come to work with Steady Studio?

We found Steady Studio through a networking group. Steady Studio was one of the few companies that delivered a proposal encompassing an integral branding project since other service providers only included logo or graphic design.
How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $13,000 CAD (approximately $9,600 USD) on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged with Steady Studio between June–November 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received positive feedback about our new branding from potential clients who found us online or saw our banners. 

How did Steady Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Steady Studio delivered work on time, and I was impressed by the team's project management via Basecamp. Steady Studio was a great communicator via phone calls and Zoom. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was mostly impressed by Steady Studio's communication. The team had fantastic writing skills and turned my unorganized thoughts into a spot-on result. Steady Studio's design skills were amazing as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't really think of anything for Steady Studio to improve.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest taking the brand story seriously because I realized it was a very important process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Community Engagement and Events Coordinator of a Nonprofit Organization

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We exisit to engage, connect, and strengthen individuals and families.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Steady Studio to accomplish?

• Develop Collateral and Marketing Plan
• Develop Collateral and Marketing Plan
• Develop Collateral and Marketing Plan

SOLUTION

How did you find Steady Studio?

Request for Proposal

Why did you select Steady Studio over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Steady Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Steady was hired to design and develop key deliverables for our major fundraising campaigns such as graphic collateral, brand voice, and marketing plan and copy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Social media engagement, 
• community exposure, 
• fundraising goals, 
• ticket sales, 
• food donations.

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

Steady was very receptive to our needs, working quickly with flexibility to pivot with sudden urgent changes. They met our deadline goals and maintained transparent and open communication during the process.

What was your primary form of communication with Steady Studio?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

How passionate and personable Ryan and Rachael were during the process. Their love and support for the community shined and was evident as we collaborated throughout the year. Their honesty and approachable personalities attributed to the ease in what was at times a stressful environment as multiple deadlines were approaching.

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

Something we could have improved upon was collaboration on deadlines and standing meetings. Not that regular meetings weren’t occurring but maybe more meetings during the theme ideation could have helped everyone involved. This improvement is something that should happen on both sides.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the creative director and producer of a performing arts company in Vancouver, Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Steady Studio?

I needed help with my brand and what it looked like. My goal was to refine my branding to reflect the evolution of what I've been doing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?
Steady Studio has helped me rewrite a lot of my branding assets to present them in a better way. They've also helped me with graphic design and organization. For example, their team has come up with the name of my latest show and created visual imagery for it.

Initially, Steady Studio met with me multiple times, during which we had a nice creative process. As part of the rebranding process, they also redesigned my logo, for which they defined new colors as well.

What is the team composition?
I work with Ryan (Founder & Creative Director) and Rachel (Director).

How did you come to work with Steady Studio?
I've known Ryan and Rachel for a long time. In fact, Ryan created my very first branding over 20 years ago. For this project, I needed them to reimagine what my branding was like nowadays. Although I had lost track of Ryan, I found him again online, and I was very happy to find and reconnect with him. Rachel's addition to the team was excellent, as she's a great collaborator.

How much have you invested with them?
I've spent over $20,000 CAD (approximately $15,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around May 2023, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Steady Studio has done wonderful creative work. Thanks to my new branding, I've received a lot of engagement online, including very positive comments on how wonderful my new website is and how great it looks.

Steady Studio has knowledge of PPC, SMM, and SEO, so one of the great things about working with them is that they've made my brand cohesive across all those marketing channels, which was a wonderful thing to do. Thanks to them, my branding makes sense across my website, my social media pages, and the messaging I promote.

As for the quality of Steady Studio's work, what they do has artistic excellence. I've even taken inspiration from them to set the tone of my latest show, parting from the artistic base they've established.

How did the company perform from a project management standpoint?
Steady Studio has been very responsive to questions and comments. During the creative process, we had great back-and-forth discussions. Their team uses Basecamp, which has been an excellent tool to keep us all focused and to keep track of the project. Overall, I really like their working process. They always hit the deadlines.

As for communication, we have a Zoom call once per week. Given that they keep track of the project on Basecamp, we've established a great connection every week. We always go over things, commenting and brainstorming new ideas, and they always take note of those.

What did you find most impressive about them?
Steady Studio really cares about their projects and wants them to go well for their clients, so they'll do anything to make it happen. Overall, they're top-notch people.

Are there any areas they could improve?
Steady Studio should recognize the value of their work. Their work is amazing, and sometimes they don't know its value.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?
Hire them! Ryan and Rachel have a large capacity to understand and help businesses. They really know what they're doing and what they're talking about, so they can help you with things you might not know.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Sandbox Marketing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Strategic Branding & Marketing Agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Steady Studio to accomplish?

• Visual brand identity packages or my clients
• Logo devevelopment for my clients
• Deisgn promotional and colloaterial materials for my clients

SOLUTION

How did you find Steady Studio?

• Referral
• Business Relationship

Why did you select Steady Studio over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Experience

How many teammates from Steady Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Steady Studio is my marketing agency's "Creative Director" for the visual branding of my various client's brands. I hire them for: 

• visual brand strategy 
• brand identity packages 
• logo development 
• collateral +promotional material design 
• website design 
• infographics Any things related to communicating digital and print visual identity.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ongoing outcomes for several clients of my marketing agency: 

• complete integrated visual branding programs that increased my client's brand recognition and built loyal brand advocates 
• website designs that create a visceral reaction and entice users to explore 
• infographics to communicate complex ideas 
• digital and print promotional materials that align with rebranding to attract and entice the target audience to take action

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

Steady Studio team are true professionals. They collaborate well and come to the table ready to listen, respond and offer strategic, practical and tactical advice. They manage their time well and deliver as promised with excellent time and budget management. They excel at open, two-way communication. I always know where we are in project development, scope and deliverables.

What was your primary form of communication with Steady Studio?

Virtual Meeting

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

They have incredible depth and breadth of graphic design skills. They have a unique balance of strategic solutions and artistry. They understand the role graphic design plays in corporate communications and offer thoughtful solutions to improve or create designs to deliver outstanding results.

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

I love them; they make me look great in front of my clients!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of Austin Heights Business Improvement Association

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Austin Heights Business Improvement Association's mission is to support and promote businesses in Austin Heights, aesthetically improve the business district, keep it safe and clean and connect businesses with each other and the community at large.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Steady Studio to accomplish?

• To create a unique label design
• Elevate our brand recognition
• Stand out from other similar products

SOLUTION

How did you find Steady Studio?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Steady Studio over others?

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

How many teammates from Steady Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We asked Steady Studio to create a unique design for the label of a custom brew. Our primary objective was to have a design that was reflective of our commercial area and stood out from other similar products.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The design project needed to be in keeping with our organization's branding; utilize our brand colours, logo and fonts. Additionally, the design needed to include a rendering of a new symbolic landmark in our area, and celebrate it's installation.

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

Ryan and his partner, Rachel, at Steady Studio excelled with their communication throughout the project. From the beginning they asked clear and concise questions to ensure that they understood exactly what our vision for the design was. They provided timely drafts of the design, and were quick to revise and edit it according to our feedback, while working diligently to ensure we were thrilled with the final design. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances the timeline for the project was compressed, but the Steady team delivered a beautiful polished product on time that not only met, but exceeded expectations!

What was your primary form of communication with Steady Studio?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

While there is much that is impressive about the Steady Studio team, I would have to say that their dedication to making sure they deliver a product that exceeds their client's expectations would have to be number one. Their custom service is beyond fantastic!

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

I have thought critically about this question and come back to the same answer, which is no, there is not anything I would suggest they improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project Coordinator

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Architectural services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Steady Studio to accomplish?

• Update and improve the company website
• Create an appealing display of our work to draw in potential customers and employees

SOLUTION

How did you find Steady Studio?

Referral

Why did you select Steady Studio over others?

Pricing fit our budget, Good value for cost, Referred to me, Company values aligned

What was the size of Steady Studio’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

We wanted our website to be updated, modernized, and turned into an immersive experience for the visitor, showcasing our work. We are a full-service design house and want to show this. The website reflects us and is an extension of the work we do with our clients. Key deliverables were the re-design of the website, modernization, and turning it into a portfolio piece.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• The look and use of the website, how quickly Steady Studio responded to our modification requests. They understood the assignment and brought us a great new look.

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

They were amazing at letting us know what is possible, always looked for ways to make our requests happen, and made sure we were always aware of any changes and updates. Great communication.

What was your primary form of communication with Steady Studio?

Virtual Meeting, Email or Messaging App

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

We appreciated their effective communication and friendliness.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Kinder Books

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Kinder Books is an independent children's bookstore.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Steady Studio to accomplish?

• Formulate our mission and vision
• Update our logo
• Rebrand our company (see above and more)

SOLUTION

How did you find Steady Studio?

Referral

Why did you select Steady Studio over others?

High ratings, Close to my geographic location, Great culture fit, Good value for cost, Referred to me, Company values aligned

What was the size of Steady Studio’s team?

2-5 Employees

What was your primary form of communication with Steady Studio?

Virtual Meeting

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

Steady Studio assisted us in updating our brand story and visual identity including logo design, branding, marketing messages, vision and mission. We appreciate the high quality and professionalism of Ryan's and Rachael's work. Work was delivered in a timely manner. We loved that we were fully included in this process with our ideas and business experience. The work they created was very unique and fully suited our needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• refreshed logo and website to suit our new store
• our brand is now widely recognized
• traffic on our website has increased

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

What I liked most about working together with Steady Studio that they were active listeners and that they delivered on time, the process was easy and smooth. We appreciated working with such experienced professionals and at the same time we enjoyed the personal connection they added to their work.

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

The communication, clarity and translation of our ideas into the end design, which is very unique.

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

I can't really think of anything. Everything in the process and result fulfilled our expectations. Even above our expectations!