hipinspire

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder & CTO of a startup. We empower entertainment companies to better manage artist online presence, know their fans, and further act on fan data.

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

Our software is still in an early stage, and the user interface is just the same as our MVP. Since our company is currently a team of two, and only one was in charge of all IT issues, we decide to hire hipinspire. By hiring hipinspire, they help us design and build a new UI that is more user-friendly and adorable.

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

We linked up with hipinspire via Linkedin. After the first meeting with them, we select hipinspire because of their past projects experience and design skills.

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

We filled up a simple form that could clearly state what our desired website looks like, then we provided our in-house designed wireframes to them. Hipinspire's design followed the concept we preferred and also add some great insights on the provided wireframes.

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

Hipinspire's founder was our main contact throughout the process. He was in charge of UI design and web design.

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

As our software is now in a beta version, but we believe the new design will make our clients find needed information more easily and more user-friendly.

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

We used email as our main communication tool. Hipinspire responded to us while they finished the design timely. Once they updated the new design, they will ask for your feedback and how they could improve the designs.

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

They gave us a form to fill up previously, and it really helped us to think deeper about how our software could better help entertainment companies and deliver our concept more precisely.

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

We are satisfied with the outcomes and really appreciate working with hipinspire.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the radical innovation manager at One Acre Fund, a non-profit in the US that works in East Africa providing seeds and fertilizer to small farmers. 

What challenge were you trying to address with hipinspire?

We were looking to create a website for a new fundraising program we're launching to benefit our experimental programs. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

hipinspire designed and developed our website from scratch. We shared some initial ideas and similar websites with their team. Then, we gave them the content and visuals for the website. hipinspire provided us with a few designs — one was perfect right off the bat. The website's primary function is communicating project information, so their team created bespoke graphics to translate our information into a visually appealing format.

They implemented several important features during development, including a slideshow, interactive data tables, and contact form. After the website was developed in WordPress, they transported it to our URL and showed us how we could make edits in the future. 

What is the team composition?

We only worked with Marko (Web Designer, UI Designer, & Web Developer). 

How did you come to work with hipinspire?

I found hipinspire through a Google search. They had a lot of excellent reviews and offered excellent value, so we hired them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $7,000 with hipinspire.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with hipinspire from June–November 2021. 

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

The website will launch within the next month with our broader campaign, so we won't have any concrete success metrics until then. Once it launches, one of the ways we'll measure its success is whether or not it raises any money for our organization. 

In general, hipinspire has delivered exactly what I wanted — they put precisely what was in my head onto the screen. They were even able to achieve every small request I had. 

How did hipinspire perform from a project management standpoint?

I was impressed with hipinspire's project management. Whenever I set a deadline, Marko would deliver early. Their team communicated and shared website components via email; they kept me in the loop if they were particularly busy on another project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

hipinspire's creativity and flexibility were really impressive. They had a great understanding of what we wanted and translated it perfectly onto our website.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for them to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise potential clients to share concrete examples of what they want and not be afraid of making edit requests. It's important not to hold back on making additional project feedback because hipinspire is great at understanding and implementing client requests. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder of a platform making it easy to connect private tutors and students. All tutors are verified, have ratings, reviews etc and payment automated.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire?

We required a full design overhaul of the website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to turn leads into paying customers. Hundreds of people go onto the site; although have no idea what to do when they get there. The site requires me stepping in to walk people through the process.

I wanted to ensure that people can go onto the site, select a tutor and pay without my intervention. I also wanted to ensure people stay on the platform rather than go around.

How did you select hipinspire?

We assessed a number of designers both in Australia and internationally. We had engaged a previous designer who was extremely cheap to make some changes that were imperative; although the site was still poorly designed and confusing for users.

I was sent hipinspire's website from a former colleague. I was extremely impressed with the portfolio and wanted a site very similar to the ones hipinspire (Marko) had designed.

I put in a request for a design review and was amazed at the promptness in reply and the level of detail put into this review. I just knew this was the right choice. Marko was responsive, professional and clear in what needed to be done.

Describe the project in detail.

We needed the entire website redesigned, as well as introducing new features. I was involved throughout the entire process, from initial review, intended goals and implementation.

What was the team composition?

There was myself who managed Marko, as well as my own development team who provided fantastic feedback throughout the process. This resulted in key changes to the design.

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

The designs are yet to be implement.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication throughout the entire project was excellent. We were always on the same page. If designs needed to be changed, we provided clear instructions and Marko implemented accordingly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was extremely impressed with Marko's knowledge of web design, as well as his level of communication and professionalism. The design is exactly what we were looking for. The level of communication and professionalism was also something I am yet to come across in this space.

I felt he showed a genuine interest in the company from the outset and was willing to help. He also genuinely wants to see positive results. The rate at which hipinspire completes their work is extraordinary.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of an advertising platform located in Canada. Our Company caters to global clientele.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire?

The design of our website was not user-friendly. We initially hired another designer but his design did not meet the vision we were going for. We needed our location page, category pages and product pages to be redesigned to be visually appealing and at the same time very user-friendly.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase our userbase by giving them the best UX and UI design that they could trust. We wanted to go for that enterprise look. In our line of business first impression is important and that's why this new design had to give them the wow factor we were going for.

How did you select this vendor?

As mentioned previously, we had another designer who simply did not deliver the look we were going for despite the intensive communication explaining what we are going for.

I found this vendor by going on Behance to see some of the best designers around. I ran into Marko's work and I was very impressed. After asking him to do a test designer for us, we knew right away he was the designer for our company.

Describe the project in detail.

We asked Marko to design us a category page that will give our users the wow factor. He showed us the first sample, it was good but not quite there yet. So I discussed the project in more details and I showed him examples of the look we are going for and after one day he came up with the redesign and it looked perfect.

We send him design to our internal team for feedback and everyone that saw it really liked it. Then we asked him to create us a product page which he did exactly according to specifications. We didn't need a revision because he got it right the first time.

What was the team composition?

We worked with Marko himself directly. He has done all the work himself.

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

After we implemented the new design, our user base grew by 30%. This was because our site looked like an authority site that users could trust. It also gave us that enterprise look which got us big name clientele. We received lots of positive feedback from our current customer base on how much easier it is to navigate the site now.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Marko and our team mostly talked over email or skype. He replies to inquiries very quickly. The communication between us has been really good.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Marko is a very talented designer. I am was impressed by how quickly he understands the requirements. He even will provide his own feeback to guide you in the right direction. He truly passionate about what he does and it shows in his work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't have any improvements. At first I thought his rate was a bit high but once you see his work you will quickly realize it's worth it. You can easily get cheaper designers but you get what you pay for.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Pitch + Pivot is a marketing and advertising agency that works with doctors, hospitals, and small practices to create websites, marketing, and content that helps them reach more patients. We also work with small tech companies to complete the same work. I am the marketing operations manager of the company.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire?

Our company hired HipInspire to design several websites and collateral pieces for us. He was able to perfectly blend creative vision with professional execution. All of the sites he designs are visually interesting and the clients love their final product. He is also able to develop the websites within WordPress, which adds great value to his work.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is simple: to provide our clients with a fantastic and high-converting website. With Marko's modern designs and quick communication, we were able to make this happen each and every time.

How did you select this vendor?

We reviewed a number of remote designers and were very interested in working with HipInspire because of the variety in his design style and because of his great communication + collaboration skills.

Describe the project in detail.

Marko has designed websites for us, like skinfive.com, hipaawebforms.com, Vibrant Dermatology, Skin Bar MD, and Santa Monica Women's Health. He has also created handouts and sheets for our clients.

What was the team composition?

Marko works with us as one of our remote designers and developers. He mainly worked with me, but the business owner, Garrett Smith, also connects with him for special projects. He has always been happy with the work provided by HipInspire.

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

All of our clients have approved and loved his designs. For our internal projects that Marko has worked on, the team all found his designs visually appealing and well thought out.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was fantastic. Marko is always quick to reply and keep us updated.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found the variety of styles and products that HipInspire can design is very impressive. He is able to execute on home pages and other page-styles that we need, as well as create handouts and other collateral for our clients.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only area where he could improve upon is keeping us updated with the timelines, but there has never been a problem with scheduling or missing deadlines.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and Principal of the digital creative agency Urban Emu. We create digital brand user experiences through innovation and design thinking for both web and mobile users.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire?

We needed additional creative support for a client project that required brand development and website programming.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to accommodate the clients needs and requests by presenting high value design results and programming deliverables on time and within budget.

How did you select this vendor?

Our team researched designers with skills in brand design and front-end development. After a lengthy evaluation period, we were referred to HipInspire by a creative colleague and the rest is history.

Describe the project in detail.

Our client project included a need for brand development and design, identity design for both digital and print outcomes. The project also included a new website that included a variety of complicated functionality and strategic user experience design.

What was the team composition?

Our team worked with HipInspire in a contractor capacity. Working with HipInspire was easy and efficient. Our project managers and designers worked hand in hand with HipInspire on a daily bases in order to meet the clients deadlines and expectations.

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

The project was a huge success. User experience testing was performed after the site was launched and the overall user feedback showcased a positive reflection on the materials created.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow with HipInspire was extremely effective and efficient. There was never a problem with working hours, scheduling calls, or meeting expected deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of work and speed of delivery.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None at this time.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company is Banzai, a SaaS company. I am the CEO.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire?

A redesign and development of our website in WordPress.

What were your goals for this project?

Rebuild the website, including custom graphics and new pages to handle all of our various types of content and corporate materials.

How did you select this vendor?

We spoke to multiple vendors and selected Marko based on the quality of his portfolio, graphics, and cost.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Marko provided full design, development, and graphic design of our website.

What was the team composition?

Marko worked with our head of marketing and an in-house designer on our team.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

This has allowed us to grow the content on our website and showcase it in the best way possible. We've expanded our content footprint and presented our business in a much more professional manner.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Marko worked with our head of marketing to manage the project. We took daily check-ins over email. This was effective. Marko is a good independent worker.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Marko does great design work and he's a great graphic designer. He is easy to work with, and he was very flexible in accommodating change requests.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Marko was unable to implement our website on top of an existing theme, which makes it harder for our team to maintain.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of 3CC Partners. We’re a private equity company focused on buying small to medium sized businesses and taking over management when the owners are ready to retire. In the process, we often digitize company operations to add value. 

What challenge were you trying to address with hipinspire?

I’ve worked with Marko (Web Designer & WordPress Dev, hipinspire) on three different companies that I founded (e.g. an online consumer security company, a software-enabled property trading company, and 3CC Partners).

For 3CC Partners, I wanted quality, simple web design produced on an efficient timeline with a straightforward delivery. My software developers would use the resulting designs to build a website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

For all three companies, I asked hipinspire to create designs based on provided briefs and wireframing. 

The process consisted of emailing Marko with bullet points of the project scope and timeline. When he confirms he has the capacity to do the work, I create wireframes and send them to him. Based on my vision, he produces UI work. Usually, he works in two to three iterations before completing a product. 

What is the team composition?

I work with Marko because hipinspire is a one-person firm.

How did you come to work with hipinspire?

Initially, Marko applied to a job I posted to my homepage and asked if I had remote work available. My human resources manager really liked him based on his proactivity and excellent work samples. However, we were looking for a full-time designer. He didn’t accept that position because he didn’t want to relocate, but I kept him in mind for future projects.

For 4–5 years since then, I’ve worked with Marko as needed. I always choose hipinspire when I’m looking for fast, cost-efficient delivery. Local freelancers are expensive, but Marko provides very good work for reasonable pricing. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested below $10,000 for the 3CC Partners solution.

What is the status of this engagement?

3CC Partners started working with him in December 2018, and the project ended in January 2019.

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

Whenever I give him a briefing, he turns around a rough outline in only 2–3 days. He also has a fast e-mail response rate; he usually responds in less than 12 hours. 

How did hipinspire perform from a project management standpoint?

His English is very easy to understand, and collaboration is effortless. Unlike other providers I’ve worked with, he offers concise, quick feedback to my emails. Also, his time estimations for tasks are always accurate and never vague. He strives to avoid risk by outlining a detailed plan at the very beginning. For example, he would say, “If we have two to three iterations, I’ll need at most 8–10 hours to complete it.” 

What did you find most impressive about them?

hipinspire is a great choice for an entrepreneur with time and money constraints. He doesn’t produce sophisticated, bombastic designs; his value proposition is practical designs at a reasonable cost. While he isn’t the best choice for complex designs, he is the fastest, most pragmatic designer I know, and he delivers solid work. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m very happy with his work. There’s nothing I would want him to do differently.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a co-founder and the CTO of Xmetryx, a team relationship management software startup.

For what projects/services did your company hire hipinspire

We brought Marko (Web Designer, hipinspire) on initially to design a thumbnail view for our results page, but, after seeing his work, we decided to expand our goals. Marko was also responsible for freshening up our existing results page, team member management page, and user feedback pages.

What were your goals for this project?

We designed our software in-house because we're a small technology startup. Despite receiving positive feedback on its ease-of-use and general design, it still had a home-grown look. As the head designer, I was responsible for ensuring our customers saw us as professional, responsive, and stable. Our ultimate goal was to have a professional design that retained our company’s unique personality.

How did you select this vendor?

Marko contacted me, offering his services on a contract basis. I checked his references, responses from previous customers, and online portfolios. Later, when I needed some design work done, I contact Marko and gave him a try.

Describe the project in detail.

Initially, I emailed Marko some mockups and an explanation of what we were looking for. I also provided him with a login to the demo version of our product. He sent me an onboarding link where I was able to specify my preferred level of artistic freedom and communication methods.

Soon after paying a small retainer based on his initial assessment of time required, Marko provided me with a mockup of our new pages. I made one or two minor changes and asked for his opinion on any other changes we should make. He came back in a day or two with another version of the update. Each of the other page designs was handled the same way.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with Marko.

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

All our key stakeholders responded to our final designs with resounding praise. They found the UX/UI cleaner than it used to be yet familiar enough not to have to relearn the software. We’re extremely pleased with Marko and hipinspire’s work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Marko was friendly and easy to communicate with but always kept his emails focused. All communication was via email, and all mockups were delivered via Dropbox (my preferred method of file sharing). He was highly responsive to my feedback.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I most appreciated Marko's willingness to step outside my creative guidelines and provide me with ideas to make the software easier, cleaner, and more professional. He’s able to provide modernized applications without imposing his own personality on them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only feedback I provided, which Marko addressed quickly, was the ability to track hours online. The work he did was beautiful, his response time was fast, and his rates were extremely competitive. I look forward to working with him in the future.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm one of the co-founders of QuikNode. We provide infrastructure (i.e., Ethereum Nodes) for blockchain developers.

What challenge were you trying to address with hipinspire?

We needed a website designed and developed as this was a brand new project we were building from scratch.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided a couple of sketches and ideas of what we wanted in the design. hipinspire built the website using HTML and CSS as we wanted it to be simple and streamlined. Marko (owner, hipinspire), who is both the designer and coder, has done several iterations of the site. Once the home page was complete, we asked him to create an FAQ page. He provided UX/UI work for an administrator’s panel and status page.

He also worked on a side project for a branch of QuikNode. We had an idea for the design and gave him a mock-up. He delivered a live product in two weeks.

What is the team composition?

As far as I know, it’s only Marko.

How did you come to work with hipinspire?

Marko had initially reached out to us through another company, and we decided to use him on this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $3,000–$5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2017 and the engagement is ongoing.

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

It only took a week or two from the time we hired Marko for him to finish the initial product and have live website up. We still use the same website, with a couple of custom tweaks. Our business has around 200 customers right now, and each one visits the site and uses the admin panel. It's simple and they get all the information they need.

How did hipinspire perform from a project management standpoint?

His communication is good. We asked him to join our Slack channel, which is great for being able to communicate about the project. Marko is able to understand our use case because of his IT background. He’s excellent at tailoring the design to our audience.

What did you find most impressive about them?

He's very good at following instructions. We give him an outline and a mock-up, and he will create several versions for us to consider. We iterate two or three times before we end up with exactly what we wanted. If something doesn't work — it needs to be darker or it needs to bring our message — he’s able to fix it right away. When we give feedback, he will deliver something that we’re happy with, usually within one try.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was one thing that we later corrected. When he originally did revisions for our website, he would send the updates to us in a ZIP file. Our preferred method was to use GitHub. It took some back and forth, but he did agree to use commits in GitHub and adjust to our workflow process.

Any advice for potential customers?

The more design direction and guidelines you can give Marko, the quicker he can be at delivering your site. Providing a mark-up, even if it's just a sketch and colors, will give him a better sense of the type of website you want. That's how we were able to get a live website in less than two weeks.