GreyBox Creative

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a partner at Catchword, a leading naming and branding agency.

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

Catchword has partnered with GreyBox Creative on several company branding projects in the last few years. This review will be mostly focused on the naming and visual identity creation for a cancer detection platform. Catchword developed the name and GreyBox provided the creative work establishing the visual identity system. We worked collaboratively throughout the process for this particular project as well other projects that are similar in scope. To this day, as we continue to collaborate with GreyBox Creative and consider them a trusted partner.

How did you select this vendor?

A few years ago, I reached out to GreyBox to discuss possible collaborations as we recognized that having a trusted design partner would be an asset to us and our clients. Their creative design expertise and process has fit like a glove for us since there is a mutual respect for what we both do. To this day, we continue to wow each other and strive to do deliver the best solutions for our clients. We are always looking to improve our combined process and the way we work together.

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

Their scope was to design a visual identity system that included logo concepts to final execution and delivery of stationery system, brand guidelines and a presentation template for use by the client’s internal sales and marketing teams. The GreyBox team was in sync with our process offering their design perspective during the tail-end of the naming process while we kept in sync throughout the creative execution process.

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

Like Catchword, GreyBox is an extremely experienced team. There were three or four people involved from the GreyBox side. Vincent Fatato, Founder/President and Remo Strada Creative Director, served as our main points of contact throughout the process presenting all key deliverables and coordinating the work on their end.

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

After completing a number of projects with GreyBox, and being involved in the creative process, we have been extremely impressed with their their team and the work they do, and we can understand why they’re one of the most sought after agencies in the design space. To see the creative process in the works, including the literally dozens of logo ideas developed during the early stages of the conceptual process, has really impressed us. Ultimately, and in every client engagement, there were more than a handful of truly compelling design concepts, the hardest part perhaps being how to choose just a few to focus on and recommend! Without question, our combined skillsets have resulted in wonderful brand solutions (naming + design) and extremely happy clients.

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

GreyBox is an extremely responsive group, all seasoned business and design professionals. They know how to engage our shared clients, guide them through the design process, and ensure everyone’s on the same page about next steps. We and our clients are always perfectly in the loop and aligned on things related to the design work.

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

The GreyBox team seems to be very much like ourselves; strategic thinkers, creative, highly responsive, client-centric, really true experts in their field. We really respect them and enjoy working together. However, perhaps most importantly, what always impresses us the most is the incredibly thoughtful, “purposeful,” and BEAUTIFUL design ideas they develop. They’re a world-class creative services agency with an incredible amount of passion and talent for what they do.

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

Nah. Hire them. They’re awesome.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of Teleful. We help new homeowners see and choose from available options for cable, internet, and home security. They call my call center or put in their address online, and we give them the options in their area. Then, they can choose freely from packages pricing and providers, and we handle setup.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox

I went to them for help with our web development and design, as well as digital marketing and branding.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve been with me since the beginning, walking me through the development and design of my website and branding. I was given different views of the website as they were designing it, and they let me choose from a number of logo options.

The site launched three months ago, and GreyBox is now doing digital marketing including PPC and social media marketing.

What is the team composition?

Vincent (Director of Business Development) is one of our key people, as are Remo (Creative Director), Gaelen (Head of Strategic Online Sales), and Jordan (Digital Marketing Strategist). At the height of the project, there were about 5–6 people on the calls, each dedicated to a specific part of the project.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I heard that they were reputable through a friend who’d worked with them before. After performing due diligence on Google, I reached out to Vincent with my ideas to see where he would go. He gave me a strong vision of the site, design, logo, and marketing.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $50,000–$60,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2021.

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

I give them a lot of credit for helping build my brand. We went live on the site three months ago — and sometimes marketing takes time to get going, but we’ve done well with Google Ads from the jump. My business needs around 3–4 sales per day to break even, and I’ve been receiving 15–20 calls per day with a good conversion rate. We’re targeting all the right people and population segments.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We have biweekly calls with the marketing team to adjust campaigns if needed, and there were weekly calls while we were developing the website. GreyBox’s team is on top of everything we need. Their web development team hasn’t even stayed in touch with me since the launch.

They hit the budget right on target and have stayed with us throughout the whole process, which has put my mind at ease. Communication happens of phone calls, texts, emails, and Zoom meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re attention to detail and attention to the person stand out. GreyBox feels out what I’d like them to do and then expands upon those ideas. If you go to them with seed, then they’ll make it into a flower, bringing to life what’s in your head.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not at this time. They’ve been great thus far.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They know what they’re doing and will make your idea into the goal, even if you can’t articulate it. You want them in your corner.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a nonprofit. Our mission is to advance community-based supports. The program we’re in is a consumer-directed personal assistance program. It’s a Medicaid program for consumers who are seniors or people with disabilities who have need for personal care.

They’re able to self-hire their own workers to perform those tasks for them. It creates independence, autonomy, and ultimately leads to a better quality of care and cost-effectiveness.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

Our organization had never done marketing before. I took over as CEO and wanted to get our name out through rebranding, brochures, and logo design. The objective was to market the program because we found out not many people knew about it.

What was the scope of their involvement?

GreyBox Creative first handled a complete rebranding initiative. They created our logo and new brochure in a couple of forms; one is a pamphlet-style and another is a booklet. Their team revamped the content and visuals.

GreyBox Creative has also created some one-pagers. We get calls from potential clients and like to give them something as a takeaway. The one-pager serves as a factsheet that those potential clients can receive electronically or through the mail. It presents key facts about our organizations and what sets us apart.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I was seeking a company that wouldn’t need a lot of back-and-forths. The less time I spend re-explaining myself through the back and forth, the better. I was looking for a company that’d ask questions at the point in time when I say something or give direction.

Then, I’d receive a draft and all the details would be pretty much there, with the exception of a couple of changes here and there. That’s what GreyBox Creative offered me. They expressed that when they give me a product, they listen and bring it to 95% of what I’d expect of a first draft.

After some searching on Google, I narrowed down five companies. I selected them because after visiting their website and seeing their testimonials and branding, they really struck me. I called each company, assessed, and made a determination of what I felt was best for our needs — and that was GreyBox Creative.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $12,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement started around November 2020.

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

GreyBox Creative has shown great attentiveness and listening skills. Their ability to listen and then apply those requirements by producing a deliverable at first glance is above par. Additionally, the quality of their products is excellent. GreyBox Creative produces high-quality products that communicate our message to the recipient.

We’re seeing a good ROI on the marketing dollars we’ve spent. We’ve seen an uptick in clients as well as more sales. We’ve received great feedback about our branding, brochures, and logo. People are seeing us and our brand presence has definitely grown. There are more eyes on us, and we’re more noticeable now.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management has been excellent. We communicate through email, Zoom, and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their listening, application, and quality are what separates them from others. The reason we switched to GreyBox Creative is why we’re still there today.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the risk. Marketing is a big leap of faith because you don’t know what you’re going to get until you do. Take the leap with GreyBox Creative, and they’ll make you successful.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a sales associate with the Coleman Group.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

We needed help creating a brand, building a website, and managing SEO campaigns.

What was the scope of their involvement?

GreyBox presented three different options for our brand identity and explained their rationale behind each one. We then chose the direction in which we wanted to go, and they built out our brand identity, including logo and tagline.

Their team also created business cards, folders, note cards, listing presentation sheets, and other print collateral.

They also built our website using WordPress. Their team managed design and development. They linked the website to MLS and Google Maps API to show properties’ locations. Now, they’re in charge of our SEO campaigns and are assisting us with design for additional web and print collateral (i.e. newsletters, sign riders, email signature, etc).

What is the team composition?

Our project manager’s Vincent (Founder & President) who oversees the rest of the team that includes developers, designers, and branding consultants.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I used Clutch, another resource, and Google to search for a partner. I liked that GreyBox was smaller and experienced in the real estate industry. They also had positive reviews.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $10,000–$50,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together around September 2019, and it’s ongoing.

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

GreyBox listened to our ideas, learned about our team, and then created vision boards for our team and each team member. Using the vision boards, they created designs and aesthetics for the brand that highlighted our shared values and approach to our work, while letting our individual personalities also shine through. Their team was able to capture who we are and how we serve our clients. We love the look and feel of the website and all of our new print collateral.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re extremely responsive, answering our emails within the hour. We never wait a day for a response. The project took longer than planned, which was partially due to COVID. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Greybox is an extremely talented team of experts in creative design, branding and website development that are passionate about the results they deliver to clients. We felt that we were getting the best in every area of the project because of their team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

At times, it took extra effort for us to stay on top of communication because many different people became involved in the project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Opt for the in-person kickoff meeting with the Greybox team. Think about the right deliverables for your company. Make sure you have the time to help oversee and input into the process to maximize the value-add the Greybox team can bring to your business.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a restauranteur who’s been in the business for 37 years. I currently own, either completely or in some other capacity, seven different restaurants.

What challenge were you trying to address with Greybox Creative?

We rely on Greybox Creative for branding our restaurants and implementing these brands across the channels we want to market to most.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They spearheaded the branding process from ideation to execution. I gave them my ideas, and they dissected the brand’s goals and value propositions. They took these foundational ideas and apply them to our logo, website, and collateral design. They’ve even conducted SEO for us.

What is the team composition?

I worked primarily with two teammates, Remo (Creative Director) and Vincent (Founder).

How did you come to work with Greybox Creative?

I've known Vincent since childhood. We ran into each other literally days after I began looking for an agency.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $50,000–$200,000 over the course of our engagement.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2010, and it’s an ongoing partnership.

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

Greybox Creative did an excellent job of communicating that our dine-in customers would be seated outside, successfully allaying some major fears amidst the pandemic. The team effectively got our name out during a time where people were reluctant to eat out. Our restaurant has been full every day since it’s opened, and I can attribute some of our success to their efforts.

How did Greybox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They communicated brilliantly. They’re detailed, deadline-oriented, and extremely specific.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I wish I could be on top of my own game as much as they’re on theirs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

An improvement would be difficult because every aspect of the project came out swimmingly. I can’t think of how they could’ve done a better job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a strong idea of what you want. Depending on the industry, it helps to have some clarity around your expectations. Be able to sit and passionately communicate your goals.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner at a real estate company.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

We’ve worked with GreyBox Creative for about seven years, but about a year ago, we needed help launching a new company.

What was the scope of their involvement?

GreyBox Creative built a WordPress website for our new company. They also did branding and designed the logo. We were given a few logo options, and we chose the one we liked best. Similarly, they presented 2–3 website mockups, we selected the one we wanted, and we went from there.

What is the team composition?

I work with different people. Stephen (Director of Online Marketing, GreyBox Creative) operates separately from the rest of the team in his online marketing work. Gaelen (Director Web Development, GreyBox Creative) is the IT person and works on the site’s backend. Remo (Creative Director, GreyBox Creative) is the designer and has done all of our logos. Finally, if I need further coordination or we experience a challenge, I involve Vincent (Founder & President, GreyBox Creative).

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I did a lot of research to find the right candidate to help develop my business. I also hired a second party to assist in making this selection, and the result was GreyBox Creative. The quality of their design work set them apart.   

What is the status of this engagement?

My company began working with GreyBox Creative in 2013, and our partnership is ongoing. The big project they did last year lasted 4–5 months.

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

Their work has always been highly regarded by my clients. I definitely attribute an increase in brand awareness to them.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very efficient in their communication; I’ve never had any issues in this regard. We talk over the phone or email depending on what’s needed. The owner gets involved as needed; if I leave him a message, he calls me back, which I appreciate. They build a relationship with their client.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed by the quality of their design work. They’ve always done fantastic work for me. Their process is smooth, straightforward, and dynamic.

Are there any areas they could improve?

GreyBox Creative delivers what they say they will, so I haven’t seen a flipside. They don’t over-promise or get involved in things they can’t manage. They’ve offered design, branding, and website development to my company, and they’ve delivered.

Any advice for potential customers?

GreyBox Creative does very well at managing the partnership, so there’s no need to advise a third-party on how to handle that. They flawlessly build client relationships.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the deputy director of development at a global literature and human rights nonprofit. I oversee special events.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

We don’t have an in-house graphic designer, and we had a couple of projects that required design services.

What was the scope of their involvement?

GreyBox Creative designs our complete gala suite each year. The literary gala is our largest fundraiser, and GreyBox Creative’s team designs the program book and any stationary related to the event, including the invitation suite and letterhead. They work on the designs for the gala collateral in October or November through May, when the gala takes place.

They also design the hardcopy invitations for our author evenings, a series of about 35 dinners throughout the season. We engage GreyBox Creative for this work in November or December, and the invitations go out to a large list of people at the beginning of January.

GreyBox Creative has helped other public programming teams within our organization by designing print collateral for different events. They base their designs off of our brand guidelines.

What is the team composition?

We work with two of the partners at GreyBox Creative.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

When I joined my organization, they were already working with GreyBox Creative. After reaching out to them and seeing their work, I was happy with their work. It didn’t make sense to look at other vendors because GreyBox Creative knew the organization and our work.

How much have you invested with them?

My organization has spent $12,000–$15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I began working with GreyBox Creative in July 2018, but my organization’s been working with them for a few years.

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

Their designs are beautiful. The invitations always look amazing.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great to work with. There’s a lot of back and forth, and my team sends a lot of edits and changes, but they handle everything gracefully and professionally.

What did you find most impressive about them?

GreyBox Creative does great work, and they’re really nice people. They’re also great about incorporating our brand guidelines into their designs. Working with them is always a pleasure.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really. They’re great.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Union Burger Bar, a high-end restaurant in Southampton, New York.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

I wanted to give my town something that it was lacking, and I needed the right branding team to help me launch my idea.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I came into this project with a very clear understanding of what I would need from their team. I walked Vincent (Founder & President, GreyBox Creative) and Remo (Creative Director, GreyBox Creative) through my business plan, and we reached a consensus regarding the direction we were going to take. Their team provided branding services for my restaurant, and they developed a strategy to engage an affluent clientele.

What is the team composition?

I worked closely with Vincent and Remo throughout the project.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I first learned about GreyBox Creative after running into Vincent, who is a childhood friend of mine. This happened right as I was planning to open another venue, and I brought his team on to create a full package of branding and marketing materials. This first project was a complete success, and I knew Vincent and his team would be the right branding partner for my next endeavor.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work began in December 2018, and my restaurant opened in January 2019.

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

Since opening, I’ve been able to generate a very high level of revenue. I'm attracting the clients that I want, and my restaurant is regularly filled to capacity.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They were extremely responsive, and I was able to reach out to them via phone call, email, or text. We also held many in-person meetings and video chats, which were very helpful in terms of evaluating deliverables.

What did you find most impressive about them?

In terms of their work, the speed with which they completed the project is astonishing. Branding is typically a lengthy and complicated process, especially in the hospitality industry, where the majority of businesses fail within the first two years. Their team delivered everything I asked for in less than two months, and the quality of their work is comparable to that of a multi-billion-dollar company.

Also, the level of comfort and confidence that I’ve felt with their team has been outstanding. I’ve learned so much from them about digital marketing, specifically search engine optimization. They’ve also kept in touch since the restaurant opened, and they appear to be genuinely invested in our success.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If there were an area where they could improve, I would’ve told them, but I can’t say that I found one. They were fantastic. Their team has played a major role in my success, and I would not open another business without them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear idea of what you’re hoping to achieve, and be willing to learn the nuances of branding and strategy. Detailed planning is essential if you want to see your project succeed. Also, if you clearly articulate your goals, their team will be able to support you effectively and push your business forward.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work in investor relations as a small-credit hedgefund manager in New York City.

What challenge were you trying to address with Greybox Creative?

We hired Greybox Creative to help rebrand our firm.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We began with a discovery process to uncover the identity of our company. Greybox Creative then created several proposals for the new look. They helped us find the new colors, fonts, logo, for our brand and created a relevant newsletter and business cards.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three people from their team.

How did you come to work with Greybox Creative?

Through our business’ consulting services firm, we heard about Greybox Creative and used them in 2005 for a different branding project. When it was time for another rebrand, we felt comfortable with our history with them and their price point.

How much have you invested with them?

For this engagement, we’ve spent between $15,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Although we first engaged in 2005, this rebrand lasted a few months in 2018.

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

We continuously receive positive comments on the professional look of our new logo. People remark on the appealing colors we chose. We’re fully happy with the work they did and happy with the feedback we get on our new look.

How did Greybox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive and on top of managing the project. We primarily communicated through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were easy to work with and open to constructive criticism. We had a healthy amount of back and forth during the project, which was helpful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they could do to improve.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

When I worked with GreyBox Creative, I was the co-chair of the communications committee at Crew New York.

What challenge were you trying to address with GreyBox Creative?

Our two predecessor organizations came together to form Crew New York, so we started looking for a new identity. We needed a vendor to create a new logo for us, which would essentially be a graphic statement of the organization's purpose.

What was the scope of their involvement?

After learning about the goals and objectives of our organization, GreyBox Creative designed a new logo for us. They gave us a few different options, after which we provided our feedback. Then, they refined the color scheme and designed the final version.

What is the team composition?

We mostly interacted with Vincent (Founder, GreyBox Creative) and their senior designer.

How did you come to work with GreyBox Creative?

I met Vincent at a networking group. He seemed very personable, so I thought he and his team would be easy to work with. I saw their previous work, which was very much in line with what we were looking for, so we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them between January 2014–February 2015.

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

The logo is very dynamic and everyone in our organization has been enthusiastic about it. The word of mouth has also been very positive.

How did GreyBox Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly used email and phone to stay in touch and they were very responsive. They also gave us PowerPoint presentations, walking us through the look and feel of the logo.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very creative. Also, their owner is very hands-on. He was involved in all the phone meetings and email correspondence and he definitely helped us guide the project to a successful conclusion.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.