Vervex

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of iZita Marketing. For over ten years now, I’ve been coaching and consulting SMBs and business executives. I’ve also worked with large corporations and government agencies.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vervex?

I hired Vervex when I first launched my business. I needed a corporate logo, branding website, brochures, business cards, and a whole gamut of marketing and sales tools.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Because I’m a marketing consultant by trade, I already had a good understanding of the vision and look I wanted for my business. One of the reasons I selected Vervex was for their expertise in graphic design and talent in visual arts. Their team transformed my ideas into reality through my website, business cards, logos, and more.

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with Tina (Founder & Art Director, Vervex). She has had a partner on-and-off in the past and currently does as well. They used to outsource some of their work because they were very busy, but now the two do most of the work. Tina manages the projects I delegate to her.

How did you come to work with Vervex?

I searched the web for graphic designers in Montreal and came across her website. I was blown away by her illustration, artwork, and graphic design. When we met in person, we had an instant synergy. That helped tremendously in my decision making.

Tina is very compliant, caring, and passionate about her work. She cared about my business and perspective. This is why I selected her over the other firms I interviewed. She had talent and expertise.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested between $10,000–50,000. It differs year to year because I don’t redesign my website, logo, business cards etc. annually. Tina also does a lot of pro bono work for me because we work together. When I get clients, I pass her business on to them.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Tina in 2010. She was just starting out her business as well, so we worked together to build our businesses. We still work together, and I will always work with her and her team.

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

My business cards have that wow factor. I present them at networking events and always get incredible feedback. The card directs individuals to my website, and I land clients because of that. Vervex has a great vision. My cards always have a nice graphic design. Their team has an incredible ability to visualize creative designs.

How did Vervex perform from a project management standpoint?

We generally communicate through emails and phone calls, but our first meeting for a new project is typically face-to-face. We discuss the project scope and goals. Then, we plan the milestones and dates in order to offer flexibility.

Because we’ve worked together for ten years, we have a good understanding of our timeframes, limitations, and upfront project delivery. We manage project timelines and client expectations based on that. I’ve never had any clients overtly upset with a late deliverable because they’re never really late.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Tina’s genius in graphics and artistic skill is remarkable. She’s an artist first and foremost. She has a passion to deliver the best she can. Tina will never deliver anything that’s mediocre.

Our partnership had a great consensus and vision. We were an incredible match in terms of what I wanted for my business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Of course, we can always be better. Sometimes when Tina goes into panic mode or is facing a tight deadline, she goes silent. Because I know her so well, I know she’s working. She could open up a little bit more during these times. However, that’s her personality so I understand and respect that. If I send her something and don’t hear back within 12 hours, I know it’s because she’s thinking and working, so I let it go.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be sure to set very clear deadlines so their team can meet them. Sometimes they have a lot of projects on their plate; it’s important to be realistic with deadlines. Give them enough time to turn around quality work in an efficient and timely manner.

Because she takes so much pride in her work, Tina will never send anything that’s half done or not top quality. I rather wait another day because I know the quality will be superior. Every time I open up my email, I feel like I’m opening a Christmas gift.