The Arsenal of Innovation
Xhilarate is a branding and design firm that creates visual brand expressions that engage people, excite the senses and inspire our inner awesome.
Xhilarate joins together a team of experts in strategy, web and print design, website design, development and programming, content creation, copywriting and photography / videography. Our capabilities span across many industries, including the arts and communications, education, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, insurance, finance, technology, transportation and professional services. We will help craft your brand story, create your brand expression and establish consistent brand connections across all touch points.
We know that a brand is built on so much more than its logo and how it visually represents itself. A dynamic brand delivers on what we call the xFactor:
- the promise that it makes
- Its overall expression
- the experience that it delivers
We work in collaboration with our clients to ensure that your brand’s xFactor is fully integrated to create the ultimate brand experience that has a positive impact on your company’s overall reputation.
Our Core Capabilities: Brand Strategy, Brand & Corporate Identity, Print and Digital Design, Web & Interactive, App & Mobile, Environmental Design, Package Deisgn, and Photography & Video.
Awards & Recognition: Our work has been featured, awarded and or published in numerous international design reference books and magazines:
Communication Arts, Logo Lounge, The Addys, Webby Awards, Adobe Film Festival, Graphic Design USA, SXSW Awards, The FWA, The Art Directors Club, Media Inspiration Awards, Print Magazine, Site Inspire, Awwwards.com, .Net Mag, etc.
headquarters
Focus
Portfolio
ASCRL, Aegis Advisory Partners, Assero, The Bertelsmann Foundation, Comcast, Drexel University, First Look Display Group, FlowMetric, Holland & Knight, Johnson & Johnson, McCormick, Inc., Oakley Commercial Flooring, PanTheryx, Phillips Mill Foundation for the Arts, Pinnacle 21, Temple University, Michael Grecco Photography, MTA, The New Orleans Multi-Cultural Tourism Network, Oddschecker, Procter & Gamble, ProFresh, Renaissance Pharmaceuticals, RevX, Shire, Stern & Cohen Law, Vanguard.
Xhilarate Sizzle Reel
Xhilarate 5th Anniversary Sizzle Reel
Renaissance Pharmaceuticals
Overview: Renaissance Lakewood, LLC is a US-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 20 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of nasal sprays and sterile injectable dosage forms for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The Renaissance brand was looking staid: it was no longer in alignment with the firm's leadership position and was not reflective of its core values - innovative, knowledgeable, resourceful and confident. The new look and feel features a color palette that balances optimism with trust and confidence. The typography, imagery and messaging work in harmony to position the company as an innovative leader backed by science and technology. The new dot-pattern logo pays homage to Renaissance's nasal heritage and forms a 3-dimensional cube to signify how the resources of the organization unite to form a strong, confident and unified entity.
Whether an existing or new client, one is immediately drawn to the Renaissance brand when visiting the new website. From the impact of the logo, which speaks to innovation and collaboration, to the optimistic cobalt and sea-foam color palette and to the dynamic, interchangeable content grid that supports a range of content including capabilities, services, factoids and a historic timeline one engages with the brand on a multitude of visual levels. Imagery, animations and videos pique curiosity and maintain customer interest from page to page.
Services: Logo Identity, Brand Style Guide, Look & Feel, Art Direction, Iconography, UI/UX/IXD, Website Design, C-Suite Materials, Copywriting, Advertising, Social Media Cards, Promotional Items, Trade Show Display, Photography, Video Production, Signage, PPT Templates, Content Creation, Image Library.
https://www.renpharm.com/
https://xhilarate.com/pdf/Renaissance.pdf
Pinnacle 21
Overview: Xhilarate has been partnering with Pinnacle 21 for nearly 10 years initially helping this entrepreneur start-up launch its flagship software company and, most recently, evolve the brand as it expands product and service offerings and into international regions.
The overall look and feel reinforces P21’s ability to help pharmaceutical companies launch new products quickly by accelerating the FDA review process, while complying with regulations. The use of fluid movement, bright, transparent colors and imagery, typography and iconography that embraces P21’s innovative ecosystem engages the customer on a multitude of levels.
The combination of bold colors, fluid movement, organic images and shapes are transformational, creating excitement and intrigue as the customer experiences all of P21’s touchpoints. This includes...C-Suite materials, the office environment, website, print collateral, digital communications, sales tool kits, signage, trade shows, webinars and promotions.
P21 puts the focus on people – their customers and team members. Bringing the company’s hi-tech, innovative focus to the forefront and incorporating the company’s values into the brand’s verbal expression inspires all to work toward a common goal - to build and grow an innovative ecosystem of products that are both sophisticated and fun.
Services: Brand Concept, Brand Identity, Responsive Website, Print Collateral, Iconography, Prototyping, Signage, Prototyping, Animation, Wayfinding, Iconography, UI/UX/IXD/XD/CX, Trade Show Exhibit, Photography, Video, Trade Show Exhibits, Signage.
https://www.pinnacle21.com/
https://xhilarate.com/pdf/Pinnacle21.pdf
Oddschecker
Overview: OddsChecker, the Flutter Entertainment-owned business, rebranded it’s sports betting odds comparison site in the United States with an entirely new logo, tagline and inspiration for look and feel that will optimize the user experience.
OddsChecker conducted multiple rounds of research with nearly 15,000 participants across the U.S. to allow us to engage with and better understand the needs of our users. In order to gain a complete understanding of required messaging, while, at the same time, creating a unique visual brand experience, we conducted an extensive audit of the NJ sports betting market, the general sports media (digital, print, TV and radio), sports books and sports odds.
Knowing that most online sports betting occurs via mobile, we created a look and feel that was bold, active, and easy to navigate. The new logo features an integrated check mark to add energy, action, and excitement, while the ball at the check mark’s tip creates a focal point and target of ambition.
Xhilarate generated many taglines for consideration and research indicated Beat the odds to be most inspiring. This tagline instills a sense of confidence and reinforces the emotional payout one feels by using a platform that presents the user with quantified odds comparisons.
Services: Competitive Analysis, Logo, Tagline, Look & Feel.
https://www.oddschecker.com/us/
https://xhilarate.com/pdf/Oddschecker.pdf
Temple University
Overview: In 2019 Xhilarate was selected as a preferred branding agency by Temple University’s Strategic Marketing & Communications team. Most of Xhilarate’s design projects have been in partnership with the Temple Beasley School of Law to help celebrate its 125th Anniversary throughout the 2020 / 2021 academic year. This momentous occasion sparked the need for visual and verbal communications across a range of print and digital touchpoints.
The commemorative logo designed for Temple Law School’s 125th Anniversary was purposely created for use across all print and digital applications. The logo immediately establishes engagement with its constituents and helps to increase awareness among all stakeholders—present and past faculty / administration, current and prospective students, alumni, donors and the business and local community. As the Law School was approaching its 125th Anniversary, it also wanted Xhilarate to explore a complete redesign of its alumni publication–ESQ. The goal was to use design and content to create a new publication that increased engagement, interest and support among its core constituents.
Services: 125th Anniversary Logo, 125th Anniversary View Book, ESQ Alumni Publication Redesign, ESQ Fall 2020, ESQ Spring 2021, ESQ Fall 2021, Impact Report 2019-2020, US News & World Report Campaign, Recruitment & Development Videos, Copywriting, Content Development, Look & Feel, Art Direction, Publication Design, Photography, Illustration.
https://vimeo.com/497461542
https://vimeo.com/497461356
Bertelsmann Foundation
Overview: BFNA’s Congressional European Parliamentary Initiative (CEPI) is a transatlantic fellowship now in its twelfth year. Each year, the fellowship convenes transatlantic policymakers over a period of two weeks, split between the United States and Europe. They heard from experts on topics ranging from transnational AI governance to the role of AI in climate change mitigation. Fellows were asked to contribute articles on relevant topics to be included in a compendium that was designed by Xhilarate.
AI is a relevant and controversial topic that impacts philosophy, the economy, our society, and geopolitics…to name a few. Thirteen fellows contributed thought leadership pieces that fell within one of these four topic areas. Xhilarate created an overall look and feel for the compendium and applied it to the cover and to each of the 13 articles. While the goal was to create a cohesive design for the publication, we also wanted to achieve clear differentiation between each “chapter” to engage the reader with each turn of the page.
The half human, half robotic cover image creates a level of excitement and anticipation before one even turns a page. As the look and feel is carried throughout the entire publication, the reader never gets bored as each chapter takes on a look of its own creating a level of excitement and anticipation. The mixed use of photography and illustration also helps to infuse excitement throughout.
As if the subject matter alone isn’t inspiring—The Human Program, A Transatlantic AI Agenda for Reclaiming Our Digital Future—the imagery selected to bring the subject matter to life throughout the compendium inspires the reader on a multitude of levels. This is especially true as Xhilarate selected imagery that both reinforces and brings the content to life.
Services: Brand Strategy, Look & Feel, Art Direction, Publication Design, Photography, Illustration.
http://www.xhilarate.com/pdf/Bertelsmann.pdf
Assero Services
Overview: Changing the face of property management through digital innovation, personalized, high touch services, and overwhelming client satisfaction was not a problem for ASSERO. But capturing the essence of their brand and telling their story has been a challenge—until now.
Dive deep. It’s what Assero does for their customers and it’s what we did for them. The core of what makes Assero special, their clear differentiator, is their people. So, we spent time with them. A lot of time – to understand what makes them tick, what makes them great, and what they’re striving to do for their customers. These insights fueled an authentic and well informed approach to the brand personality and the drove the essence of all of tour marketing initiatives.
With a client like Assero, the end result is visual. But you can’t express the heart and soul of a brand without understanding what they stand for, what they believe, and what their customers believe. We created a strategy shoulder-to-shoulder with the Assero team that extends light years beyond any font choice or color palette. We helped create and quantify a belief system that extends through every expression of their brand.
People powered business. It’s what makes a difference in today’s economy. It defines the world we live in. Brands can no longer rest on the laurels of a great campaign or a well-known spokesperson. They need to surprise and delight, and more than anything else, they need to deliver on their promises. It’s what Assero does in every engagement – big or small. And it’s what we do at Xhilarate. Putting ourselves in your shoes and your audience’s mindset helps define a brand and cultivate every interaction.
Services: rategy, Brand Concept, Brand Identity, Print Collateral, Signage, Website, App Design, Prototyping, 3D Renderings, Iconography, Trade Show Exhibit, Photography, Video, UI/UX/IXD/XD/CX, Vehicle Graphics.
http://www.assero24.com
http://xhilarate.com/pdf/AsseroServices.pdf
Mammuthus.com
The Power of Telling A Visual Story Modern web design gives you the ability to present information in a dynamic way. Data can be supported with graphs, images, and interactive tools. A great design company can even create custom illustrations to perfectly match the aesthetics needed for your project. We already know that 65% of the population are visual learners. Visual experiences are easier to commit to long-term memory, they make it easier to illustrate the message, and they make it easier to trigger an emotional response. If your audience is students of all ages, digestible chunks of information layered with illustrations and other images will provide a more enjoyable learning experience. Visuals can reinforce learning, connecting information to illustrations, making it easier for the student to pair facts with imagery.
Visual Learning and Information Sourcing Many people make the mistake of assuming a visual experience is less academic and factual. This isn’t the case at all. The better you can explain complex subjects, the easier it is for users to connect with the material itself. For busy colleges and museums, accuracy is important.The design company should be verifying all information as the website is created.
Functionality That Keeps the Focus on the Experience The biggest benefit of using a multimedia website for your content is the fact that it keeps the focus on the user experience. The core principles behind modern web design use visual cues to tell a story. “Simply put: less is more today.” With interactive design, you get all the tools you need to create an engaging experience for all types of learners. If the purpose of a site is to persuade your audience towards an action, this will also drive the design and content of the website.
https://mammuthus.com
https://xhilarate.com/how-web-design-can-turn-longform-content-into-a-visual-story/
Salon 360
Overview: Salon 360 is an interactive brand and application that runs on the Android mobile operating system. This proprietary touch-screen application allows customers to select their favorite stylists and schedule appointments at salons nationwide.
A proprietary technology application requires a brand identity and look and feel that will engage and intrigue customers immediately. Xhilarate created a dynamic brand identity that scales across multiple platforms seamlessly and efficiently. We used a fashion-forward color palette and paired it with a modern, minimalist typeface that conveys a sense of style that is expected in the high-end salon industry. The circle enveloping the "O" in Salon and 360 further reinforces the 360-degree aspect of this app. Custom iconography, dynamic wireframes and an intuitive interface design simplifies the user experience.
The hair and fashion industries were our "go to" for inspiration. Understanding both industries from a retail perspective gave us the inspiration to integrate an easy, on-the-go credit card transaction that was swipeable right from the Android device. A series of 20-plus screens and multiple pathways were carefully planned and tested before launch. The overall look and feel was subtly adjusted to incorporate equities from each salon featured in the application. Additional features such as: a calculator, scheduling, credit card transactions, receipts, tasks, ticket numbers, etc... were all integrated into the interface design to create a user experience that results in brand loyalty.
Services: Logo, Tagline, Look & Feel, Iconography, Prototyping, App Design, Animation, 3D Renderings, Graphic Design, Iconography, UI/UX/IXD.
https://xhilarate.com/pdf/Salon360.pdf
First Look Display
Overview: With new leadership bringing extensive expertise in branded products marketing and operations, FLDG was well poised to greatly impact the retail display market. One major hurdle - they needed a brand that was in alignment with their goals and gave them the ammunition needed to compete more effectively.
Conducting internal / external stakeholder interviews, including current and past customers, auditing the retail and competitive environments, and evaluating new trends and innovations, Xhilarate was able to gather insights that informed our creation of a strategic brand platform. This brand platform, complete with brand pillars, culture / philosophy, personality attributes, positioning and a core promise, served as the foundation for exploring a range of verbal and visual concepts.
The brand’s core promise – Creating winning retail experiences – sets the tone by which all internal and external decisions are made. It speaks to the FLDG team - its culture and operations, it establishes expectations for current and potential customers, and it guides R&D in developing innovations that contribute to the ongoing success of the company.
Since FLDG takes a brand-centric approach to identifying innovative solutions for its clients, they needed to walk-the-talk with their own brand. Xhilarate created an entirely new brand identity and look and feel that catapults the brand well into the 21st century. The new logo reflects several core traits - transparency, multi-dimensionality and perspective and the new tagline, Impactful impressions. Winning results, brings the brand promise to life.
Services: Brand Strategy, Tagline, Look & Feel, Logo, Website Design, Brand Guidelines, UI/UX/IXD, Photography.
https://firstlookdisplay.com/
https://xhilarate.com/pdf/FirstLookDisplay.pdf
Comcast NBCUniversal
Overview: How do you ease the transition of 5,000 employees for one of the country’s largest telecom providers? Start with next-generation onboarding materials and personality-centric orientation plans. Work hand-in-hand with HR specialists and hiring managers to customize an onboarding procedure that simply, wows. While Comcast was busy reinventing the Philly skyline, we helped them reinvent how employees first experience their commitment to culture and people-first philosophy.
Before cutting the ribbon at its new offices, Comcast rolled out the red carpet for employees. The people in these offices will drive the next generation of big ideas. It was our job to make them feel like family – at home in this new state-of-the-art location.
Collaborating seamlessly with a team of real estate, facilities, human resources, and design specialists, we produced a welcome package to help Comcast employees feel as comfortable in the surrounding neighborhood as they are in their new individually unique workspaces.
In addition to the welcome kit we created with Comcast teams, we wanted to understand what employees moving to the new location really wanted to know – so we asked them. We left with an overwhelming desire to surprise and delight. We set out to exceed their expectations and show people that Comcast was listening. So, we developed an engaging storybook to address common questions, help the space feel like an extension of who they are, and prompt them to explore their new neighborhood like locals.
Services: Brand Photography, Image Library, Welcome Kit, Marketing & Print Collateral.
PDF Case Study
http://xhilarate.com/pdf/Comcast.pdf
3.0 University Place
Overview: A flagship for social and environmental responsibility, University Place is the world’s first pre-certified LEED® v4 Platinum commercial office building - constructed right here in Philadelphia. We were invited to help University Place Associates (UPA) put 3.0 on the map by introducing its innovative amenities, health, and environmental impact advantages to prospective residential and business tenants.
First, we had to understand the type of entrepreneurial-thinking needed to invest in the advantages inherent in occupying such a state-of-the-art facility. To access that thinking, we tapped into user groups that included start-ups and well established Philadelphia enterprises. We talked to grad students, young professionals, and well-known regional innovators. Our research gave us the insights needed to understand what is most important in building a business culture.
What we took away from user groups was a desire for a sense of belonging. A place that cultivates free, innovative thinking – that is surrounded by culture, diversity, as well as great dining and entertainment experiences. They wanted a lifestyle that had it all. 3.0 delivers on that promise and, fully integrated into Philadelphia’s booming university city, adds a heightened sense of community many new facilities lack. It was our job to tell that story.
By highlighting social consciousness, a progressive vision, and environmental sustainability, we helped harmonize the “why” of 3.0 University Place. Our informed design and rich storytelling helped investors better position themselves as far more than the creators of a visionary building. We enabled University Place to go to market as a leader in sustainablity and next generation community partner.
Services: Brand Concept, Brand Identity, Website, Collateral, Signage, Prototyping, 3D Renderings, Wayfinding, Iconography, UI/UX/IXD/XD, Trade Show Exhibit, Photography, Video.
http://www.university-place.com
http://xhilarate.com/pdf/UniversityPlace.pdf
Michael Grecco Photography
Overview: Photographer, director, and author Michael Grecco is a celebrated artist known for his portraiture, live-action event, and celebrity photography. We created a portfolio as captivating and engaging as his work – grounded in a powerful digital platform built to reach and capture new audiences.
The way most of us consume content on the web is not ideal for the bigness of Grecco's photography. He needed a show stopper to serve as a hub of online engagement and jaw-dropping awe. We looked at what other photographers, artists, and musicians were doing online to captivate and wanted to take his work a step further. One insight became eminently clear; Michael Grecco is a storyteller. Fortunately, so are we.
As with any site launch or major rebrand, the website is only part of the picture. We created a digital campaign to drive traffic, social sharing, and elevate an appreciation for Grecco's work. We've created a platform that showcases the striking beauty of his photography, builds intrigue, and captures user data to increase leads and grow Grecco's audience and clientele.
With a site design worthy of presenting Michael’s work in a rich, dynamic way - we launched. The site not only generated a lot of excitement, but earned Grecco props from Communication Arts Magazine. They featured michaelgrecco.com as a Webpicks selection, touting the design for its accessibility, fluidity, and opportunities for dynamic client engagement. So, together, we crafted a whole new experience for prospective clients on Michael Grecco’s behalf.
Services: Brand Concept & Identity, Strategy, Responsive Website, Print Collateral, Advertising, UI/UX/IXD, Social Media, Video Brochure.
https://www.michaelgrecco.com
http://xhilarate.com/pdf/MichaelGrecco.pdf
Globus Medical
Overview: The Globus Medical team worked hand-in-hand with us to create a non-linear story that allows field reps to prioritize content based on customer’s needs and on-the-spot inquiries. With this content ecosystem, we then crafted the assets in a way that would be delivered in-person via a tablet. The assets also included custom videos that we shot on site at Globus Medical. The videos feature the thought leaders who brought the product to life along with the device features and specifications. With tablets in-hand, the sales force was now able to provide a customizable and interactive and thorough demonstration with prospective customers.
How do you give your sales force the depth and range of features needed to highlight the full capabilities of your flagship product? You work with the right partner. Our team worked with Globus Medical product developers, their sales force, and surgeons to explore and emulate the rich capabilities of ExcelsiusGPS, robotic guidance and navigation system.
We equipped the Globus sales team with a truly responsive technology by producing a non-linear, choose-your-own- adventure style path through an ExcelsiusGPS education and training application. Doctors are busy. Surgeons are even more time-strapped. With our tablet-based content ecosystem, reps can get to the heart of the pitch immediately and respond to customer inquiries in real-time with engaging modules and full screen custom made videos.
Many POS systems in healthcare have limited functionality and behave like a modified PowerPoint. But we understand hospital and healthcare system decision-makers need the full story to make critical, capital purchasing decisions.
Services: Interactive iPad App, UI/UX/IXD, App Design, Photography, Iconography, Storytelling, Video & Photography.
PDF Case Study
http://xhilarate.com/pdf/GlobusMedical.pdf
Procter & Gamble
Overview: Procter & Gamble is one of the largest consumer goods manufacturers in the world. Because of the diversity of their portfolio, they faced the challenge of creating visual cohesion across 65+ personal care and household and institutional cleaning products. We know, in order to create lasting, meaningful audience connections, you need to focus on behaviors – that feeling you create when someone uses and trusts your products. These images are less about the products themselves and more about the healthy, vibrant life they help you lead.
Consumer insights and purchasing behavior data led us to key differentiators P&G could leverage. Their in-store marketing and advertising needed to portray them as a true consumer brand, not an array of household products. To be successful, customers should walk away knowing their decision to purchase any variety of P&G products is a decision to choose quality for their family. Our brand photography helped reinforce that idea while increasing in-store sales.
Sparked by the prospect of creating a whole new library of lifestyle images to be leveraged across a myriad of marketing materials, we worked side-by-side with Procter & Gamble team and their branding agency to create a vibrant portfolio of product and lifestyle images. Our team provided location scouting, talent selection, scheduling, photography, and retouching to create a unified visual experience.
This new brand photography enabled Procter & Gamble to bring cohesion and uniformity to the visual identity of multiple brands across geographic regions. This resource library enabled the entire enterprise to inform a national campaign with local needs and budgets in mind. But more importantly, they created authentic connections with consumers – turning a simple product purchase into brand affinity.
Services: Conceptual Design, Photography, Corporate Image Library, Video.
https://xhilarate.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ProcterGamble.pdf
Reviews
the project
Naming, Rebranding & Web Design & Dev for Asset Mgmt Company
“I asked them to go outside of their comfort zone, and I don’t think that they could have done anything better.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the co-founder of RevolutionX Asset Management, an asset management and alternative real estate advisory firm. We specialize in assisting high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs with all aspects of their personal and business planning.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We went through a change of broker-dealer and a rebranding at the same time, which was very comprehensive, so we engaged with Xhilarate to assist us with the rebranding process.
We also needed assistance with reintroducing our deliverable and other aspects of our business to complement what we had been doing for the past 15 years.
What was the scope of their involvement?
I was initially introduced to Xhilarate as a website design firm. However, I explained to them that I was looking for a complete rebranding and naming of our company, and they were pleased to assist us with that.
We started from scratch, so first, I broke down my business model. I also provided them with documentation and supporting information to educate them on what we did as a firm. We then started the actual work by naming the company, putting a story behind our brand, and making ourselves unique and distinctive in a competitive space.
After naming the company, we went through the website development process. I’m not sure what technologies they used, but they kept it very simple for me and offered me clear solutions. For this development, we took three arms of our business and put a story behind each to develop its logos and define the sub-companies associated with them.
I had looked at Xhilarate’s website and liked some of the aspects that really stood out, so I wanted to mirror them for my site. We parted from that point and filled in the rest. They played a very important role in putting our message out in a very collaborative process. They not only developed our website but also helped us with our rebranding.
What is the team composition?
We started working with a group of 4–5 people from Xhilarate led by Russ (Partner, Client Relationships) on the naming process. Then, we worked with a team of 5–6 people actively involved in the development. This team included technology people, graphic designers, and a person who collaborated with me on the website’s script. We also worked with photographers and other people from Xhilarate’s team at different points.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
I don’t remember exactly, but I heard their name somewhere, Googled them, and was impressed by their website. They also had a lot of good reviews online.
I had talked to a couple of different firms that weren’t very responsive and took a few days to get back to me. However, when I talked to Russ, he called me back the same day.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent around $40,000–$45,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
I first reached out to Xhilarate in October 2020, and it took us 1–2 months to bring them up to speed. We named the company in early December 2020 and started with the website development and branding immediately. We ultimately wrapped that project up in May 2021, but we’re still talking to them about some additional projects. We also ask them for recommendations on tweaking our site and developing our brand every couple of weeks.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re very happy with the results — they did a nice job. Our website is top-notch, and it stands out compared to others in our space. We have the site, and we’re ready to go, so now, we’re just figuring out how to drive more traffic to it.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
Xhilarate’s project management was great. This was a very long project, but they held me accountable, defining all the deadlines and structuring our meetings several times per week. I felt that they were very organized, and they helped me slowly check off all the boxes of what we needed to do in a timely fashion.
I told them that this was a time-sensitive project upfront, and they did a really nice job hitting all of the deadlines and keeping me in the loop. They also were very diligent about their work.
They had a lot of talented people with unique skill sets. As we worked on the project, Russ steered the ship, and his team members came in depending on the needs. They all did a really great job.
We communicated via phone calls, Zoom meetings, and text messages. We also had a few in-person meetings, where they came in and gave us ideas for our office layout. They also introduced us to a person that did great signs for us.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Our website design’s storytelling was impressive. Xhilarate gave us a unique look and feel while understanding our business well. I don’t think that they had worked with someone from this industry before. However, they did a great job.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There was nothing in particular that Xhilarate could have improved on. They were really good at their work. Although web design was their main focus, I asked them to go outside of their comfort zone, and I don’t think that they could have done anything better.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Keep an open mind about what Xhilarate tries to do. I really believed in certain things, but they didn’t agree with me on some ideas. Sometimes, I listened to their advice when it really made sense to me, so I changed my mind. Ultimately, everything worked out.
Additionally, their group had different personalities, so they didn’t always agree with each other. I really appreciated how willing they were to push back on each other and collaborate to find the right solution.
the project
Branding & Web Dev for Strategy & Management Consulting Firm
"They are on top of everything."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the managing partner of AEGIS Advisory Partners, a strategy management consulting firm. Another partner and I founded the firm effective January 1, 2021, and we focus on providing senior-level advisory services to, predominately, financial services companies, but also to other industry verticals.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We’ve worked with them from the very beginning of our company on branding, market positioning, and website development.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We’ve worked together on everything involved in creating an internet presence and a brand identity. On the branding side, we came up with the name of our firm. This involved concept work and then iterating on possible alternatives. From there, we progressed into thinking about and developing logo concepts. We talked through the concept of strategy and management consulting and shared our thoughts around what could represent that. Ultimately, we concluded that we have an interest in chess and that a chess piece could be strategic. We chose the knight as our logo. Xhilarate came up with a custom design of a chess knight that combines its strategic connotation with a modern twist.
My partner and I took the lead on the website, going through every detail to ensure it represented us accurately. We produced and wrote all of the content — words and apostrophes and phrasing were changing up until the last minute, and Xhilarate was very accommodating. They even created demo sites as we were going through the process so we could gather feedback from our friends and family.
What is the team composition?
The lead is Russ (Partner & Client Relationships). He manages us on the account level and heads thought leadership discussions. Michael (Founding Partner) has done most of the conceptualization. He acts as the hands on the keyboard, creating a lot of the concepts and bringing ideas to light. There is also a third person who deals with a lot of the logistics and makes sure everything comes together. We’ve also worked with a terrific web developer.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
My partner has some associates who run their own businesses, and Xhilarate was a recommendation from them. We interviewed several firms and felt good chemistry with Xhilarate.
Russ has a very good style. He’s calm, thoughtful, and iterates to make sure he has a clear understanding of what you’re looking for, which clicks well with our personal styles.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve worked together since November 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re pleased with their work, and the feedback we’ve received has been 99.9% positive. As a new company, we wanted to get our work out as quickly as possible.
The website is a representation of our skills, capability, and credibility. It’s not a direct marketing tool, but it’s robust, thorough, and accurate; the quality shows through.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
We’ve maintained our timing and budget, and when we ask for changes, Xhilarate talks through them. We’ve eliminated a couple of tasks from the original scope of work, as well as added some new ones. If we need a financial change order, we work it out. Everything was transparent.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Once we went live at the beginning of May, we did a press release and polled people that weren’t part of the development process to gain feedback. One point that came across was that we should add video to the site. To Xhilarate’s credit, they told us two months earlier that we’d want to add video. They are on top of everything.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Xhilarate should continue with transparency in communication. As things come up or as issues are identified, bring them out sooner rather than waiting until the scheduled meeting structure.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
The customer needs to have a good perspective on what they’re trying to achieve. If you’re working on branding or website development, a statement of that is important to have going into conversations. Xhilarate may not know your specific industry or your business, so bringing a starter forward will help tremendously.
the project
Graphic Design Services for Think Tank
"Xhilarate is easygoing and professional, which is unusual because it’s typically one or the other with agencies."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I manage the legislative affairs portfolio for the Bertelsmann Foundation. We’re a US and European think tank.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We had a public policy report and didn’t want it to be dry. We had to take a complex topic — AI — and explain it in a visual way that would entice the reader.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Xhilarate illustrated our publication. We published the report ourselves, but they created all of the designs and layouts for it. We didn’t give them much guidance, so their team did it all from scratch.
What is the team composition?
I worked with three people, including two graphic designers.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
I searched online for different agencies. We wanted an agency that could handle complex projects because the politics of AI isn’t an everyday subject. We also sought a partner to engage long-term that had the creative authority to portray these topics in an understandable way. Xhilirate appeared to be the only qualified agency.
How much have you invested with them?
So far, we’ve spent about $15,000 on their services.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began our partnership around August 2020, and it’s ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Our report will be physically printed. The person who will print it said our book's a standout showpiece over his 36 years in the industry. That says a lot about their work.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
We communicate via email. It's easy to communicate with them.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Xhilarate is easygoing and professional, which is unusual because it’s typically one or the other with agencies. It's easy to work with them. They had a creative, out-there sense for the project’s direction.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, we've had a great experience.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
It's easy to work with Xhilarate, so hire them.
the project
Branding Assets & Logo Design for Arts Organization
“I’m impressed that they can absorb the DNA of a project such as ours and then interpret our ideas into graphics.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of a communications agency.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
I’m working with a client that’s a new organization in the art space. They’re launching a restoration program for a historic facility, investing over $35 million into the program. My client hired Xhilarate to do our graphic branding initiative.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Xhilarate is developing our logo and brand identity from a graphic point of view. They focus on keeping our heritage theme while translating it into a contemporary experience for our potential targeted clientele. We use these materials wherever it makes sense to show off our brand identity, including our website, newsletter, and letterheads.
What is the team composition?
We work with two people: Russ and Michael (Partners). Russ is more of our account manager and interfaces with my client. Michael is more of a creative director.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
My client’s founder had used Xhilarate in the past and thought highly of their work.
How much have you invested with them?
It’s been between $5,000–$10,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in August 2020, and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
It’s been successful. We’ve been able to put one brand look forward, which has translated into all of the various creative assets that we have. Xhilarate has also managed to maintain the continuity between these assets.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re prompt at meeting deadlines.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re very talented. The team listens carefully, and I’m impressed that they can absorb the DNA of a project such as ours and then interpret our ideas into graphics.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I’m very satisfied.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Do your homework. You have to give a creative house the right information so that they can come up with the right creative solution.
the project
Web Design & Branding for Law Firm
“Their ability to deliver on our creative vision in such a short time was really impressive.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the president of the law firm Stern and Cohen, which is a legal services firm in Philadelphia that represents individuals who get hurt at work.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We are a startup company, so we hired their team to help us with our branding, logo, and the first iteration of our web page.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The project was a collaborative effort, but for the most part, we focused on translating our culture and mission as a company into requirements that they could take and then implement on the creative side in all of the assets that we needed.
What is the team composition?
Three members of their team worked with us on a regular basis, but I believe there were a couple of others involved behind the scenes as well.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
Originally, they were referred to us by someone else in our industry, and then after diving into a little more of the details of their work, we decided that they would be a good fit for us.
How much have you invested with them?
The total cost of the project was around $6,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked with them between December 2019–February 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The work they did for us has received really good feedback so far, especially around the logo. Both competitors and other people in the legal market have been very complimentary of the website and other brand assets, especially given the amount of time we were able to turn them around in.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
Their team did a great job of managing the project overall. They were always transparent about the work and were able to deliver on all of the milestones for the project on time. Along the way, they also contributed a lot of ideas for how to improve the site, which we really appreciated.
We primarily communicated over email, but we also had a few face-to-face meetings and video conferences as well where we could sit down and look at the work together and really do a deep dive into fine-tuning all of the work.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Within a week of our first interaction with them, they came back to us with a selection of eight logos that all satisfied our requirements and could have been selected as the final version. Their ability to deliver on our creative vision in such a short time was really impressive.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything they could have done differently.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be as forthright and open with them as possible. The better you can communicate what you want and provide feedback to them, the more they will be able to tailor their product to your requirements.
the project
Branding & Collateral Design for Medical Nutrition Company
“Their combination of quality in their work and continual flexibility in adapting to our needs was truly incredible.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
PanTheryx is a biotechnology company as well as a bulk ingredient supplier for Colostrum. We provide both product development and sales as well as contract manufacturing for businesses.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
Our goals have evolved a lot over the time we’ve worked with them. We originally contracted with them for design work on a line of products we were releasing, but the scope has since narrowed a little bit.
What was the scope of their involvement?
When we came to Xhilarate, we had just ended an engagement with another company that had provided some branding resources that did not meet our requirements, so we were really looking to go back to the drawing board.
Since then, their team has worked with us to brainstorm and iterate on logo development for the ingredient brand of our core product, as well as for an offshoot product that is currently in development.
What is the team composition?
We work with both Russ (Partner) and Lou (Vice President) on a day to day basis, which has been a huge benefit to the engagement.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
We went through a formal RFP process, and their team pitched to us in person and were really impressive throughout that process. The main things that we liked about them were the depth of experience and expertise they bring to the table, as well as the chemistry between our two teams. They’re very nice people, and we decided that we wanted to continue working with them.
How much have you invested with them?
Between the two projects, we spent a total of just over $7,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our work began in December 2019, but we put the project on pause while our requirements changed. We picked back up again in January and finished up in February 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We are a privately held company, so everything that goes out the door from us has to have board and leadership approval. Xhilarate delivered on our strategy right away, providing a first round of logos that we were incredibly excited about and included an option that was chosen unanimously by the board. That was a huge win for us internally.
Now that the ingredient brand is out in the world, viewers on both the B2B and B2C side of things have really accepted the new designs and provided really positive feedback overall.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
Their project management has been really impressive throughout our entire working relationship. Whenever I had a question, I could reach out to them and get a quick response, but on their end, they were just as proactive about managing timelines and reaching out to us to set up meetings and get information that they needed.
Even though we were working on a very tight timeline, they made us feel completely comfortable that they were going to be able to handle the work. The team kept us updated the entire way, so we had no complaints at all in that regard.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their combination of quality in their work and continual flexibility in adapting to our needs was truly incredible. I don’t think we could’ve done what we needed to do without their ability to turn around the deliverables with the speed that they did.
Not only that, but the first round of logos included the one that we are using now. Their experience in the industry really shows in their work, both through the creativity of their deliverables and the professionalism with which they produced them.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don’t think there’s anything I wish had gone differently. We’ve been thrilled with all of the work they’ve done.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I think it was really important for us to brief them as thoroughly as possible when we brought them on and put a lot of work into giving them complete visibility. That level of openness in the relationship really benefited both teams and helped them to function as an extension of ours.
the project
Digital Marketing and Dev for Software Company
"It’s like they’re an extension of our team, not a separate company."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder and CEO of Pinnacle 21, a life sciences software company.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We opened as a startup in 2011 and brought them on in 2012 because we needed branding, a website redesign, and marketing collateral.
What was the scope of their involvement?
When we first engaged them, all we had was a minimalistic site and we needed everything else. They helped us establish a strong, unique brand, launch a new site, and create tradeshow materials. Since then, they’ve done a lot of work for us over the years. Branding for our annual customer conference, an interactive product demo, photo and video shoots, and several site redesigns, to name a few.
What is the team composition?
Michael is a co-founder and creative director, he’s the one we’ve worked with from the beginning. Depending on the project, other folks may get involved, such as a content writer, photographer, video editor, etc. If they don’t have a talent in-house, they will bring one in. For instance, we just shot a video about our company and they brought in a drone operator to shoot our campus.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
When I started the company, a friend of mine recommended them.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $200,000–$999,999 with them so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We brought them on board in January 2012, and it’s still ongoing. As the company grows and evolves, so does our brand and Xhilarate is helping us with all our creative needs.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I don’t have specific metrics but our website traffic has been going up every year. Our brand recognition is very high in the industry. And of course, there’s the “wow” factor, we receive endless compliments from our customers on how good everything looks. The new site we’re designing is the most ambitious we’ve done with them. It’s focused on recruiting and driving more candidates to apply on our website, so we’ll have another metric to track soon.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
They’ve done very well, working nights and weekends if they have to. It’s the reason we’ve been with them for seven years. They’re very responsive and get things done.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their approach to partnering with us stands out. It’s like they’re an extension of our team, not a separate company. They make us part of the creative process with frequent checkins and idea sharing so we feel like we have a say in the direction and can own and be proud of the end result because it feels like “us”. What we really love is that they’re an idea machine. Xhilarate is constantly innovating and putting out ideas nonstop. They want us to stand out, so they’re always pushing us forward based on research they’ve done into market trends.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can’t think of anything. They always deliver what we need.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Give them space to do their creative thing. Don’t try to micromanage. Their end product is amazing.
the project
Branding & Web Dev for Manufacturing Company
"Their size is great, so they can pay attention to our needs while providing all the services we require."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a co-owner of First Look Display Group LLC. We predominantly do point of purchase merchandising displays, as well as industrial and architectural products.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We had just acquired the company and needed to establish a new identity and freshen our approach. We wanted to make sure our brand identity reflected where our company was headed in the future. Also, our existing website was about 10 years old and needed to be redone.
What was the scope of their involvement?
To start, they helped us with market research by interviewing customers and stakeholders. They evaluated the competitive landscape, also. Together, we came up with a new brand identity that was both descriptive and a strategic direction. They worked with us to come up with the graphics that would go along with it, including the colors, shapes, and logos. Additionally, they’ve developed a website for us, adding new features to make it more user-friendly and attractive.
What is the team composition?
We work with 5–6 people from their team.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
I had a prior relationship with a partner at Xhilarate. After interviewing their team, everyone felt comfortable moving forward so we decided to use them for this project.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent between $30,000–$35,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in January 2019 and our engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We don’t have any metrics on the work yet, but the feedback from key customers about the new logo and website has been extremely positive. Our internal team feels great about the deliverables, too. We feel like we’ve taken a huge step forward because of Xhilarate’s work.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
They’ve done well in this area. The follow-up for our needs is handled smoothly and their team adheres to timelines, so we’re happy with that.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their size is great, so they can pay attention to our needs while providing all the services we require. They can understand our goals and get to know our team because they’re not too big or small. We feel very comfortable working with them.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can’t think of anything significant for them to improve on.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
They’re a good, creative team, so if you’re looking for those types of ideas instead of boilerplate work, they’re the right team. They can go beyond just a typical web redesign project.
the project
Visual Design for a CPG Company
“The speed of their delivery, as well as how quickly they adapted to feedback, were both outstanding.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We’re a global consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) company that operates in the food and beverage space. I’m the brand manager for our corporate marketing sector.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
We had developed our corporate theme for 2020 through marketing research. We engaged Xhilarate to create a visual concept that would bring that theme to life. We were also seeking assistance in designing the cover of our annual report.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Xhilarate generated several visual concepts that could be used across multiple channels and communication materials throughout the year. We had several rounds of feedback and worked together to fully develop the design that we eventually decided on.
What is the team composition?
I worked with three people, including Russ (Partner, Client Relationships, Xhilarate). Michael (Founding Partner, Xhilarate) was our design lead.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
We knew someone who had worked with them in a different capacity at a previous job.
What is the status of this engagement?
While that particular project began in August 2019 and has wrapped up, we plan to continue working with them on a project-by-project basis.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Xhilarate went above and beyond to deliver the precise results that we needed. The level of leadership buy-in was a definite measure of their ability to deliver. Typically, there are tedious layers of approval, but the fact that their work was quickly approved by the many layers of our management committee indicates their success. In addition, they responded and adapted very well to feedback.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
They performed very well. They followed up after each call with notes to clarify the deliverables we discussed. They ensured that everyone was kept up to date with project progress. They never hesitated to jump on a phone call with us to gather our thoughts.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The speed of their delivery, as well as how quickly they adapted to feedback, were both outstanding.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I can’t think of anything.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I highly recommend them!
the project
UX Design for Digital Agency
“They’re my go-to team for visual design because they always deliver great results.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the chief experience officer at Foxgroove Interactive, a UX-focused digital agency that services numerous verticals, including government, finance, and education. We work with anything in the digital world, such as mobile and web apps.
What challenge were you trying to address with Xhilarate?
One of our clients does election services and petition management, and they wanted a web-based app. We needed a partner to do the digital design work.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We developed the strategy for the project while Xhilarate collaborated on the wireframing and visual design. They guided us through some of the design components and provided professional insight. From there, they then transitioned into designing a subset of some of the pages and working directly with the client to get them approved and ready for production.
What is the team composition?
I work with two people.
How did you come to work with Xhilarate?
I’d known one of the founding partners for over 20 years. He was a great visual designer and knew how to manage projects well, so I hired his company.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent about $10,000 on this project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We partnered in October 2018, and the work is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They worked directly with our end client and are well-spoken. Instead of just showing their work, they take the time to explain the choices they made, which our clients appreciate.
How did Xhilarate perform from a project management standpoint?
They’ve met all our deadlines and let me know if there are any problems with the project.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re receptive to feedback and are more than willing to integrate new ideas into their work. They’re my go-to team for visual design because they always deliver great results. Unlike many other agencies, they do a good job balancing innovative design ideas with current project needs and expectations. They’re incredibly easy to work with.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No. They took my direction when needed and didn’t have any issues.
Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?
Engage with them; they’ll bring an additional level of expertise and design skills to your project.
The professional website created by Xhilarate stands out from other competitors, and now, the client is ready to attract visitors. The team was talented, diligent, and organized, and they kept the client updated throughout the process. They hit every target on time and delivered high-quality work.