Experience has taught Lim Khaw, founder of nim design, that focusing on graphic design can support organisations to enhance reputation and overcome challenges.
As the ‘roadmap’ for easing the lockdown in England has been announced, it is more important than ever to reconnect with your audiences, communicate your organisation’s purpose, deliver key messages and demonstrate your resilience. Strong, persuasive, well-thought-out design can achieve this in a way that words alone cannot.
I believe there is an opportunity for charities and businesses to give their internal and external marketing and communications a strong visual appeal as we prepare to ease out of lockdown.
Finding the right design partner is important to realising this opportunity. You’ll need designers who understand your organisation’s point of view and have the full range of design tools to help amplify your voice in a competitive marketplace.
When you’re thinking about your design partners ask yourself the following:
1. Can they design at a distance?
While I have always been a great advocate for meeting face-to-face with new clients, now more than ever you will need to find a design company geared up to deliver great design alongside suitable social distancing. While the coronavirus still presents some threat, an agency which is applying all the latest online tools and technology should be able to make briefing and presenting nearly as good as face-to-face.
2. Are they a good cultural fit?
Before you meet (virtually for now and face-to-face later in the year) with potential design companies, do your research to see if they will be a good cultural fit with your organisation. Look for client testimonials and case studies on their website to assess their strengths and weaknesses and check out their latest blogs, news and social media to get a deeper understanding of their tone, personality and purpose.
3. Are they adapting to post-pandemic economics?
Everyone is feeling cautious about budgets right now so don’t be afraid to talk about money. Be very clear on what you expect for the agreed price and ask to be informed if anything changes as the project progresses. In response to Covid-19, at nim design, we are ready to assist and tailor a plan to suit each client’s requirements – e.g. a more flexible payment plan – as the economy recovers.
4. Do they deliver smart solutions?
With so many ways to use design – from print to digital – establish early on how to make the most of your budget. If your agency is working on a brochure, can they provide elements that can be shared on digital platforms such as your website and social media? For example, infographics, illustrations and photography.
5. Are they ready for honest feedback?
At nim design we always meet – or virtually meet – with clients for a wash-up call at the end of a project. It’s a great opportunity to give honest feedback about the design process, the end results and to think about what we can all learn about the relationship moving forward. And if you aren’t happy, don’t be afraid to move on; there is a wealth of creative talent out there so no need to accept second best.
Please feel free to contact me on 020 8426 6888 or email lim@nimdesign.com if you would like to talk about how we can collaborate.