The Backbone

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Product Manager of Dad's Organic Farm

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We harvest and bottle pure honey straight from our bee hives, and we also produce other by-products of honey.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

• To create the new look for the relaunching of our all-natural body massage oils

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

Referral

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

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

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We request for The Backbone to guide us with the right packaging for our body massage oils, as well as design the new logo we wanted to relaunch this product with. We gave them a tight deadline to come up with the concepts and finished product, and they delivered even before the deadline. They were able to capture our vision succinctly into the designs they presented to us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. Our first few batches of massage oils sold out instantly
2. We are currently receiving reorders from past customers
3. We are currently selling our massage oils through one of the high-traffic shops for tourists in Cebu City, with preorders on a weekly basis

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

The team was able to deliver beyond our expectations. They went above and beyond to understand our needs and vision. They understood what we wanted the massage oils to look and feel like, and the concepts that they presented us with blew us away.

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

1. They asked the right questions to really get into our heads to understand the "why" behind why we wanted our product to look and feel a certain way
2. They gave us various lovely options, and explained the reasoning behind each option
3. They went the extra mile when it came to the mock-ups of the product packaging

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

None. I am very happy with their service, and I am looking forward to working with them again.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the client training and development specialist at RAFI Microfinance, a nonprofit organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Backbone?

We needed a graphical and promotional content provider for the module content of our clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Backbone did the graphical and promotional content for our customers. We started by discussing our expectations for the task's look and feel with them. Consequently, we shared our customer's envisioning with them so they could arrange it and put life and colors in the module we're visualizing.

What is the team composition?

I had direct communication with a project manager from their team.

How did you come to work with The Backbone?

Our marketing team leader referred them to us because she had a previous good experience with them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we've spent around $3,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from May–October 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received good feedback from clients because their promotional content and the graphics were very reader-friendly, considering our clients are an average of 30–40 years old. Overall, their output was great.

How did The Backbone perform from a project management standpoint?

We constantly communicated throughout the process with monthly checkpoint meetings to achieve the target timeline. Regarding tools, we used Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Messenger calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I liked that they had a dedicated person to manage our project who understood our vision and the purpose of the modules for our customers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I already suggested they cater to our requests for designs for other layouts.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be communicative and collaborative with them — communication is key. Even on weekends, they worked on our project because they wanted it to be successful. Moreover, answer their questions because you need to be progressive and reactive with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CoFounder of a creative agency for graphic design and photography.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Backbone?

I hired The Backbone company to complete graphic design (brochures, edms, markups) work for a large real estate client in Australia while I was on maternity leave. They also handled email communication to and from clients.

SOLUTION

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

I was recommended 'The Backbone' by a friend of mine who is also a designer.

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

I started sending The Backbone bits and pieces of work a few months before my maternity leave and copied them in on emails so they could understand the look and feel for my client so when it was time for my maternity leave they were familiar to create and communicate. They came up with Bespoke Themes for properties and applied to Markups, Brochure and Edms, sending to client for revision and making any adjustments clients required.

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

I worked with Frances who was very diligent and a great communicator.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were very professional, great communicators and always going above and beyond to get the job done on time!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager was great at communicating and reliable, I was never left wondering if we would meet deadlines or not. English was also impeccable and had confidence with them communicating to my english speaking clients.

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

I was impressed with their flexibility and openness to learning new techniques for new requirements and opportunities I had.

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

I was really happy with The Backbone and will continue working with them for when I have an overflow of work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of AMOMA Clinic. We are a mental health clinic that provide services, particularly medication management via convenient and secure video conference appointments.

We provide in person and face to face appointments in Washington state and telehealth services in Florida State

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Backbone Company?

We hired The Backbone Company for company re-branding and two website redesigns to keep up with the changing needs of my clinic. They did research on the and incorporated that in the website including statistics for various mental health conditions I am treating.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Backbone Company and what were the deciding factors?

They were eager and enthusiastic to work with me. They were personable and made me feel comfortable.

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

Approx 2018, we started with rebranding- changing logo, business cards, website, research and whole do over Approx 2021, updated website.

The summary is short but in between are a series of web meetings. They were quick to respond, and they were considerate of the differences in time zone and my schedule. They considered the "idea in my head" and gave me options of their interpretation of what I want it to look and they made me choose

How many resources from The Backbone Company team worked with you, and what were their positions?

there were 3-5 people that worked with me in the 2 instances I worked with them

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

both instances, my patients report that the website is easy to navigate and had pertinent information that they can relate to

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

they are very succinct and coordinated. I felt my time was not wasted, and they considered my time.

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

the ideas are great... they are also great at capturing what I envisioned in my head that I cannot translate to words or pictures

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

None really

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of Brik, a marketing agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Backbone Company?

We needed help creating a brand from scratch for a client.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started by having a brainstorming session with The Backbone Company, where we talked about the client and their goals and brand. After this discovery phase, The Backbone Company did some brainstorming on their own and came back with a general direction. From there, we discussed their proposal, and they iterated on it twice based on our conversations. 

From there, they created a mood board and a Google Slides presentation for us to see their ideas visually. The team did follow-up presentations for each iteration and a final mood board showing different assets like colors and themes. After that, they went through 1–2 iterations of the final branding materials, including logos and a brand book. They also helped define the brand guidelines.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Frances (Designer) and another teammate from The Backbone Company. 

How did you come to work with The Backbone Company?

We found them through word of mouth. They had worked with mutual friends who were working on similar projects. The Backbone Company came up, and I liked their previous work, which fit with the direction I wanted to go with for this project. Additionally, the chemistry was there when we talked, so it made sense for us to partner with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $2,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from June–August 2019. Even though we haven’t had any more projects, we still consult with each other.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of The Backbone Company’s work was great. Everything they did fit the messaging we’d created and what we were trying to accomplish with that brand. When we gave feedback, their adjustments were spot on. Even though our client’s brand marketing didn’t hit the mark, that had nothing to do with the team’s work. 

I really liked the way the team presented the brand, set up the mood, and laid it out so that the client and we could understand why they were making their decisions. They did an excellent job distilling down information in a way that made sense to us. Overall, working with The Backbone Company was a great experience, and they hit the mark. 

How did The Backbone Company perform from a project management standpoint?

We had no issues with their project management; they hit all the deadlines. We had weekly video calls, and they would send over a presentation so we could see their progress and what they were working on.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with how The Backbone Company viewed challenges and approached design. The way they created things was unique. As a result, their visual output was fresh, friendly, and approachable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing they needed to improve jumped out at me. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give The Backbone Company as much artistic freedom as possible. Let them do their thing, and do your best not to stifle their creativity so they can work their magic.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at P.Construction

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Construction

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

• Improve our Packaging Design

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

Online Search

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

She improved our packaging design and made sure all the details are there. The final design was clear, consistent, and ready for market

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new packaging design helped improve customer feedback, made our brand look more professional

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

Yes, they delivered everything on time and were very responsive. They quickly addressed our needs and made sure the project stayed on track from start to finish!

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Creativity! 

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

None! We love working with The Backbone!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Business Director of a digital marketing agency.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A global data and technology led marketing agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

Concept design for wearable toys

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

Online Search

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Deliver 2 concept design for JKM Wearables.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Winning the pitch

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

Other JKM toys concepts - Good concepts even given only a short period of time to prepare

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their designs and flexibility impressed us.

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

None for now

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Race Director of Pamutan Traifest

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Trail running and adventure sports team and organizer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

• Organize trail running race

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

Referral

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Logo
• Shirt design
• Medal design
• Banners/posters design
• Trophies design

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• It was easy to explain our ideas to them.
• They can promptly respond to our queries and requests.

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The Backbone shared our advocacies, so it was easy for them to implement our ideas.

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

None that I can think of for now

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of SM Seaside Cebu

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A premier shopping destination in Cebu City

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

• To create a creative development for one of our big campaigns

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

To create a creative development for SM Seaside's SM Wonderland. Once approved they would have to resize the approved layout to various sizes (from board ups, entrance signage, infographics and directionals).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Designs and final outcome were commended by upper management and VIPs from HO.

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

All designs resonated with the brief well. Fast turn over which resulted to on time delivery of the layouts.

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their unique designs impressed us.

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

None as of the moment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of Acedemix

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Global Review Hub

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Backbone to accomplish?

• Brand Identity
• Website Design and Development

SOLUTION

How did you find The Backbone?

Online Search

Why did you select The Backbone over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Impressive Artwork and Portfolio

How many teammates from The Backbone were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

- Brand strategy - Logo designs (6 studies). - Brand guidelines document detailing logo usage, color codes, typography guidelines, and brand voice. - Digital assets (social media graphics, website elements). - Suggested Brand collateral designs (merchandise, signage, etc.). - Implementation support materials (training sessions, vendor communication).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Brand recognition and awareness, and consistency in brand representation.

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

I was very pleased and impressed with how The Backbone managed this project in terms of time management and the quality of service. For this reason, our company has considered The Backbone to be its creatives partner.

What was your primary form of communication with The Backbone?

Virtual Meeting

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

I find The Backbone to be very adaptive with our company's structure, culture and needs, and very artistic in their approach that resonates well with our market.

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

None that I could think of.