What does “Spade & Anchor” mean?

Anyone who knows me knows that I love anchors (the shape and the symbolism), but there's more to the name than just "I like anchors." To call something a spade is to call it like it is..."call a spade a spade." To anchor something means to temporarily stabilize it in place.

An anchor can be moved, only to be as permanent as necessary. And that’s exactly my branding approach: Boiling your brand down to it’s essentials and creating a timeless visual identity that can evolve with your business as it grows! ♡

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

The deposit secures your spot in my calendar, as there may be times when there is a small wait list to get started on your project. By having your deposit and signed contract, I know that we are both serious about working together and will build my schedule to accommodate all upcoming projects.

Because I generally take on one client at a time, having a strict schedule is crucial in making sure each client and project gets the undivided attention it deserves.

What if I need design help after my project ends?

Retainer: We can arrange a certain number of hours per week or month, or we can create a task-based schedule, depending on your exact needs.

Hourly: If your brand support needs aren’t systematic yet, I’m happy to work on an hourly basis

Do you offer web design outside of Squarespace?

At this time, I only design websites on the Squarespace platform. This is the most valuable, accessible, and reliant platform, in my humble opinion.

I also enjoy passing my 20% OFF 1st year with Squarespace savings on to my clients!

I already have a logo, can I still work with you?

Every project starts with a custom logo design—therefore I do not offer one-off design items for clients who have not previously gone through the Spade & Anchor branding process.

To that note, web design is only available as an add-on to my branding services.

The reason for this is to create a consistent, cohesive, and robust brand ecosystem that is strategically designed to resonate with your target audience.

This holistic approach to your branding is what sets Spade & Anchor clients apart from their competition!

CAN’T PART WITH YOUR CURRENT BRANDING? USE YOUR OWN LOGO WITH MY CUSTOM GRAPHIC TEMPLATES!

template shop

What if my schedule changes once we get started?

Once the contract is signed and the deposit is made, we will get a Project Start Date on the calendar. All milestones, feedback and design refinements are based on each week’s schedule. A typical project may range as vast as 4 - 12 weeks, so any deviation from that agenda will bump the following week’s schedule. That said, things comes up and life happens. I allow a tiny bit of buffer space in case something pops up on your end or mine, but depending on the particular deviation we may need to modify your project’s timeline.

Ultimately, I try to avoid changing the timeline as that can have a trickle down effect on future projects. As you will find in your Welcome Packet, there is a Feedback Guidelines section that outlines the impact late or missing client feedback can have on a project’s schedule. If something comes up that will change our project’s timeline, I just ask that you be communicative with me and convey that information as early in the process as possible.

May I speak with a past client as a reference?

Sure thing. References are available on request. I want you to feel 100% comfortable with your investment.

What if I’m not fully satisfied?

While I hate to imagine a world in which you would not be 100% satisfied with your new branding, I realize that design is subjective. Due to the nature of commercial graphic design, I have several opportunities throughout the duration of our project for you to provide feedback and commentary. Through the allotted design revisions process we can chisel out a brand identity that meets your expectations.

However, if that sadly doesn’t happen then you will note in the contract that there is opportunity before the project has finalized to part ways. Luckily in my 15+ years as a professional graphic designer, I can say that has yet to happen.

How long is the process?

Typical turn-around times may widely vary from 4 - 8 weeks, to as long as 12 - 24 weeks, depending on how robust your design needs are and our combined schedules. Timelines are dictated by several factors that will be discussed on an initial Discovery Call.

In a rush? Let me know your timeline and I can get a custom quote to you ASAP with respective rush fees.

Do you offer copywriting or photography?

As an optional add-on to my design services, I offer custom copywriting and editing through an amazingly talented copywriter whom I have worked with since 2005. I trust him completely and have found his ability to level-up my clients' own words to be worth the additional investment.

For photography*, I may use free stock images as mockups within designs, including website design. For personal brand photos, I have worked with several local photographers and am very happy to refer the best option for your brand's aesthetic style and needs.

*Brand identity design package does not include paid stock photography costs

Will we be a good fit together?

We'll be a great fit if...

You've been DIY'ing your business's branding for quite a while and are tired of bootstrapping.
You know there's got to be a better way!
You'd rather put your precious time and energy towards what you do best for your business.
You're ready to loosen the reigns and let a professional steer your brand's identity (with your input, of course.)
You are tired of seeing your competitors’ logos and branding look far more professional than your own.
You understand that while your business is a reflection of your own personality, it should primarily reflect your audience's taste (not just your own.

We may not be a great fit if...

You don't play nice with others. (After all, this is a give-and-take collaborative relationship 😉

If you put your own personal taste and aesthetic above that of your target audience and are looking for someone to simply produce a particular design to your exact specifications (ie: 'paint by numbers'), then I am not the right designer for you. There is no shame in this by the way. But it's not how I operate and want to be clear about this up front.
If you aren't into strategizing and researching before implementation. (Like I said, I'm big on research and have a structured process in place to strategize your brand identity *before* the design phase.)
If you can't let go of your old branding or are married to a particular concept and prefer not to listen to outside input, then my friend, we aren't meant to be. #CreativeCollaboration all the way.

What’s the value of full brand identity design vs. just a logo?

My packages are very competitive in that I work one-on-one with you throughout the creative process to ensure that all of your needs are met, to guarantee that you have every file type you need, to make sure your branding stays consistent and cohesive no matter what new marketing ventures you plan in the future,

and to leave you with a plan in place to make sure your new brand identity always stays true to what we created together.

By consolidating all of these assets into one package, I can make sure that you have all of the necessary tools to maintain your brand's identity even after the completion of your project.