Flux Creative

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a Managed IT and Cyber security services, provider. From a technology and security standpoint, we provide our clients with increased productivity, peace of mind and a platform for growth.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

Our business agreed to buy out of the franchise we were in. We relied on the franchise for all branding, marketing, website design and maintenance. We did not even have a company name!! The goals were "Simple" to come up with a name and brand for a company that had 9 years of trading history.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After interviewing and reviewing 3 creative companies via meetings and proposals, it was clear that Flux had a particular skill in the overall branding solution. Although Flux were new, the team were highly experienced and showed us many examples of their work. We hired Flux as we felt they were culturally aligned with what we wanted to achieve.

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

The scope was a full name and brand exercise. We held many meetings and workshops, met in different surroundings, doing things like customer profiling, client experience (mock sales meetings etc) Once we agreed to a name, the logo took a lot of time to agree on. As soon as it was, the complete branding exercise felt easy in comparison. Basically because Flux did all the heavy lifting.

Flux delivered A full brand package (letterheads, website colours, design etc) One of the best deliverables was the branding for our software. Our software vendor had a very demanding list of icons and logos to be produced, Flux provided everything and in a timely manner.

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

We worked with James (Brand Strategist) and Mark (Creative Director) from Flux.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We get many sincere comments on our branding, the ALTO brand is on a lot of staff clothing, and everyone is proud to wear it. Our Website generates a lot of new business, and when talking to potential new clients, the brand gets mentioned a lot.

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

As with many projects, it tends to be the customer (us/ALTO) that can slow the process down. We end up "doing" our business and have less time to work on it. Flux were excellent and scheduled the right amount of weekly and monthly meetings. We felt Flux were proactive in providing a framework to keep us on track.

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

The industry knowledge and experience, as well as the diverse range of clients they work with. This made for some great creative conversations and ideas.

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

I can't think of anything. The team have evolved over the time we have dealt with them.  We would definitely work with them again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of my own bookkeeping business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

On starting up I branded with help from my niece who completed a design degree. After a few years I wished to refresh my brand with a more professional image. I loved my current logo and branding so just wanted it refreshed as opposed to a total new brand.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was aware of them personally through networking and was impressed with examples of their work completed for mutual connections.

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

Refresh of Branding I met with Mark and we discussed my requirements. Mark took on board what I was looking for - he then sent me some concepts to review giving me several options. My biggest problem was I liked them all. In the end I was able to select my favourite bits from a few concepts which Mark then brought together giving me the final designs.

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

Mark  - Director

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Prior to the brand refresh I only really had a logo and business cards but with Marks help I was able to refresh my website and social media presence with a brighter and more striking brand. I am absolutely delighted with it and have had lots of comments on my brand.

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

The communication between myself and Mark was excellent. He kept in touch regularly and responded with changes requested pretty much immediately.

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

Mark listened to what I wanted and was able to really enhance my brand without deviating too much from the original logo. The concepts offered were fantastic and really gave us food for thought. I had a specific idea that it was just a tidy up of logo but he was able to create something much more. Whilst we already knew each other, he really took time to get to know my business inspirations and thoughts. Mark is still on hand now when I want a small advert or logo in a specific size.

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

None - the experience was seamless.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of Twinpeakesflyfishing who offer a portfolio of Fly Fishing offers on Royal Deeside - Scotland. From running a tackle shop and fly casting school to bespoke fly fishing experiences in and around Aberdeenshire and bespoke fly fishing travel worldwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

We were looking to update our logos and to create stylish pdf sales documents for bespoke itineraries to send upon enquiries. The important thing what to get training so that we could edit the documents ourselves, keeping all documents on brand and a stylish flow throughout all of the documents.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were recommended to use Flux from a business associate who also used him for some now logos and rebranding.

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

We began with some interviews via zoom and we walked Mark through our website, showcasing everything that our business offers. We discussed a new range of logos that could be used on documents and merchandise. Then we provided some copy and text with a range of images and mark came back with some first drafts. Going on, we had several meetings where we made final adjustments and Mark would take on our points from the various calls and integrate the comments into the design.

Finally, the most important part for us is Mark have us training on how to adjust and modify the sales documents using InDesign, this was fantastic, and now we can create stylish bespoke itineraries for our customers and just need to change a few bits in InDesign each time. We couldn’t be happier with the result!!

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

We worked soles with Mark who staying with us until completion.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our business has moved in leaps and bounds through our work with Flux. Our sales process is far quicker and much more professional. We had added new projects in to the mix and always refer back to Mark for design and branding suggestions.

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

Communication was also excellent and they worked to the deadlines exceptionally well! As we added more work and changes, they simply changed the deadline with approval for both parties and got the job done!!

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

A personal experience and they really get to know you to understand not only what you think that you want but also think outside of the box to look at the project from the outside bringing valuable suggestions to the table.

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

No everything suited us perfectly

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company trade as Accountants and Business Advisers with 4 offices throughout the North East of Scotland and over 30 staff.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

We hired Flux to work alongside our PR expert and Specialist Accountancy Web Developer to bring enthusiasm and creativity to the development of our new website. Our goal was to create a user friendly website that stands out from the crowd with useful, informative information for our website users.

SOLUTION

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

We selected Flux as they were recommended to us and Mark, from Flux certainly didn't let us down when we met him to discuss the project. Mark was full of excitement and great ideas.

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

We met with Mark and described what we were looking to achieve. Mark listened to the concerns we had with the mainstream Accountancy Website provider's standard designs and became an integral part of our website design with his flair and enthusiasm. We had so much confidence in Mark that we left him to correspond with our Web Developer to create a website we are delighted with. Mark kept pushing the Developer when need be and made sure the project was completed on time.

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

Mark, one of the Directors at Flux took on and completed our project by himself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After launching the site we have seen a significant increase in users and enquiries. WE have also received several favourable comments re our Website design.

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

Mark's project Management style was hands on. Mark kept us informed of progress and the issues he encountered and subsequently fixed.

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

The creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic of Flux were faultless.

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

Flux could not have performed any better. They provided everything asked of them and more.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and podiatrist at Step and Stone Health and it is my responsibility to bring the new business to life with full brand profile and expression with he help of the guys at Flux.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

The goal was to bring the new business to life with full branding profile, including verbal and visuals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The guys at Flux are amazing, as shown in their other previous projects and their social media/website. I had been introduced to James a couple of years back and he was the first on my list of companies to contact. The truth is that I never got to the second on the list as I was sold by their passion and love for their industry.

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

We had a discovery call which took us over what the project would look like and why each part is important to get to the final design/completion of project. We then had a hugely in depth meeting in person which really extracted everything that the business would stand for/look/feel like. This was super fun and brought out the creative bit of me (which is normally pretty tough!) This led to a couple of touchpoint emails to check in with the development of the brand.

Then we had a zoom where we went through the finished brand, and it was safe to say I was absolutely blown away. Those words don't even do the feeling justice- these guys are the best int he business at what they do.

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

Both James and Mark were heavily and equally involved in the process and I felt like I could be 100% honest and open about things at every step> They were very constant that this had to be right for me and the business, not to keep them happy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I couldn't give any metrics apart from my happiness meter, which was an 11 out of 10.

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

Their communication was absolutely outstanding, they were in direct contact throughout the project, keeping me updated about the progress of things. I couldn't have asked for more.

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

They met me on my level, they didn't through marketing and branding jargon at me, they talked me through everything without patronising or dumbing down. It was perfect.

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

No. End of. There is nothing that they could have done better. Not one thing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Managing Director of Kore Solutions and we offer technology led in building solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

We had identified a gap in the local market for specialising in electric vehicle charging solution, it was a service we were involved with under our Kore Solutions company but wanted to stand out from this to allow us to take this service offering to a digital market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had spoken to a few businesses and we were recommended Mark and the team at Flux. I can honestly say the first call I had I knew they were the guys for the job, they just got what I wanted to do and I couldn’t wait to get started.

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

We had a online interview where they probed and queried what our ethos was, what we liked, what we didn’t like and from this we collectively started a story board of the things we like such as colours, type face, photos none of which related to the actual new company just so they could understand what I was about and how I wanted my business to look and feel. Flux then offered a few names, looks and feels for the business and ORKA was born.

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

I worked directly with their Director Mark Thouless who then pulled in members of his team as desired but the consistency in dealing with Mark throughout the project put me at ease and make the whole process easy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A new company name, a brand, a look and feel which is helping us go from strength to strength. In a very short space of time through effective marketing the brand is becoming known.

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

We had continual communication throughout the process and we would video call when appropriate and these were not only fun but very worthwhile and productive.

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

How they grasped what I wanted to do, how I wanted it to look and feel. They portrayed my thoughts in a way I never thought possible!

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

No I don’t think I can fault the process or the team!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of a family run letting agency operating in Aberdeen

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

Our branding was inherited and was some 35 years old, it needed brought up to date but not to loose the identity that had been grown over those years

SOLUTION

How did you select Flux Creative?

We were recommended Flux by another business who had used them, They spoke highly of their work and how they went about engaging their clients

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

to be honest we were busy at the time and just said, this is us, these are our values, make it better but don't loose out identity. We asked for a branding pack to allow future growth in the business

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

We worked closely with Mark, MD

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This was delivered on time and really hit the mark. There are seldom things that we as directors agree on straight away but amazingly we did on this. this is a testament to the work that Mark and his team put into the project, listening to what we both had to say then delivering a great product.

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

Good, Timely, Approachable and listened to what we gave in the briefing.

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

Their attentiveness and enthusiasm, taking the time to explain why they suggested certain things, were impressive.

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

Not really, this was a very good interaction and I would not hesitate to suggest people reach out to Flux for future work

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am managing director of a small design-led construction management company, Albyn Design & Build Ltd, our turnover currently averages £1.2m per annum and rising.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

We required a full rebrand of the business as we proceeded with a rename from Albyn Building Services to Albyn Design & Build. We wanted the new branding to be highly recognisable when applied to site banners etc, as well as adaptable to suit further divisions of the brand. Since the intial branding, Flux Creative have applied the core of this branding to our architecture division, Albyn Architects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had worked with several branding companies in the past, including Flux, and I knew Mark had great ideas and a fantastic ability to understand our goals and represent these in his designs, so had no hesitation in hiring Mark and the Flux team.

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

We met Mark at the outset, after we'd filled out his 'fact finding' questionnaire, discussed our list of potential names and he gave his feedback. Once the name was selected Mark prepared and issued an Identity Direction proposal, outlining the basic concepts Mark had identified to build our requirements.

The next step was a draft branding document, and Mark really got this spot on, we had very minor feedback to give and were blown away by his simple stunning concept. The final identity document came very quickly after and we've been delighted with it ever since.

As mentioned above, Mark has since successfully applied this same concept to the Architect's division, the beauty of this concept is the logo is technically identical yet uses colour to make it completely unique at the same time.

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

Just Mark, he was the lead designer for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every time we install site signage, we get feedback from clients and suppliers to say they've seen us working at that location, proving that the design is highly noticeable even when driving by. We're just about to be signed up for a commission right in the heart of the city, and that logo will be getting some serious publicity.

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

We were led through each stage of the process, each time we gave our feedback or submitted our information, the turn around from the Flux team was quick. The ability of Mark to glean the correct information from us meant he was able to narrow down the concept very quickly.

The design presentation — showing us how it looked on site banners, hard hats, etc. — brought the branding to life.

Mark is a great guy, laid back, funny and easy to converse with, has lots of stories and also anecdotes about graphic design that make the meetings very enjoyable.

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

I'm always impressed when a small local company provides a service that puts bigger companies to shame, and Flux is exactly that type of company. These guys have some great designs to their name already and fully expect them to grow into a major design company in the city.

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

I honestly can't think of any, other than chase us up more at the start to get their questionnaire filled in and get the ball rolling, but equally giving us the time to think about things probably helped too.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of Tidy Green Clean. We’re commercial cleaners covering all of Scotland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Flux Creative?

We needed a new website, a rebrand of our logo, a brand guide, marketing material, and different marketing strategies. Basically, we needed everything from the start, so we brought in Flux Creative.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we had 2–3 discovery meetings where Flux Creative was looking to understand us, our brand, and our company. We had already clearly defined our purpose and vision, and they worked with that. From there, they presented us with various ideas about branding, logo redesign, and marketing materials. We went through every proposal and had additional meetings to streamline them and ensure we had it all right. 

The team started creating material we signed off on, including artwork, brand guidelines, company t-shirts, proposals, business cards, and materials for business client giveaways, among others. We continually tweaked our logo; for example, our previous version had tree leaves, and Flux Creative removed them to achieve a more commercial-type brand.

After Flux Creative produced all of our brand work, they designed and built our website from scratch. They built SEO optimization into the backend. The site includes our services, sectors, customer testimonials, and calls to action. The team also incorporated regional pages and spaces for blog posts and news on the site. Currently, we still use Flux Creative to review our brand.

What is the team composition?

I work with Mark (Creative Director) and James (Brand Strategist).

How did you come to work with Flux Creative?

Flux Creative was a referral through a network that I was part of. I also knew Mark’s wife from another job. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £30,000 (approximately $38,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2019. Although our retainer with them ended in June 2021, our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The branding has been successful; our business has doubled in value every year since working with Flux Creative. Everyone loves our renewed brand, and our look and feel is exactly what we were looking for. Although the web development process was long, we got it right by not rushing into it. In the end, we wouldn’t continue to use Flux Creative if we didn’t think they were the right fit. 

How did Flux Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very organized and methodical, delivering everything on time. If there are any hold-ups, it’s usually on our end due to delays in approval. They use Gantt charts for timelines and deliverables. We communicate via phone, email, WhatsApp, and in-person meetings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Flux Creative is incredibly hands-on and really skilled at what they do. They’re far superior to all the other companies I’ve worked with. The team delivers what they say they will, and the creative side of their work is out of the box. They think about how we can use the brand and change it in the future to use in other mediums within the market.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing they need to improve comes to mind. They do what they’re paid for to an exceptional level. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would highly recommend you have an initial call with Flux Creative.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Long Walk Coffee, a coffee roasting company in the North East of Scotland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Flux Creative, and what were your goals?

This was a brand new company with the idea that we wanted to roast amazing coffee, but not much else! We hired Flux to help us create a brand from scratch, including brand name.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had used Flux on a project with another company and found them to be great at creating a brand with an existing name and operation, so thought it would be good to involve them in this one.

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

We began with some in depth interviews with ourselves and the team at Flux, discussing what we were hoping to do, how we were hoping to do it, and our main objectives and goals, among other things. From that we then moved to use that to build a brand book, which detailed key words, visions, missions, etc which we went through together to ensure that everything was in line with our hopes for the company and what it will become.

From there we looked at names that tied into everything and sat nicely with our plans for the future operation. Finally, various artworks were produced based on everything we had come up with, prior to final approval when we received copies of all our artwork and the brand book.

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

We worked with James and Mark, the two main men at Flux!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Flux Creative worked hard and gave us a brand identity that fits with our vision for the future of the company. The future path is now much clearer and more succinct after spending time with Flux.

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

Communication was key to their work on this project, with feedback all along the way, along with clear and concise instructions, as well as clarity on the reasons behind them going through the process in the way they did. It was all very clear, succinct and fun!

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

The guys at Flux got who we are and what we are trying to do very quickly, and were amazing at taking our ramblings and pulling them into the exact concept we were looking for.

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

I have no feedback on their performance, all excellent.