April Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I`m Marketing Director in real estate holding company covering several different Asset Classes and divisions covering real estate management services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire April Studio, and what were your goals?

Our aim was to create house of brands for holding company and all belonging companies. We also made logo and a website for Flexible Office operator, also part of a holding company

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have found several companies on the market and after initial briefing and understanding that April studio showed in analysing our brief, we chose them,

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

April spoke to our Strategy development director and with me, they initially showed their understanding of our brief. then, we got 4-5 different art directions and when we all understood in depth how our brands should look, we made final selection of art direction. based on this, they offered several options for each brand until we got final materials.

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

Mostly with Miloš and Vlada, creative directors and owners

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have re-launched website for one of companies, today recognized as one on leading real-estate investors in Serbia. Our flexible office operator is largest in Serbia

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

Detailed threads covering topic we are discussing, also we have had weekly meetings to keep track on progress, to discuss and brainstorm ideas

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

Their level of devotion and ability to understand our requests was impressive. They can definitely go an extra mile for the client

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

to add one more communication channel not to use email that much (pre-covid time so we weren`t aware of lets say teams) and shared platform for exchanging files

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of the company. We are in architectural products search industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire April Studio?

We are working with April studio on a visual identity and a website design.

SOLUTION

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

As we are operating in Architecture industry we wanted to work with someone whose previous works had a connection with architecture. Beside this, it was important to detect if there is mutual understanding about main ideas and if we can find a partner who could help us in a creative field. April studio contributes in creating creative solutions and that is exactly what we wanted from the vendor.

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

At the beginning we needed visual identity, logo and the website design, so these were main topics where we started. In the first couple of sessions we were setting up mutual understanding of the processes and what we want to achieve. After this they started with the design and over the course of work we are having regular milestone meetings. On these meetings we discussed provided solutions, requested revisions etc.

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

We are working with three people: Project Manager, Creative Director, Designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They provide all design solutions in such a details that our developers never needed any help to implement what April defines. We already have a highly positive feedback from our clients about how well our website has been designed. If we take into account that we are operating in Architecture industry which is very much visually oriented then this feedback has additional weight.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Everything goes so smoothly. Communication and mutual understanding is so good and for us this is one of the most important point beside creativity.

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

April studio always supports their design decisions with a lot of background research, and that is impressive. It shows us that they are doing this job seriously, they research the industry we work in, they know what are the trends, traditions etc.

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

So far our cooperation is just perfect. I am saying this after 20 years experience in hiring many designers or design agencies, so I just hope things will remain the same in all our future mutual projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of marketing for Krajinaklas, a producer of bakery and confectionery products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with April Studio?

We needed to develop a website for the software that we built in our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Aside from software development, they helped us with the naming of the product, as well as the branding strategy for our new software. They used some templates for the website, but also did some specific programming that we wanted to do. They also provided a detailed document that included several questions for us, which helped them better understand our needs and our focus for the project. 

We initially filled out five different companies and made a few proposals from them — after a series of conversations, we decided on our look.

Furthermore, the website was mostly informational and describes what we do and our additional offers. We wanted a simple website and changed up the type of language, specifically with how we talk to customers. I’m not 100% sure, but I believe they developed the website through WordPress with some additional plugins. 

Apart from that, they did a competitor analysis and turned in three different proposals for the design and the brand. Currently, they’re providing us with web maintenance.

What is the team composition?

I worked with two people. One was a designer and the other was a strategy officer.

How did you come to work with April Studio?

We were looking for smaller agencies on the internet and found 3–4 companies. We chose April Studio based on their previous work, which showed how they could adapt to different kinds of projects. They were also a smaller agency so I knew that they could easily listen to their client’s needs — which is something big agencies don’t have the flexibility to do.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around €15,000 (approximately $17,300 USD) on this project, and they also did a few smaller ones for our bakery shops.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2019–March 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I would like to emphasize that they were very flexible, willing to listen to their customers, and weren’t afraid to offer something non-standard.

How did April Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been very good in this regard. They completed everything on the dates that they promised, so they get an A for project implementation. We mostly communicated over email, but we also had video calls to discuss aspects of the project that we couldn’t through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their flexibility stood out as well as how they were willing to explore other possibilities for their clients. I don’t have much experience with a lot of marketing organizations so there’s not much more I could add.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I was generally very satisfied with their approach to the project and with any issues we had. Their work was very structured for the competitive analysis, the design and branding work, and the development of the website.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I managed digital marketing and I needed assistance for handling the massive workload

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire April Studio?

For development of HTML, responsive newsletters, social media marketing, banner for digital marketing and website graphics

SOLUTION

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

We posted a description of the tasks to handled online and April Studio was selected because they provided the most convincing reply with both qualitative examples and a great understanding of our company and our current situation

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

Daily communication and prioritization of urgent tasks we needed assistance with.

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

Depending on how much of a burning platform we represented, we needed from 2-6 people from April Studio and we really benefitted from them being that scalable

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We managed to solve our issues within a very short time frame and that was exactly what we needed. Within time, we learned that April Studio grew in understanding BON'A PARTE and we needed less and less time for discussing daily ongoing tasks

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was perfect. We got what we needed to start with, and we actually felt that we got even more, as the collaboration grew over time

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

I really felt that April Studio put in effort and heart in providing what we needed, and though the collab lasted 3 years, we only went from strength to strength

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

No, the only reason for the collab ending was decided outside of our decision range

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business development manager for Luxor Solar GmbH. We have produced premium solar modules since 2007.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with April Studio?

They support us in the area of social networking.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have a deal with April Studio to deliver corporate communication through social media, such as LinkedIn. It’s a two-way system — on one hand, they give us their advice, input, and design. We also provide them with the input, and they translate what we want into the design, which we really appreciate about their work.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been working with three people, including one of the partners and a designer. We’re in direct communication with them.

How did you come to work with April Studio?

To be honest, it was over a bottle of wine. I found the design interesting and was referred to April Studio. It turned out that one of the agency’s partners was a professor at the Belgrade School of Design. We saw the references that they had, and we really liked their work. They had the best mixture of nice-looking but straightforward designs, which is what we needed.

How much have you invested in them?

We started somewhere between €6,000–€7,000 (approximately $7,000–$8,000 USD) per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in June 2021, and it’s still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

April Studio understands how to translate the management’s language into a design language, which is needed in this world of economics. In the first four weeks, we had a 170% increase in followers. It’s an amazing result for such a short amount of time. Also, our followers like the design. We’ve had a lot of likes and people sharing things, which has been really nice.

How did April Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re fast, which is important from our side. The meetings are nicely organized, and working with them is easy. When we give them a timeline, everything goes smoothly.

For every project, we have to discuss things with management and the people inside, which takes a lot of time. They understand timelines and have the experience to know what’s necessary to proceed with a project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a great studio that creates a lot of design, but they also understand the information between the economic and the designer’s demands. Usually, creative directors fall in love with something and then get lost in their own story. They don’t have to balance the economic part, whereas April Studio does this best.

Are there any areas they could improve?

From a management point of view, everything can always be cheaper. However, April Studio is one of the best due to their balance and vast background and experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them clear timelines and budgets.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am COO and one of the company's founders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire April Studio?

We hired April Studio to do a complete branding of our umbrella brand NOM! Brands. If you ever ordered food from your favorite restaurant just to discover that it tastes completely different when consumed at home - we have something in common. That's why we launched NOM Brands in early 2020, with the mission of preparing great food to be enjoyed at home, with delivery in mind from the very start.

SOLUTION

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

We talked with several agencies locally, found them through our network and online. April was the right match, especially given that we've realized projects with them successfully in the past, through our other company.

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

After the initial briefing, April started wireframing our brand, working on mood boards and brand directions. Shortly after we decided the right direction to go, April started delivering logo proposals, color schemes, fonts to go with our brand and other elements to be used in our communication. Once this was completed, April Studio delivered design for our website. Co-operation was to our liking, creative yet very professional and on spot with no delays and breaking deadlines.

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

In total, we mostly communicated with a single person (Milos) who then interacted with his team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything we received was very detailed and great looking. At that point we introduced NOM Brands as our umbrella brand for our individual restaurant brands. Since then we have started working with new partners, and expended our business to new areas.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was very effective - clear, concise, with frequent check ins and updates on April's end. Five stars out of five!

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

Their attention to detail to each project and ability to deeply understand a brand or idea was astonishing.

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

Everything was well handled.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of pharmacy.garden. I’m based in Sweden, and needed a quality design thats was affordable. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire April Studio, and what were your goals?

The mission included, company profile, logo, packaging, printing and web design. I am focused on herbal products aimed for people with e.g IBS or other common illnesses.

SOLUTION

How did you select April Studio and what were the deciding factors?

April Studios had good and thorough meetings to understand our vision and desire before even making a quote. They wanted to understand if they could deliver the project. It was assuring that they invested so much time even before taking the project on. Another factor that made us choose them was their reference work.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Company profile. Three or four moodboards where made to understand the direction of the company. After the final moodboard they went back to the drawing board and came up with three concepts realted to the moodboard. We used one of the concepts with aom minor tweeks. After that they made our current logo.

Then the process of making the package took on. It was also a structured process, and resulted in a highly appreciated package for our first product. Last they took on the website's look and feel. Our shop is based on Shopify. To keep costs low, we used a existing theme. The text delivered from their copywriter was in English.

We translated it to Swedish according to agreement. Boards where made for each page before the implementation started. All was delivered fully functional and ready to use.

How many people from the April Studio team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Two persons. Miloš and Vlada where managing the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Really happy with the collaboration. The misstakes where more on our side, as we made late changes. But also that was little issues with, as Miloš had a good helicopter perspective and could see what the changes would mean in time and sometimes money, and communicated that in a food way, so we could make good decisions if we wanted to implement the late changes or not.

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

The timeline was kept. Really good communication. See above. Humble management style, but with good steering of the project/wishes too get it over the finish line in time.

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

They are not a streamline “repeat” what other have done. They think outside the box.

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

Im sure they have. But to be honest for the money we spent, they are really good.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the founder/architect of Studio AUTORI

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

With over ten years of experience in the field of architecture, interior and furniture design, we specialize in developing bespoke concepts for private and corporate clients both locally and internationally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• to develop a new website
• improve visual communication

SOLUTION

How did you find April Studio?

Referral

Why did you select April Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

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

2-5 Employees

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

We requested simple and clean website with focus on our projects. Modern and WordPress based website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

great feedback from our clients and colleagues.

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

Everything on time, as we agreed. They responded on all our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with April Studio?

In-Person Meeting

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

Their high-quality work, professionalism, and design expertise were impressive.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Partner of Zabriskie

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Architecture design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Rich target clients (Real estate stakeholders)

SOLUTION

How did you find April Studio?

Online Search

Why did you select April Studio over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

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

2-5 Employees

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

New visual identity because of new vision definition and transformation from a small studio to a big company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Profit and number of clients in next 5 years.

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

Yes, everything was straightforward in communication. They gave us great effort to make the project successful.

What was your primary form of communication with April Studio?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Great understanding of our company values and culture.

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

Nothing specific.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the graphic designer of KONCEPTA

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Graphic design, illustration and motion graphics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Creativity
• Professionalism
• Unique

SOLUTION

How did you find April Studio?

Referral

Why did you select April 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 April Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Developing brand concept and strategy. Creating visual identity which includes company logo, business papers, promo material and developing website. All conceptual, visual and technical aspects were fully accomplished according to a goals that are set.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have a high level of creativity and professionalism, excellent communication, and a great understanding of the project's needs.

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

Project was finished on time. All the project needs where absolutely accomplished.

What was your primary form of communication with April Studio?

In-Person Meeting

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

Thinking outside of the box.

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

They should have Google services.