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We brand unicorns.

4.8
19 reviews
Gold
VERIFIED

C42D is the leading branding agency for startups and innovators. 

We collaborate with early stage, mid-market, and technology firms to create unforgettable, stand-out brands that engage customers, build audiences, and increase sales.

It’s our mission to launch companies who are solving impossible problems, inventing the future, or improving the lives of everyone on the planet. A lofty goal, for sure, but it all starts with a single step, and perhaps you’ll join us for this journey.

 

READ MORE...
 
$25,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
2010
Show all +
New York, NY
headquarters
  • 315 W 36th Street
    New York, NY 10018
    United States

Portfolio

Key clients: 

YouTube, Shazam, Ogilvy, Reebok, Foundation Capital, The Corcoran Group, Adidas, Google

 

 

 

 

Kindbody

Kindbody came to us needing to get out of the gate fast with a planned NYC launch only months away. The challenge was to strategize, develop and bring to life the brand story and identity, and launch the brand and website in short order.

Shazam for Brands

Our task was to audit all sales tools, collaborate with the Shazam team to refine and evolve the story, create key visuals and a design system, and finally bring it all together with a comprehensive brand guide, presentation templates and a presentation usage guide.

Foundation Capital Website Design & Development

We created a contemporary architecture and user experience design that is consistent with the startup and VC landscape today. We deployed an intuitive and user-friendly CMS that the marketing team uses with ease to update content and manage leads. We created an improved UX that reflected the progressive and contemporary nature of the Foundation brand and implemented a platform for announcements and lead capture, enabling Foundation to maintain ongoing engagement with its followers.

Winq mobile app branding & UI/UX

In anticipation of its launch in the app store, Winq came to us to develop their brand identity and visual expression, and extend the work to the mobile app interface. We created a unique, expressive brand identity and mobile experience that was a clean and simple reflection of the elegance of the Winq mobile app.

YouTube Calendar

With many initiatives pending for the new year, YouTube needed a simple, engaging way to keep its brand top-of-mind with the planning community. We created a one-of-a-kind, physically interactive, dimensional calendar specifically for media planners and strategists—perfect for one of the original unicorns. And this was no any ordinary calendar. It was custom-crafted from a solid birch wood base carved with YouTube branding and holding twelve double-sided letterpress calendar cards.

Cuebiq Brand Relaunch

Cuebiq, a global leader in mobility and geospatial analysis, helps marketers answer their most pressing targeting and measurement questions via the industry’s most comprehensive understanding of the offline consumer journey. 

Cuebiq needed to evolve its brand position, visual identity, and web presence to embrace its role as market leader, while still reflecting the values and direction of the brand.  

We evolved Cuebiq’s current mark to be unique, ownable, and anchored in its core brand attributes. The resulting logotype uses a custom typeface to animate Cuebiq’s positivity and humanity. We extended that work into a new brand identity system and a rebuilt website experience.

View the full case study here. 

 

Corcoran Group Brand Campaign & Website

We partnered with The Corcoran Group to create a direct response campaign targeting people who want to buy or rent a second home in The Hamptons.

We built a strategy that tapped into the emotional side of the business, by telling the stories of real people who escape NYC to the tranquility of their second homes.

We brought the stories of authentic people who live this lifestyle to life through a one-word action headline and photography that captures the unique emotion each person finds in the Hamptons. Under a tight timeline, we executed the campaign through a variety of channels: Print ads, videos, digital ads, social media content and a responsve microsite. 

The result brought emotion and humanity to the Corcoran Group’s brand. Click-through rates exceeded the industry average by over 700%.  View the full case study here.

 

 

...

Foundation Capital Corporate Identity Rebranding

One of Silicon Valley’s leading VC firms needed to update its branding to reflect it’s decades of unprecedented success. Foundation Capital needed an image that reflected its success, values, and its spectacular new Menlo Park headquarters.

The brand’s final logotype is one of the brand’s most recognizable assets and is rooted in the collaborative nature of its work. We created a comprehensive identity system that can flex to meet the needs of all brand touchpoints.

The entire project culminated in a successful relaunch of the Foundation Capital brand. Foundation remains one of the leading venture capital firm in the Valley, and we’re proud to have had a role in shaping the identity of one of the best.

Read the full case study here

Reviews

4.8
19 reviews
Sort by

E-Learning Platform Design for Communication Group

"This level of buy-in isn’t always present in other creative shops." 

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Jan. - July 2018
Project summary: 

C42D designed an e-learning platform and made it compatible with different devices. They handled everything from idea conception to final implementation and delivered several logo designs.

The Reviewer
 
10,000+ Employees
 
New York, New York
Laura Tessinari
EVP, Interpublic Group, Constituency Management Group
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Users reacted well to the platform, praising its intuitive layout and engaging design. Involved and motivated, C42D was decisive and ensured the proper expertise was always available. Their ability to foster creativity without sacrificing organization or productivity is noteworthy.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m an EVP at Interpublic Group (a group of companies) at the Constituency Management Group. We’re a global communications agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire C42D?

I've worked with David's (CEO and Founder, C42D) company for over 10 years on numerous projects. One of the largest we collaborated on recently was the design of global learning management system, which is used by all of our agencies.

What were your goals for this project?

We were aiming to enhance our employees overall learning process and experience by making it accessible 24/7, on any device. Specifically, we were looking for a more customized learning experience that curated content and provided training suggestions. All the initiatives had to align with the learner’s development goals, job skills, and interests.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I’d worked with them on multiple projects and was confident they could deliver a design that would drive user engagement.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They took care of everything, from designing the platform’s overall look and feel to choosing images for 40+ learning objects. Additionally, they designed new logos for each of our agencies’ learning sites.

What was the team composition?

We worked with two key creative directors/designers throughout the process, as well as with a technology guru who wrote code and dove into the nitty-gritty tech side. We also worked closely with a project manager. They were exceptional at keeping us on track regarding deadlines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Interviews and online surveys with people across global regions showed overwhelming support for the new system. People thought the platform was creative, engaging, and easy to use. C42D’s attention to small details built a powerful learning engagement engine.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow was highly collaborative and respectful. Everyone on their team was aware of their different skill-sets, so ego never got in the way. Tasks were delegated to whoever was an expert in that area, and that person was trusted to deliver a positive outcome. Seeing how invested everyone was gave me powerful peace of mind.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

While their creative insights and design direction are unique and outstanding, their commitment is what truly sets them apart. They go above and beyond what is necessary to follow along with you every step of the way. I feel as if I’m a part of a large, collaborative group where everyone is equally passionate about the outcome. This level of buy-in isn’t always present in other creative shops.

Personally, David is great to work with. He’s hands-on and takes a leading role in setting design direction. That being said, he also has exceptionally creative and strategic people on his teams that can lead projects and make vital decisions at any given time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The project was such a success that it's hard to think of areas for improvement.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Their project manager is exceptional at following up on every last detail.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Given the scope and depth of our project, the cost was more than fair.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    It was great.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've recommended C42D to my colleagues for years and will continue to do so!

Logo and Brand Dev for Art Gallery and Platform

"They understood our market intuitively and backed it up with extensive user demographic research." 

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
July - Sept. 2018
Project summary: 

C42D performed market research to identify audience profiles and develop beneficial messaging. They also used the data they gathered to design two logos options.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
New York, New York
CEO, Art Gallery and Valuation Platform
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The public has responded overwhelmingly positively to the chosen logo. C42D provided consistent communication and was open to feedback. Their well-planned research produced insights into audience demographics that proved exceedingly accurate and useful.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of an art gallery and software platform. We are a blockchain-based valuation platform that allows art collectors to understand the true value of the artwork they collect in real-time. They can also determine their pieces’ value on the secondary market without hiring a third-party appraiser.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire C42D?

We hired them to design our logo, brand identity, company culture, and message, pretty much everything an early-stage startup needs to present themselves to the world.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to understand our message and how we could best communicate that online to the public and the media. We also wanted an awesome brand logo.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I researched several reviews websites, and C42D was one of the top ones. We then connected with them over email and phone.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They started by researching our market to learn about our buyers demographically, geographically, and economically. Their process was thorough, and they walked us through how to establish trust with these markets. We were given a choice of two different brand logos that they presented to us. Even though the project is done, they’ll still answer clarifying questions over email.

What was the team composition?

I worked with a three-person team from their side.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

People absolutely love our logo. They go crazy over it without even knowing what we do.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our initial meeting was face to face, and after that, we communicated via email. They were extremely quick in replying to our questions and feedback.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They understood our market intuitively and backed it up with extensive user demographic research.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not that saw.

5.0
Overall Score Their customer service has been incredible and they understand the art market better than any vendor I've worked with.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    It was very easy.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We are very happy with all of the materials they provided us with.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I'm very likely to recommend them.

Rebranding for Analytics Software Company

“I’ve been through this process with a few other vendors, and C42D stands out for their flexibility and agility.”

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Jan. - Dec. 2018
Project summary: 

C42D assisted the rebranding efforts of a software company. A large percentage of this initiative included website redevelopment from scratch within an agile, iterative process.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Merrimack, New Hampshire
CEO, Analytics Software Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Daily web inquiries increased tenfold. C42D created a site that is navigable and easy to use with understandable content. They managed the project well and were always quick to adapt. They are strong designers and finished everything on time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're a software company that builds workforce analytics software. I’m the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

We started a rebranding effort. Our image was about four years old and a little stale. We also needed a new website to go with our new brand identity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with a few kickoff sessions to discuss our market, our dynamics, and our unique value proposition. We met in person and over the phone to discuss the messaging, look, and feel of the new site. We discussed the sections we had in mind, and the kind of users we attract. They provided storyboards, PDFs, and wireframes, with colors, logos, and alternative looks. We narrowed down what we wanted through an iterative process, then moved into the development phase.

The whole process was iterative and agile. They took all the content and created our site. They were good partners, especially as we changed our minds a few times throughout the process. When we were happy with a version one product, we went live.

What is the team composition?

I mostly worked with a team of three people on their side.

How did you come to work with C42D?

I've known their CEO for a long time, so there's an element of trust there. I'd worked with larger firms, but I found that the work didn’t align with the cost. I wanted to partner with a smaller, more agile firm, where I could work directly with the leadership. I didn’t want a cookie cutter approach, and I liked their fresh viewpoint.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started around January or February 2018. There were a lot of stages, but we launched the first version in September 2018 and an update in December.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We get significantly more web leads than we used to. Daily inquiries for product demos, newsletters, and other services are up from about two to over 20. The navigation, ease of use, understandable content, and site optimization all contribute to those increases.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

I was pleasantly surprised by how well they managed the project. We had weekly cadences, which became daily events as we got closer to launch. We used tools for bug tracking, and everything went really well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve been through this process with a few other vendors, and C42D stands out for their flexibility and agility. It was easy to change direction or ideas, and they were always open to our modifications. They were quick to adapt, and there were no protracted deliverable cycles. They finished everything within a relatively short period of time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could make further investments in the technical side of the business. Their design, messaging, and branding are all very strong, and improvements to their technical team would take their business to the next level.

4.5
Overall Score A few small improvements would have made me give this project a perfect score.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Tracking was very good and the initial deliverables were always on time.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Colleagues are shocked by how little we paid for the quality we received.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Slight breakdowns in calibration caused small delays, but there were no major issues.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already recommended them.

Rebranding for Data Collection & Processing Company

"They espoused solid work ethics and promoted a truly collaborative environment." 

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
3.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Aug. - Dec. 2018
Project summary: 

C42D completed a brand redesign. The team expanded the brand identity to include goal and business culture guidelines.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Saudi Arabia
Bodoor Reda Alhaddad
Marketing Coordinator, FalconViz
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The new branding is comprehensive, authentic, aligned with company values and goals. C42D prioritized customer satisfaction, working beyond the established scope to deliver a design that exceeded expectations. Undeterred by a substantial time difference, they maintained seamless communication. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing coordinator at FalconViz, an innovative data collection, processing, and visualization company from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Working with clients around the world, we effectively address surveying and mapping needs using drone-based solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire C42D?

We have a global base of high-end clients and needed a new brand that reflected our expertise and cutting-edge technology. We turned to C42D to refresh our brand and expand our marketing opportunities.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to create a stronger, more professional brand to reach a more sophisticated audience. All we had before was a logo, so we also needed to build a brand guideline from scratch that would provide our employees with the meaning, direction, and culture our company embraces. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our general manager found them while searching for branding agencies that specialized in startups and unique businesses.  C42D had an impressive portfolio of taking startups to the next level with the look and feel of a big company. 

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After their CEO met with our general manager in New York City, the team sent us a detailed scope of work. Then, via Skype, they conducted an initial discovery session to gain a better understanding of our current business operations and shortfalls. The first three branding options they sent us were not unique enough for our needs, so they sent three more, going above and beyond the agreed upon scope to meet our needs. We finally saw the branding we all liked and fell in love with it. C42D then continued work on more elements of the design and the brand guidelines.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with the CEO and the project manager. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have more than just a logo now; we have a phenomenal new brand and a full identity capable of competing on the international stage. Our new image and tone are compelling and effective for both internal and external audiences. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. Responsive to both calls and emails, their communication was very clear and easy despite the significant time difference. They follow a clear process for deadlines and we received most of the work on time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They espoused solid work ethics and promoted a truly collaborative environment. Not only did they appreciate and receive all of our ideas with enthusiasm, but they were committed to delivering a product we genuinely liked and approved of. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are none that come to mind.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 3.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Design for Fertility Platform

“We enjoyed the whole process and they executed everything within very tight timelines.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Mar. - June 2017
Project summary: 

C42D did design work for the website and brand identity of a fertility platform. They created an eye-catching site and provided template options for future expansion.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
New York, New York
Director of Marketing, Fertility Platform
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The launch was very successful, with over 15,000 site visitors to date. C42D was highly collaborative and finished the project quickly. They offered useful suggestions for design and verbiage and the site receives positive feedback.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a fertility platform with a network of clinics that offer egg freezing and in vitro fertilization services. We are taking a brand-forward approach to target millennials in an upbeat, positive way. I am the director of marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

We wanted to create a website that was splashy and exciting to capture our brand essence and represent us well.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They mostly did design work for a WordPress site. They customized the site and gave us options for templates to use for future pages. They finished the project quickly and we’re currently exploring the possibility of building an in-house product and tech team.

What is the team composition?

I worked with David (Founder/CEO, C42D) and Charley (Creative Director, C42D).

How did you come to work with C42D?

Our company used them to create the initial brand identity of the company. They did a great job with the design of our brand, so we stuck with them for the website.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March or April 2017 and they completed the project by June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had a lot of success with the launch, which is partially thanks to their work. We’ve had about 15,000 visitors since the site went live. Everyone we speak to has very positive things to say about our branding and the look of our website.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project well and finished everything quickly. We didn’t have a dedicated project manager, so a couple items were missed in the process, but they were very fast.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really enjoyed working closely with Charley on the design side. He’s very collaborative and has a lot of good ideas. We led the process, but he was very good at offering suggestions for both the look and the wording and phrasing of the text we added. We enjoyed the whole process and they executed everything within very tight timelines.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There were times that they didn’t stick to the timeline. They were quick, but we noticed that some things were missed along the way and we needed to go back to finish them. More project management and project tracking throughout the process would have avoided that.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Dev & Logo Design for Third-Party Administrator

"Our clients think the new website looks good and really professional."

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
May 2017 - May 2018
Project summary: 

C42D helped redesign a website to boost overall functionality and design, with the primary new feature being online payment capability for clients' fringe benefits. They also redesigned a logo.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
New York, New York
Kenneth Cook
President, Daniel H. Cook & Associates
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The C42D team corrected problems quickly and responded equally as promptly to other concerns. Their responsiveness and easy-going nature justified the investment and made them a valuable partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president of Daniel H. Cook & Associates. For over 40 years, we’ve served as third-party administrator to multiple labor unions. We provide record keeping as well as pension, welfare, and annuity funds.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

We needed help creating a new website. Our old site was old and worn, and we wanted something modern and sleek for our clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They led the frontend redesign of the site, and the integration with our existing backend. The main feature is that we take in millions of dollars a week through the website for fringe benefits for our clients. It was very important that they create a seamless transition to the new site. C42D had to match what we had on the backend, and make it simple and secure for our clients. In addition to the website, they also redesigned our logo.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with their CEO. Other people on my team worked with their copywriter. We also worked with their design team on the new logo.

How did you come to work with C42D?

They were recommended to us by someone we're using for another project. We thought that they’d be a good fit because of their size and ability to provide personalized attention.

How much have you invested with them?

I think we spent around $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from May 2017–May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website went live on May 1, 2018. We don’t have a lot of metrics on its performance yet, but it has been well-received. Our clients think the new website looks good and really professional. The new logo really makes us stand out. We’re already using it on business cards, signage, and all our marketing materials. It really pops. The combination of the new logo and website has really helped people notice our changes.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team performed well. They set timelines, which at first we didn’t meet because of internal issues. We hired a project manager on our side to help us meet all the tasks. We were a tough client at times, but they did a great job at pushing us when needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very easy to work with. They worked quickly whenever we wanted to make changes. If we were unhappy with the copywriter, they had someone else take a look at the text. They understood our needs. They never hesitated to help us out.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were usually waiting on us for content and feedback.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re very similar in price to other firms we looked at.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We're happy with their work.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've already recommended them.

Brand Messaging & Template Design for Music Recognition App

“The updated design that C42D created makes the service feel clean and refreshed.”

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
3.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Oct. 2017 - Apr. 2018
Project summary: 

To align with a shift in messaging, C42D designed and created a core deck, set of templates for case studies and presentations, compiled an asset library with updated imagery and icons, and provided a user guide for implementation.

The Reviewer
 
201-500 Employees
 
New York, New York
Alexis Rodriguez
Head of Global Marketing Solutions, Shazam
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Despite some delays throughout the project, the final deliverables met or exceeded all expectations. The user guide has been instrumental in facilitating the transition to a new core story. C42D’s leadership team was very involved and attentive throughout the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of global marketing solutions at Shazam Media. We’re a music recognition app that launched in 2000. I oversee partnership marketing, B2B marketing, creative services, and integrated marketing efforts. Integrated marketing refers to marketing for advertisers that purchase media within the app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

In 2018, we were looking to revamp our core story. This includes how we present our company and our capabilities, the decks that we pitch to advertisers, and our overall messaging across marketing efforts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We drove the updates to messaging on our end while C42D revamped the design of our core story materials accordingly. They created new templates for marketing materials including case studies and PowerPoint presentations, which can now be easily populated by our sales team. They also provided a user guide that outlines how to most effectively leverage the templates in customizing them for specific goals or presentations. Lastly, they compiled an asset library with various imagery and icons that align with the updated look and feel.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Dave (Founder & CEO, C42D) and Charley (Creative Director, C42D).

How did you come to work with C42D?

Dave met our CRO at some point, who then passed on his information to me. I knew that our core story update was a priority going into 2018, so I had them come into our office. We interviewed several other large firms, but the C42D team seemed to understand our goals more quickly than others. We really appreciated C42D’s experience in creating accessible templates and user guidelines. After meeting them, we felt confident that they were capable of taking on this project.

How much have you invested with them?

The final price was about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement started in October 2017, and we finished the project just a few weeks ago in April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re currently in the process of walking our staff through the updated core story, and everyone seems to love it. The updated imagery that C42D created makes the service feel clean and refreshed.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

Charley was very attentive throughout the project. They originally set out a timeline that seemed aggressive, especially through the holidays. There were some delays on both sides, including a setback on our end due to changes on the business side. However, they leveraged the extra time and we’re very happy with the final deliverables.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Dave and Charley gave us very personalized attention throughout the project. Charley was very effective in focusing on the bigger picture and ensuring that all aspects of the project worked towards our overarching goals. Overall, it was delightful working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their timelines could have been slightly more efficient. There were several delays around review meetings.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 3.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They do very high-quality work, despite some delays.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Rebranding for Medical & Pharmacy Benefits Health Plan

“Everyone at C42D took the time to understand our business, resulting in accurate and impressive work.”

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4.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Apr. 2017 - Mar. 2018
Project summary: 

C42D completed a rebranding campaign that included market research, interviews, and content creation. Their findings were integrated into a website that will be released soon.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
New York, New York
Michael Pastor
Founder, CGS Health
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

C42D is responsive and competent, putting in the due diligence to create a well-informed brand identity. The team consists of experts in numerous fields, such as copywriting and web design. Their work consistently met or exceeded expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and vice president of business development for CGS Health, a group health plan. We’re a middle market provider of medical and pharmacy benefits to employer-sponsored health plans. I’m in charge of strategy and sales and marketing activities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

Historically, we were a legacy administrator that provided and administered benefits for group health plans. The Affordable Care Act changed how to administer those plans in the healthcare marketplace, so we needed to recast ourselves as a consumer-directed health plan.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

C42D first did a discovery phase to better understand our business, core values, and mission. They interviewed various employees in our organization (from sales to senior management), clients, and the insurance carriers we work with. C42D wanted to know how we were viewed in the marketplace and what sort of ecosystem we worked in.

They used all that information to create digital and print messaging for our company. C42D worked on brand identification that encompassed our mission and values. The frontend was quite intensive, but it had great results.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with the founder and CEO of C42D.

How did you come to work with C42D?

C42D was referred to us. We interviewed a few of the agencies that were recommended to find one that fit our company culture. We chose C42D because we felt they could best help us achieve our goals.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered in March 2017, and the site will launch next month.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

C42D has set the foundation for us to use both original and curated content on our site. We should have better statistics in the next six months, once the site has been up for a while.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re highly organized and maintained contact with our team on a weekly basis. They used Basecamp for project management, which helped keep us on track. Whenever we needed an expert, they had them, whether it was copyediting, site design, wire framing, etc.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everyone at C42D took the time to understand our business, resulting in accurate and impressive work. Their hard work showed in the products they ultimately created.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything; we're very pleased with them.

4.0
Overall Score We had a great experience together.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    If they didn't meet a deadline or deliverable, it was usually due to us.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They're a fair price. We were both happy with the fees and the quality of the product.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They exceeded our expectations.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would definitely recommend them.

Brand Development for Active Lifestyle Brand

"They have a talented staff of seasoned creatives."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Dec. 2016 - Apr. 2017
Project summary: 

C42D provided brand development services to a third party client, working on a style guide, key brand elements, and the brand’s tone and imagery.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
New York, New York
Owner, Branding & Creative Studio
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The project was extremely successful, bringing in the desired results and moving the brand forward. The team handled the scope expertly and professionally, communicating effectively and coming up with creative solutions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a brand development design agency. We build our teams based on the industry concerned and the budget. We don’t have a conventional staff. We bring in experts that are seasoned in that particular field, industry, or type of project.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

The client was an active lifestyle brand startup producing leather shoes, with links to Brazil and New York. The challenge was to tell that story and create the value proposition.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their scope of work was to develop a brand style guide, an investor deck, and brand elements for a website—brand guidelines, positioning, and key visuals. We had a discovery phase where we got a download of the client’s needs. We really looked at the industry as a whole, the competitors, the target audience, and what makes their footwear unique. From that discovery phase came the positioning statement, which guided our design decisions. They went on to develop the style guide and created the voice and tone of the imagery. They also did a photo shoot in Brazil.

What is the team composition?

I worked mostly with Charley [Creative Director, C42D]. I worked with David [Founder & CEO, C42D] and all of the project management was with Christa [Project Manager, C42D].

How did you come to work with C42D?

I’ve known the founder for many years so knew we would work well together. We both started our agencies around the same time. I know that I can count on them, and am able to give them minimal direction and let them run with the project. I know I’m always going to get really good results. They had a lot of experience in the footwear space because of the work they’d done with other large brands.

How much have you invested with them?

$30,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2016 until April 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was funded immediately after due to the brand development work.

How did C42D perform from a project management standpoint?

It went very well. There was great communication between us and the project manager, Christa. They often successfully met deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re easy to work with. They have a talented staff of seasoned creatives. They always come up with great solutions to design problems.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Everything went smoothly.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Not everything hits the deadline because variables may change. You can’t control whether the client approves something right away.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    It’s good. Nobody likes to pay a premium, but you get what you pay for.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The work always comes packaged with all files included. I don’t have to go back and ask for something. It’s well thought out.
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer

Branding Collaboration With Full-Service Communications Company

"They make our clients happy and our life easier."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Dec. 2017 - Jan. 2018
Project summary: 

After presenting a detailed proposal, C42D built a design template and then created a 170-page book and a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation for a branding campaign. 

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
New York, New York
Director of Brand Strategy, Marino
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The product they delivered pleased the client and impressed the project team. Juggling the information coming from multiple sources, they implemented all the edits and changes on time. They've become a go-to branding partner due to their expertise and customized approach.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're a full-service communications agency, handling everything from public relations to social media and advertising. We develop strategies for our clients to help them achieve their goals and then execute those strategies across multiple media platforms. I'm the director of digital and brand strategy, so I oversee our digital work – both paid and social. I also do branding work, helping our clients develop their messaging and communicate in a more effective way. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with C42D?

We had a client that was responding to a large RFP, so we had to tell that client's story in the best possible way. We needed to produce various materials, working with multiple agencies to deliver a final product. We started looking for a company to help us develop a strategy to visually tell the story, produce the content, and design the materials.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us produce a 170-page book and a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation. I told them what we needed and they came back to me with a proposal, describing in detail their unique approach, the strategy they were suggesting, the timeline, and the costs. I knew what I was going to get before the work started. Once the budget was approved, their full team came in for a meeting with our team, and we provided them with further information about the project.

We gave them all the assets they needed, and they started building a design template for the book and the presentation. We circulated the template to all the partners who were working with us on that project. C42D also did branding work for us – they chose the fonts and the color scheme for the logo and developed brand guidelines, which we used to develop other materials.

What is the team composition? 

We had a main point of contact, who provided general oversight of the project. We also worked with a product manager, who was making sure all the deliverables were being met, and a few other people who helped us with the book and the presentation. 

How did you come to work with them?

I knew them from my previous job. We've met with a lot of designers, but we keep going back to them because they're strategic, creative, and smart. Also, their pricing is fair for the work they do. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

The project started in December 2017 and it was completed in January 2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We produce this work on behalf of our clients, and the clients have been very pleased. Every client that has worked with them wanted to continue the relationship. There has never been a dissatisfied client. 

I've worked with them on hundreds of projects and keep going back to them because they make the job seamless and easy. (I've worked with other designers as well, but with C42D, I've never had any problems.) They take the initiative and present different options. Understanding the pain points of our business, they always customize the design and the voice for a specific client we have. 

How did they perform from a project management standpoint? 

They're amazing communicators and are available by phone, e-mail, or texting. It was one of the most difficult projects I've worked on, but they did an unbelievable job of managing the assets and the content. We had the information coming in from about 15 different people at a time, and they didn't miss a single edit, feedback, or change. The project management was one of the best I've ever seen. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're true partners, which really makes a difference. They feel like an extension of our team – they roll up their sleeves and get down to the project, taking on the work like it's their own. That's been their greatest asset to me. The work they do is fantastic and they always adhere to deadlines.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I haven't had any problems with them. They exceeded our expectations. 

5.0
Overall Score It's been a wonderful experience. They make our clients happy and our life – easier. I can only say positive things about them.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We had a tight timeline and the project was happening over Christmas holidays, but they didn't slip on a deliverable once.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They give a fair price. They know they do good work and the price matches the work they're producing.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The architects and designers who worked with us on the project were impressed with what C42D had produced.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I recommend them all the time, connecting them with anyone I can.
Verification

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Verification Level
Gold
VERIFIED
Business Entity
Status
Active
Jurisdiction of Formation
New York
ID
3906982
Date of Formation
Feb 1, 2010
Source
NYS Department of State
Last Updated
Dec 20, 2018
Payment & Legal Filings
Bankruptcy
No
Tax Lien Filings
0
Judgement Filings
0
Collections Count
0
Source
Experian
Full Business Credit Report
Last Updated
Dec 20, 2018
Client Reviews
VERIFIED CLIENT REVIEWS
19
OVERALL REVIEW RATING
4.8
Source
Clutch
LAST UPDATED
April 1, 2019