Costello Communications Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of operations for Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning and Leadership. I also over the Venue SIX10 event space, which occupies a portion of the building. With 50,000 square feet of space, the facility caters heavily to corporate clients, including nonprofits and for-profits.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Costello Communications?

I’ve worked with Costello Communications on various projects over the years. Our current project is a site redesign and branding work for Venue SIX10. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Costello Communications is doing a complete redesign of the Venue SIX10 website. It’s an image-focused approach that starts off with a 45-second introduction video on our splash page. From there, the site features a detailed photo gallery of the space — what the specs are, how the space looks unused, and how the space looks in use. Their team has also tweaked our logo and branding and has included inquiry forms for clients. 

What is the team composition? 

I work with two people, Jim (Owner) being my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Costello Communications?

The lead designer at the Field Museum of Natural History recommended Jim to me about 25 years ago. Since then, we’ve had an ongoing relationship that’s spanned numerous projects.

How much have you invested with them?

This particular project has been a little over $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The site redesign and branding work started in March 2020. We’re nearly done with about a week left before we go live.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Jim is an exceptional designer and thinker, which is an awesome combination. We’ve worked on multiple catalogs for our exhibit program together. It’s clear that he understands how designs can carry a narrative. By thinking about the way an image reads and the ideas it conveys, he’s able to bring a clear vision to a brand. As a result, the final piece works as a whole. 

How did Costello Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

There were a lot of external obstacles in getting this project off the ground. We were extremely busy during the fall of 2019, so we had to postpone the work until 2020. And then COVID-19 happened, which caused an additional strain.

Despite all of this, Jim and his team have been exceptionally patient with our staccato commitment. They understand that we have minimal staff focused on this project, so they make it clear what they need from us to keep the project moving forward at a steady pace. I’ve also been grateful for their sense of humor about the situation.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Jim has a small, agile team that’s extremely capable. They bring an intelligence to the way they approach their projects, and it’s clear that they’re sensitive to the nature of our business. They have a formal understanding of the design principles they want to implement, which I haven’t seen in other web designers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re a reliable team. We trust that they’ll execute something that we’re proud of.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come in with clarity about what you’re after and be able to articulate that. Once you give your instruction, Jim can run with it. He brings together photography, typography, color palettes, and content to form integrated designs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing program manager for the print solutions division at Veritiv. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Costello Communication?

The print solutions division manages a portfolio of private brands in different paper categories, but it wasn’t always obvious that we were one united solution. I tasked Costello Communication with helping us present our brands as a suite of products. That way, customers could understand each brand’s individual identity while understanding that it was part of a larger Veritiv portfolio. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Costello Communication has helped us refresh each brand one by one, first and foremost to make sure that we didn’t look dated.

They looked at our full library of sales collateral to understand what our sales reps required. For example, we knew we wanted each brand to have a style sheet and swatch book that would fit nicely into clearly branded print cabinets. Then there were the taglines, online videos, and other promotional assets.

This process has taken several years, during which we’ve faced numerous curveballs in the mix like retiring some brands and introducing new ones. Regardless, Costello Communication has remained nimble in updating our collateral, which allows them to present a full, cohesive suite of products.

What is the team composition? 

I primarily work with Jim (Owner), but we’ve dealt with numerous people. There really hasn’t been anyone who we haven’t enjoyed working with. 

How did you come to work with Costello Communication?

Veritiv was already working with Costello Communication when I joined the team. However, they were top of mind when I came up with the idea to create a suite of brands, mostly because of the way they presented their projects to us.

Every time we used them for a campaign, they would showcase different options to choose from. I remember that they were always so invested in the visuals because they understood what we were trying to achieve. They were familiar with our brand, they supported our company, and they had a great eye for detail.

That combination meant that they could manage everything, from the copyright of the images down to the proofing for all of the tedious specs. I knew that I could throw a spreadsheet at them, and they would be able to translate it in an easy-to-read way. 

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost has been just under $1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since December 2012.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Costello Communication’s quality of work speaks to the highest common denominator. They are truly a designer’s designer, and, thanks to their work, our private brand portfolio now has some of the most well-known brands in the industry. 

They’ve done a lot in terms of the assets they’ve helped create and their brand awareness campaigns. With their support, we’ve been able to better communicate our brands’ value, not just to the printers but also to the greater design community. That’s probably the greatest compliment that I can give them: their work gets the attention of their colleagues.

How did Costello Communication perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is very easy to work with. Oftentimes, they’re the ones who keep me on track. When we’re managing several projects at the same time, they’ll be sure to remind us of any missing data as well as any upcoming tasks like copyright renewals that we need to get done. We rely on them to handle those items, and they’ve never let us down.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Besides our industry and business decisions, they understand what we’re trying to convey. That belief in the value of print is always in the back of their mind regardless of what they’re designing.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Start off by giving them an overview of your business and goals rather than focusing just on the project at hand. They truly shine when they home in on what the big picture is.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a former employee of a Natural History Museum. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Costello Communications?

We needed to have some inventory reporting done. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Jim designed a series of reports conveying the results of biological and social inventories. The main goal was to communicate the information in these expert inventories to local, national, and international decision-makers, and to mobilize action for conservation and quality of life.

What is the team composition?

A full team of scientists worked with Jim (Owner)

How did you come to work with Costello Communications?

Someone at work met Jim and told me about him. We talked, and I found his work to be beautiful and powerful. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 1999 and it’s been ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Jim did a fabulous job, from the design of the cover of the reports, to the layout of the information, to the presentation of the photographs, to the readability of the scientific charts themselves. Jim’s reports have been a key ingredient in communicating the special characteristics of sites that led governments to protect 22 million acres of forests and another 11 million in the process of protection. It has been an incredible partnership.

How did Costello Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They are excellent about meeting deadlines, and the communication is great. The process has evolved over the years, and there are now great tools for uploading images and for quick communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Jim’s design is powerful, with beautiful aesthetics. He puts much thought in communicating, through his design, the scientists’ most important findings. And although each individual report is different, with its own appeal, you can tell it’s a series. Jim listens to the client’s needs and is strong about how he feels the subject should be conveyed for maximum impact. Working with him is a joy.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I feel he has taught me so much over the years.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very clear about what the ultimate goals are. Don’t be prescriptive about what the design should be; let Jim do what he’s good at.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an artist and the owner of an art studio.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Costello Communications?

I’ve hired them for a range of services from identity projects, cataloging my exhibitions, and developing my website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

He created a catalog for an exhibition I did at the American Philosophical Society Museum in Philadelphia. They’ve also designed my brand identity including my website, business cards, and letterhead. 

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with James (Owner), but I’ve worked with a few other assistants and freelancers. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We first worked together in 2010, and our relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback about their work. People have said that the designs are unique and sophisticated. Even the printing company I work with is impressed by their work. The website is functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

How did Costello Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great at meeting deadlines. They treat me as if I’m a high paying corporate client. They’re timely, responsive, and resourceful. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality and caliber of the work weren’t compromised by the modesty of my budget. They’ve been able to understand my needs and extend that through their work. I’ve worked with a number of other graphic designers that couldn’t represent my aesthetic. However, James and I have a great rapport and understanding. 

In addition, James is very accessible and hands-on. I don’t think you’d get the same type of service with a larger firm. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

Relative to the work James does for me, no. I don’t know about the breadth of his business to comment beyond what I’ve seen in my experience. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

They have an impressive range of capabilities, and they’re keen at understanding each client’s specific needs. James is great at taking feedback, so if something doesn’t feel right, he doesn’t take it personally, and he integrates that feedback into subsequent versions. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Director of Public Affairs & Development for the Lake County Forest Preserve District north of Chicago.

We manage 31,000 acres of public land in 64 individual sites, including 4 golf courses, an accredited museum, visitor centers, scenic overlooks, dedicated nature preserves, 2 National Historic Landmarks, 3 National Natural Landmarks, and over 207 miles of trail in a county with a population of 715,000.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Costello Communications?

Costello Communications designed: 2 annual reports for our Preservation Foundation (2018 and 2019); our quarterly magazine, Horizons, sent to over 35,000 households; and the brand refresh of our logo (2019).

What were your goals for this project?

For all of these projects, the goal is the same -- to express graphically and beautifully -- in tangible form-- our mission of public service; the provision of open space for recreation, the restoration of wild lands to encourage habitat health, and the guardianship of Lake County's natural and cultural heritage for living generations and those to come.

SOLUTION

How did you select Costello Communications?

Through RFQ/RFP, followed by in-person interviews with their design teams for each project. We considered approximately 3 - 4 companies for each project.

Our Public Affairs team was involved in the selection, made up of communications specialists.

We selected Costello Communications based on their superior design skills for similar projects and our experience working with Jim Costello himself on previous projects.

Describe the project in detail.

For branding: complete logo refresh, plus development of a finished Style Guide. For Horizons magazine, the cover and format were completely redesigned (moving from a two-color tabloid format to a full-color magazine format).

For the Foundation Annual Reports, full design and copy-editing. I am the director of the department, so was the not the project manager, but was involved with all details and had the final say on design matters.

What was the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Jim Costello, for all three projects. We also worked with others on his staff, but communicated mainly through Jim. The size of the team remained consistent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All three projects were highly successful. Horizons magazine has a devoted and appreciative readership who simply "love, love, love" the magazine.

We have heard that many readers save the issues because the covers -- designed by Costello -- are so beautiful. The logo refresh/branding project was also highly successful.

Our "old" logo had served the district well for a few decades. The goal was to use that logo, but refresh it with a crisp, colorful, modern design -- yet one still recognizable to the public we serve.

Costello's design embodied the symbolism of land, water, soil, plants, dovetailed with the district's 100-year vision for Lake County.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Costello met every deadline with polished materials ready for review. It was easy to schedule meetings and communication within meetings went smoothly and efficiently.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Jim Costello himself. He was the experienced, creative, inquisitive guiding hand on the helm of our projects. He listens and assimilates -- then comes back with designs and solutions that are thoughtful effective.

I trust Jim's design eye and rely on his considerable experience to take us where we need to go. It's a journey every time. A strong guide makes the path an adventure.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of. We left every project encounter satisfied with the result.