Notes from the studio.
Short, practical writing on branding, identity, and small business marketing, grounded in twenty years of design work.
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What actually goes into a brand identity (and what doesn't)
A logo isn't a brand identity. Here's what a real identity system includes, and what most 'logo packages' quietly leave out.
When to rebrand, and when to just refresh
Not every brand problem is a rebrand. A practical way to tell the difference before you spend the money.
How to brief a designer so you get work you can actually use
The single biggest predictor of a successful design project has nothing to do with the designer. It's the brief.
How Much Does Branding Cost for a Small Business in Houston?
Branding quotes for small businesses range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Here's what actually drives that range, and how to budget for it.
How Much Does Professional Logo Design Cost in Houston?
Two logo quotes can differ by an order of magnitude and look similar in a mockup. Here's what actually separates them, and what to check before you pay for either.
Logo Design vs. Brand Identity: What Does a Small Business Actually Need?
Not every business needs a full brand identity system on day one, and not every business can get by on a logo alone. Here's how to tell which you need.
10 Signs Your Small Business Has Outgrown Its Branding
Businesses rarely wake up one day and decide to rebrand. It's usually a slow accumulation of small signs. Here are ten worth taking seriously.
Rebranding a Houston Business: Process, Timeline and What to Expect
A rebrand touches more of your business than a new logo. Here's what the process actually looks like, start to finish, for a Houston business.
How to Choose a Branding Agency in Houston: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Most branding proposals look similar on the surface. These twelve questions surface the real differences before you commit a budget.
Graphic Design Retainer vs. Freelance Projects: What's Better for a Growing Business?
Retainer, freelance project, or in-house hire: the right answer depends on your volume, not your budget line item.
The Small Business Branding Checklist: What You Need Before You Launch
Before you launch, here's the branding checklist that separates a business that looks ready from one that's still figuring it out in public.
How Much Do Graphic Design Services Cost?
Graphic design pricing looks unpredictable until you understand what you are actually buying. Here is what the work includes, how studios price it, and how to budget for it.