How long does brand design actually take?

Eight to nine weeks. I know - you just made a face like the surprised emoji. But stay with me, because once I walk you through what's actually involved, it makes a lot more sense.

First, it starts with a conversation

Before anything else, we need to see if we're actually a good fit. There's no point starting a project if we don't get on - I take what I do seriously, but there has to be some laughs along the way too. Otherwise what's the point?

From there, you get a detailed proposal covering everything we'll work on together, what files you'll receive, and yes, the grown-up terms and conditions bit. Unfortunately I have to be a grwon up sometimes.

Week 1: The deep dive into you

Contrary to what you might expect, there isn't a single colour on day one. It starts with a questionnaire - a really thorough one - all about you, your business, the things you love and the things you really don't.

Once you've done that work, I start to see patterns in what you've said. Then we have a proper conversation about it all. I might ask about a specific phrase that stood out, or dig into an inspiration you mentioned. It's also your chance to ask questions or add anything you forgot - no pressure, we're all human.

Week 2: Mood boards and visual direction

Now the designing starts - wait, no. Not quite yet.

Before any actual design work begins, I work on mood boards. Research, competitor references, inspiring design work, potential colour palettes, fonts, and more research. Because going in without a visual direction is a bit like setting off on a road trip without knowing the destination.

What you see at the end of this stage are two mood boards. Two different directions for your brand. This is where you get to choose the path that feels most like you. We might need to tweak something along the way, and that's completely fine. But it gives us both something visual to agree on before I disappear to start designing.

Weeks 3–5: The actual designing

This is where it goes quiet for a little while. I do send the occasional email just to reassure you I haven't forgotten and am not simply sharpening my crayons.

What you don't see is the messy reality - the overthinking, the searching, the extra inspiration, the re-reading of your notes, the second-guessing, the redesigning, and the constant checking that everything works together cohesively. All you see is the finished presentation document.

When that's ready, we talk again. I walk you through the designs, the thinking behind them, and the why behind every decision - because the why matters as much as the what.

Weeks 6–7: Revisions

If I've done my job properly - and not to brag, but I usually have, because we did the research at the start - you'll love what you see. There may be a few tweaks, and that's not a problem at all.

After we chat, you get some time to sit with the designs. It can be a lot to take in and I want you to feel completely sure before we move forward.

Weeks 8–9: Brand package and guidelines

Once everything is signed off, it's time to package everything up. Files organised into folders in a logical order, a document explaining what everything is and when to use it, and brand guidelines written in plain English, because you're not a big corporate business that needs a document full of words like "juxtaposition." You need something simple, clear, and actually easy to follow.

And then you're on your own... sort of

Once your brand is out in the world, that's not the last you hear from me. We have a follow-up call once you've had a chance to test everything out - so if anything isn't clear or you're not sure about something, you can just ask. And beyond that, I'm still at the end of an email if something comes up.

So is 8–9 weeks really that long?

Think about it this way - you've spent years building your business into something worth being proud of. Nine weeks to give it the visual identity it deserves isn't that much to ask, is it?

Quick responses from you help keep things moving, and sometimes projects flow faster than the timeline suggests. But I'd rather give you realistic timescales that we can actually stick to, than promise you something in a week and take three.

This is a big thing. It deserves the time.