What was the scope of their involvement?
Fourth Estate Creative proposed many different solutions to address our problem. One suggestion was to reduce the number of published deliverables to two printed copies per year. Rather than having a monthly online version, they suggested having a website where we could post things more frequently, and reach our members as soon as news and relevant information became available. That’s the direction we took for the rest of the engagement.
They came up with a few ideas, but we had an in-house pitch that we wanted to go with. They presented some additional concepts to us throughout several in-person and online meetings. That gave us an opportunity to consider different designs. We developed an approach that worked well for both sides. We provided them with a written style guide, and they designed each deliverable independently.
Their involvement with us includes handling the full design process of our magazine. They gather content and commission writers to work on each issue with them. They have a design team that puts together the physical content for us. Once they send copies for proofing, our team will double check everything for accuracy relating to trading standards. There’s usually little that needs changing.
If we bring in any external advertising or anything like that, they offer their services redesigning artwork. That helps out our publication and allows our partnering companies to get some work done as well.
In addition to the publications, they also provide us with a number of other services including video production. They’ll produce video animations for various projects and campaigns that operate on a national or local level. They still maintain the website, and we’re starting work on our third issue of the print magazine now.
What is the team composition?
They’ve allocated three full-time staff members and several backup contractors. Our main point of contact for a while was Paul (Managing Director, Fourth Estate Creative). He’s also our current liaison for newer work that comes through. We have a different point of contact with regards to the publication. There’s also a marketing resource that we work with when trying to reach a bigger audience.
How did you come to work with Fourth Estate Creative?
We sent out multiple RFPs, and Fourth Estate Creative was one of the companies that responded. They put their information forward and applied for the contract. We interviewed a total of four different firms. Fourth Estate Creative’s proposal was within the price range we were looking for, and they put forth several innovative ideas that we hadn’t considered.
How much have you invested with them?
send the information.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together right before summer 2018, and the engagement is ongoing.
Fourth Estate Creative delivers high-quality content on a consistent basis. Their hands-on approach to content ideation facilities innovative designs. Their contributions receive positive feedback from key stakeholders. A communicative management staff ensures a transparent engagement.