Contrast & Co.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Unit at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, an 8-country intergovernmental organisation working for the environment and the wellbeing of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. With one foot in research and one foot in development, ICIMOD is an organisation unlike any other.

For over three decades, we've worked tirelessly across the HKH to create a prosperous and environmentally secure region where people thrive. And with an incredible network of partners and peers around us, we continue to seek new solutions to the challenges that face the people and mountains of this region.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co.?

With the world-wide release of one of our major research reports, we realized that we needed a new look and some new branding that would help position us and our issues more centrally on the global stage. With a highly successful branding process, we then engaged with Contract & Co. for a complete make over of our website. Contrast & Co. have exceeded our expectations throughout both processes in terms of their individual attention, fabulous listening skills and superb design talent.

We felt well understood as an institution and were deeply impressed with the team's attention to detail, willingness to engage any and all questions, thorough and clear planning and implementation processes and their honed ability to keep the projects on track. The clear language, classy designs and attractive layouts have improved the look across all of our products including our website and all publications.

What were your goals for this project?

Our previous branding process was essentially a design process for our publications. Although we wanted a bit more from this branding project, we were initially unsure what it could be. We were a bit concerned about losing the gravitas of our mission if we adopted more PR-like approaches.

But Contrast & Co. helped us to see the high value in adopting a rally cry for the institution, which has served us extremely well. Beyond that, in all of the design for the new branding, it is clear that Contrast well understood our basic need to communicate gravitas while also allowing ample space for using our vast repository of visual photo assets. This is also reflected in the web design that they provided for us, which is extraordinarily flexible, adaptive to our needs and user-friendly.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through a very rigorous international request for proposals process which was also supplemented by our use of some branding search firms and some initial exploratory interviews with prospective agencies, we eventually shortlisted 4 companies for presentation to our senior management. From the initial presentation, it was clear that Contrast & Co. had done their homework, understood much from their review of our public information, communicated very effectively in strong, simple and persuasive language and managed to do all of this with huge doses of humility and authenticity.

From the very beginning of the process, we felt that they took their relationship with us very seriously and were committed to ensure that the relationship was open, transparent and positive, just as the work was professional, on time and so well captured what we needed.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We began with an extremely effective discovery process based on an analysis of the main stakeholders for our institution. In-person sessions were coupled with online surveys and Wes and Kayla traveled all the way to Kathmandu from Maryland for the exceedingly well managed process where colleagues from across the institution participated in focus group meetings. From there, Contrast demonstrated incredible synthesizing, analytical and marketing skills in the branding presentation that they put together. The design elements they proposed were reflective of their innovation, creativity and design talent. After that highly successful project, and based on their demonstrated understanding of our mission, we invited them to apply for another contract for a total overhaul of our website.

Having won that competitive bidding process, we were again amazed at the depth of Contrast & Co.'s experience as they guided us through a step-by-step process including a massive information architecture review and revision. Having emphasized promotion of our richness of photographic assets in the branding process, they also brought that into our website design. The navigation, user-friendliness, built-in redundancy, and ease of backend management have been particularly effective for us.

What was the team composition?

Senior management worked initially and for all approvals with Dharma, and a small core team from my unit worked administratively with Carin and then operationally with Kate and mostly with Wes throughout. Kayla and Wes made a visit to us, which was an important face-to-face meeting. Since we are located half a world away from where Contrast & Co. are located, we had assumed that we would need more visits from members of the Contrast team. But the communication was so pro-active, open and the team were always immediately responsive, so even just a 3-day visit was enough to solidify an excellent working relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our branding has met with resounding success and our rally cry has been cited in global arenas such as the United Nations' High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2019 and the World Meteorological Organization High Mountain Summit in October 2019 and across multiple fora in our eight member countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Our website has seen a dramatic increase in engagement and length of time spent on the site, as well as increases in the reach of the site outside our region especially to the US, Australia and Europe. The new design for our publications have also been well received by our Board of Governors, colleagues and external audiences.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This is one place where Contrast & Co. demonstrate honed expertise and professionalism. The project management was openly communicative, clear and extraordinarily well designed such that it all appeared effortless. Contrast colleagues took the time to introduce us to some new tools so that we could review work together and were always immediately responsive to any questions or feedback that we presented. Wes, with whom we worked very closely, has a positive and appreciating personal communicative style that helped everyone on the team to feel well appreciated and understood.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everything about working with Contrast & Co. was impressive - from the manner in which the entire company gave attention to our project, to the effective communication, to the vast artistic and design talent, to the efficiency of all administrative work, to the friendliness of everyone on the team. We have been deeply appreciative of their bringing to bear their significant expertise to help us in our mission and we're more than happy to provide very detailed recommendation to anyone who might seek it.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We have been totally satisfied with every aspect of work with Contrast & Co.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company is Altum, Inc, and we build a grant management software for the research community. We host a platform that lets research funding organizations post their funding opportunities so that people can apply for research grants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast Co.?

We’ve been in business for about 23 years and have done many different things over that course of time. Our goal in hiring them was to take a step back and develop a new brand positioning and website to go along with the new direction that we were taking the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The project kicked off with a brainstorming meeting where we really dove deep into what we cared about as a company and what was on the table for the refresh. In the end, we decided we wanted to really rethink the company from scratch, and ended up going for a whole new logo, branding, messaging, typography, and everything around our image as a company.

After that, we moved on to rebuilding the website from the ground up as well. They provided all of the design and development for that process and have helped with a variety of small projects with relation to the site since getting it off the ground. We are planning to do more branding and marketing work with them for a conference and our platform UI in the future.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a relatively small team on their end, but I know there were more people in the background working on the project. Our main point of contact was Dharma (Founder) throughout all of the work.

How did you come to work with Contrast Co.?

They were referred to us by another company that we work with who vouched for their abilities and professional approach to their work. Once we started talking through the process with the, there wasn’t really anyone else we considered working with. We felt very comfortable with them from the beginning.

How much have you invested with them?

Both projects have cost around $35,000, so we’ve spent closer to $70,000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together started in August 2017 and we have collaborated on a number of projects since then.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was a huge success. We were all thoroughly impressed with the team, their work, and the creative that they were able to provide for our brand. I had somewhat medium expectations going in because I knew how hard it would be to find alignment on an entirely new identity. From the beginning, however, we were all blown away by their imagery and designs.

How did Contrast Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re a relatively small company, so we haven’t implemented any specific project tracking tools to stay on top things, but we touch base on a regular basis through both calls and in-person meetings. They are always timely in sticking to the deadlines that they set and keep us very informed of how the process is going throughout.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The thing our team kept talking about was how well they were able to grasp the subtler nuances of our business and industry within such a short time. It was clear that Dharma especially, but also his whole team had taken the information we gave them and studied it. They researched other websites on their own to learn about the industry and figure out how to make us most stand out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was nothing in particular that they could have improved. We have had a good relationship with them throughout our work together.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I think face-to-face meetings are one of the best things you can do for your engagement. Our offices are not that close together, but I had no problem going up to their offices to discuss the more important topics throughout the project. For the initial discovery and presentations, it really helps to have everyone on the same page.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO and co-founder of Bixal. Our company provides communications, design, and technology support to the federal government.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

We were having trouble effectively positioning our company within the federal sector. We worked with them to clearly differentiate ourselves and make our branding reflect our values and why clients should select us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Contrast & Co. team started by gathering small groups of people within our company and doing brand research to ask critical questions about the core elements of our brand. They honed in on our key trends and values and were able to pull those together and present them back to us as a leadership team.

They did a draft iteration for the branding solutions, starting with their initial ideas and going back and solidifying them as we provided feedback. They developed the messaging first and then when that was settled built the visual branding on top of that

We also worked toward a number of other small deliverables to go along with the brand assets, including general guidelines and support for the brand rollout. They’ve helped develop the first iteration of our new website, as well as content for our social media, a presentation deck, and strategy for our newsletter announcement of the new brand.

What is the team composition?

At various times, we have worked with between 5–7 members of their team.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

We’ve known them and Dharma (Founder) for a number of years and have worked with them before, so we knew that they would be able to provide high-quality for us.

What is the status of this engagement?

The branding project with them ran from May–November 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of the recent developments in the business world, we haven’t been able to run a lot of the launch operations that we were planning to, but our public-facing version of the website has received highly positive feedback so far.

I also wrote and shared an article on my LinkedIn profile that served as a sort of smaller brand announcement, and that has generated a lot of engagement and a positive response from everyone who has seen the new materials.

How did Contrast & Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

They do an excellent job of staying on top of all of the work and deadlines that you establish for each milestone. Carin (CEO), in particular, is extremely effective in her job. She’s a drill sergeant, but in a good way, and is always diplomatic in her approach. She’s very good at keeping everything on track, so we were always confident in their ability to hit the deadlines we established for them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to listen, dig deep, and then come up with absolutely brilliant recommendations is second to none. They were able to embody everything we were trying to convey, and I cannot express how proud I am to be able to share that work with the world. It exemplifies our diversity, our mission, and our focus on people perfectly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I think they just need to keep growing, and I am excited to see them go through that process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re an undiscovered gem in a pretty big space, so whoever runs across them now and takes advantage of their brilliance is getting a truly fantastic deal.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Mymee, Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

We were embarking on a rebranding process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Contrast & Co. guided us through every step of the rebranding journey, beginning with a discovery process. The team was responsible for everything from a new logo design, positioning statement, and other underlying aspects like a new website and updated stationary, business cards, sales materials, and PowerPoint templates. They took an iterative approach to redesign during the feedback phase. 

What is the team composition?

I’m in touch with several members of the team, including Dharma (Founder & Creative Director). We have a dedicated point of contact depending on what point in the project we’re in.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

I’ve worked with them before and have been very pleased with the results. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place from June–November 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Contrast & Co. has a skilled, versatile team, which makes the project very efficient and pleasant. Each element of their ideas is thought through.

The team played a huge role in refreshing and presenting the essence of our company. Their efforts made us stand out much more clearly in the market; we received a lot of third party validation.

How did Contrast & Co perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was very strong. They have a process behind everything, but we never felt like we were going through a cookie-cutter experience. Despite the orderly system Contrast & Co. offered, there was still a lot of creativity. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve worked with a lot of branding agencies over the past 20 years, and they’re one of the only companies that’s been able to interpret our business from the get-go during the discovery process. After one meeting, Contrast & Co. was able to return with a powerful, crisp distillation of the basics of our company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Contrast & Co. really knows their stuff. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing consultant and have been an interim CMO for multiple startups. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

I’m brought into multiple startups to help them build up their organization and move quickly. Contrast & Co is my go-to agency to contract for branding. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Contrast & Co. does branding work for each company I work with. We work together to try to bring a brand to life. 

We worked with a 20-year-old company that had a solid product, customers, and employees, but needed some “sex appeal” to make that brand better known. Contrast & Co. did a great on that. Another company was a data company. All their competitors looked and sounded alike, so our challenge was to differentiate them. The third company was in the telecommunications space; they’d been acquiring companies and holding different brands. They needed a clean overall umbrella brand for the new company.

After Contrast & Co. worked with them, two out of the three companies were bought within a year. In each project, I start the project, and Dharma (Founder + Creative Director) would work with the company after I’d leave.

What is the team composition?

Dharma, the lead there, has the best mind in the industry. He has the ability to really capture things. He has a team of people that work with him, help him brainstorm, and execute the brand materials. But he does the real heavy-lifting when it comes to capturing the brand.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

I originally met Dharma when he was working at another company. I brought him in to do a project, and he did an awesome job. After he left the company and started his own agency, I continued to work with him.

I used to bring 3–4 agencies for each company to pick, but Contrast & Co. would always win out every time, so I stopped the bidding process altogether. Why waste 3–4 weeks when I knew who the client was going to pick anyway?

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Contrast & Co. in January 2015. I haven’t used them in two years, however.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Right now, in my current company, I have a really strong branding person in-house, so I’m not planning on using any agency at all in the short term. However, as time evolves, the next time I need to bring anybody in, Contrast & Co. is going to be the first call I make.

The brands that Contrast & Co. created changed how people thought about each company. They’re able to capture that piece that shows who each company is. That’s really important.

How did Contrast & Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

Over the years, they’ve used different tools like Basecamp to communicate, but I’m not sure what they’re using right now.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like that they have no attitude. They don’t force their ideas on a company that’s not willing. Dharma is able to work with what a company can absorb, which is as important as determining the right creative and branding work to be done. I really appreciate that flexibility.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think they’ve done as much business development as they should for themselves. Their brand is all word-of-mouth, and they haven’t taken the time to do blogging or marketing themselves. I want them to grow their own brand even more. 

Any advice for potential customers?

The only thing I would tell people is to trust your agency. They’re pros at this; be open to the options they give you. If you’ve found Contrast & Co., you’ve already made the right choice.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of strategic communications for Hogan Lovells, a global law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

Because our brand is so strongly associated with law, I hired Contrast & Co. to help create a brand image that was consistent with the law firm’s brand while making it look like a brand that you would expect from a PR agency — we didn’t want to give up any of the creativity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Firstly, we brainstormed with the team. They then came up with a name, logo, a new look and feel, and a way to represent the brand differently but consistently. Additionally, they provided other branded materials such as poster boards and paper cups along with iconography that would go to different services within the brand.

What is the team composition?

We worked with about three teammates, including Dharma (Founder & Creative Director), who served as our project manager.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

Dharma had been my creative director at a previous agency.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from September–December 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered exactly what they were asked to deliver. After we got the finished product up the ranks, the law firm decided that they weren’t comfortable with having a separate brand for strategic communications. However, the work was met with extremely positive feedback and the global head of regulatory affairs was so impressed that she hired Dharma to do some other work on the existing Hogan Lovells brand. 

How did Contrast & Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was extremely easy to work with. They also worked quickly and were open to feedback, intuitive, and self-starting. We communicated via phone and had some in-person meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by the team’s ability to take a loosely articulated concept and bring direction to it, achieving and exceeding our hopes. They were a pleasure to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no suggestions. Dharma is the most creative, easy-to-work-with designer. A lot of designers need more direction to get the work done. He’s self-driving, flexible, and really wants to make the customer happy. He offers ideas and is responsive to the client as well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell Contrast & Co. your hopes and ambitions, and let them give you second options on how to get there. There’s no need to micro-manage the project because they’re really good at figuring out what you need and can take you further than you might get on your own.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As CEO/Founder Emeritus Strathmore Music Center, we present, produce and educate our 1 million population with excellent product and service in all aspects of arts programming. We nab age a 2,000 seat Concert Hall, Education Center, Mansion, and 18 acre site.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co.?

We engaged Dharma an his talented team to brand and develop materials for a comprehensive new outreach initiative in East County, Montgomery County MD. Working with our staff, the final presentation of BLOOM stunned me with the clarity, vivid imagery and compassion we sought to convey. They listened, empathized with our intent and simply got it right.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to introduce a whole new product line of classes, shows and resources to an area of the County which had not been able to afford nor access our work on a regular basis.

So, we went to them. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SPEAK TO THEM IN NEW WAYS. We wanted to build a new database, feedback channels and lay the foundations for long term engagement.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our VP of Marketing knew of their work and brought them in. They were much newer and smaller than now. Every staff member echoed the care, concern and responsiveness demonstrated by their leader throughout the process.

Upon my retirement, I recommended them to Five Square Development who appreciated their work while branding a major project at the Metro station next door to Strathmore.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Essentially exquisite listening, careful data collection, regular concept testing, visual graphic reviews, draft presentation with critique, final approval and rollout.

What was the team composition?

It was a small shop at the time but 3-4 people were highly active, to my knowledge. I see they have grown quickly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The brand has been refreshed, regularly tuned, promoted in all our chances of communication and wears well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I was excellent, candid and always positive. Rarely have contractors performed so flawless with our staff.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their creativity and empathy was beyond any other thatI've seen in my 40 years career.

Are there any areas for improvement?

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

This project was a rebrand for a healthcare client of my PR/Marketing agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co.?

The company had a dated brand identity. Their website, collaterals, presentations, trade show presence lacked sophistication and failed to convey key attributes of the company, such as its innovation.

What were your goals for this project?

To develop a new identity, website and other executions that were distinct, modern and attractive.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have worked with Contrast & Co. on several projects. Their work is exceptionally creative and sophisticated and choosing them for this work was an easy call.

Describe the project in detail.

Under tight deadlines, the Contrast team conducted in-person discovery session, developed and presented a stunning new brand, redesigned hundreds of presentations and collaterals.

What was the team composition?

We had one primary point of contact, but at any point, 3 or 4 Contrast team members were involved in the project based on the work being done, including the founder of the firm.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work is extraordinary. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, it meets (exceeds, really) several strategic goals for the company. The client is thrilled. The launch of the brand has been delayed due to unrelated developments in the client's business, but I am confident that when it is, it will be transformative. This will change how both internal and external audiences view the company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are professional and excellent to work with. They keep their word and deadlines. For such a large and complex project, it could not have gone more smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The creative is brilliant, sophisticated, and on point. This is a very talented team. And they never lose sight of the client's business objectives.

Are there any areas for improvement?

You do need to plan ahead with Contrast. Because they are in high demand, they cannot always start a project right away. Once they do begin work, however, I know I have their full attention until it is complete.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marcom lead of an it services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We support the federal government with IT solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Contrast & Co. to accomplish?

• website development

SOLUTION

How did you find Contrast & Co.?

• Online Search

Why did you select Contrast & Co. over others?

• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Contrast & Co. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Started with research of understanding our current (old) site and our competitors, next came the creation of our desired outcome for the new site through information architecture andUX wireframing. Once that was established and tested we moved into design comps and layouts and them it was the job to bring it all to life through front-end development, content integration and content creation and migration. Once it was all created the integrated we moved into testing and then finally launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Regular meetings, email updates and then the dev sites

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

For the most part- in the middle of the agreement there was some delayed responses but more towards the end the team was very responsive and helpful.

What was your primary form of communication with Contrast & Co.?

• Virtual Meeting

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

The end result was great. Very helpful during launch and thereafter

Are there any areas for improvement or something Contrast & Co. could have done differently?

I would've loved to see more creativity in regards to images, more focus on search and AI elements

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Principle Broker of a real estate company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Real Estate Brokerage

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Contrast & Co. to accomplish?

• Brand

SOLUTION

How did you find Contrast & Co.?

Referral

Why did you select Contrast & Co. over others?

Taryn

How many teammates from Contrast & Co. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Provider of real estate related services

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Complete brand and website

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

Very responsive and on time

What was your primary form of communication with Contrast & Co.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their creativity was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Contrast & Co. could have done differently?

No