Reflective Media Inc.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Sabatini Food. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Reflective Media Inc.?

We were looking for a service provider to help us rebrand with a new look, logo, and cardboard packaging.

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Fernanda (Principal) rebranded our company, focusing specifically on the product packaging for our quiches. Before, it was basically a pie in a vacuum-packed bag with a label on top. Fernanda opted for a full retail carton instead, putting our new logo and picture on each side. That way, it didn’t matter how a store displayed our quiche because the customer could always see our company name and product image from every position.

What is the team composition? 

We just worked with Fernanda.

How did you come to work with Reflective Media Inc.?

Another packaging company introduced us to Fernanda. When she came in to meet with us, we told her a little bit about ourselves and what we were looking for. She came back with 3–4 different concepts for our rebrand, so we went with her.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost $12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with her from January–March 2012.

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

We wanted to come up with this package to keep our existing customers, which is what it did. When people saw the packaging, they fell in love with it — everyone thought it was a home-run! By doing that, we were able to get more promotions with our customers who were putting our brand in their fliers. I’d say our business probably doubled in the course of a year.

Fernanda herself was very creative. She handled everything, from A–Z on this project, including the photography for the packaging. I’d add that she was very receptive to criticism, too. Whenever we asked her to make changes, she did them without hesitation until we came up with an end product that we were all happy with. 

How did Reflective Media Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

I had no issues working with Fernanda. She would come in to present her work, showing us the mock-ups along with any changes, and we’d give her suggestions. Then, she’d make it happen. We wouldn’t talk again unless she had some questions or if I came up with a new idea.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Fernanda was really able to take the project and run with it. I didn’t have to give her a lot of guidance nor oversee her work, which made things easier for me.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything off the top of my head.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Fernanda is creative, so you should give her an opportunity to present her ideas.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former marketing manager for Palm Canada.

What challenge were you trying to address with Reflective Media Inc.?

Reflective was our graphic design partner.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team provided the collateral and supplemental items, like booklets and other paper-based materials. They also provided sell sheets and product info kits. 

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with Fernanda (Senior Project & Account Manager). 

How did you come to work with Reflective Media Inc.?

Reflective was working with the company before I joined.

How much have you invested with them?

We paid per project, which could be anywhere from $2,500–$20,000. We typically worked on more than 25 projects per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from February 2002–February 2007.

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

Fernanda is a brilliant designer, which is why we kept working with her for as long as we did. Even after I left, the company continued to work with them. Everything that Reflective did for us was exceptional. There was never a time when we had to go back and ask them to start over.

How did Reflective Media Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Reflective never missed a deadline. Fernanda was always on time and really easy to work with. She quickly understood where we were going and what we wanted to achieve.

In terms of project management, there would usually be an initial briefing and the beginning of each project, where we’d get an idea of the creative direction and the feeling we wanted to get across to the market. We’d go over tone, color palette, keywords, and other related details. From there, Fernanda would go back and create and present her designs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by Fernanda’s creativity, her openness, and her approachability. She’s very easy to work with. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I remember nothing but good things. I have nothing bad to say.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage Fernanda like she’s part of your team. Don’t think of Reflective as an outsourced design team, but as a part of your team. Communicate with them completely about what you want to achieve so they get the whole perspective of what you’re trying to achieve through design.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Del Ray Marketing Inc. I’m a business development consultant. Prior to this, I worked with a number of different companies in senior sales and marketing positions.

What challenge were you trying to address with Reflective Media Inc.?

Throughout my career, I’ve gone to them for photography and original design services, as well as packaging design.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Reflective Media was responsible for branding and creating the packaging design and product literature for several of the products we were selling to big box retailers. They went from concept to execution on several design projects.

What is the team composition?

I  worked with Fernanda (Senior Project & Account Manager).

How did you come to work with Reflective Media Inc.?

I asked my printing vendor for a design recommendation, and he told me to get in contact with Fernanda.

How much have you invested with them?

The contract is usually within the $5,000–$20,000 range. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 1990–January 2006. I’ve always been able to reach out to Fernanda if I need anything.

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

When it comes to product management, Reflective Media was always considered part of the marketing team in terms of strategy. They had a hand in helping us be successful with products. With any product, you have to have an inventory of excellent design elements, through the photography, lifestyle shots, and copywriting.

How did Reflective Media Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very professional: always on time and on budget. I can’t say anything detrimental about them in that area at all. Fernanda was a great resource who I could always rely on to deliver a high-quality product on time and on budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I liked working with Fernanda because she would push back and comment, based on her experience, what her recommendations would be regarding how to approach a particular creative task. I really appreciated that. 

In some cases, we’d have companies that just do exactly what we ask. Reflective Media was very proactive, and as a result, the final outcomes were always better.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If there’s any suggestion I would make, it would be for Fernanda to keep in constant contact with her clients to make sure she’s aware of where they currently are. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Any new client should recognize that Fernanda has a lot of experience and they should ask her opinion about strategy because she has a lot to offer.