Research, Brand Strategy, Visual Identity Design & Brand on Application
v1
01/27/22
Azai Studios New York
Proprietary & Confidential
The enclosed material is proprietary to Azai Studios. The material presented in this document may not be disclosed in any form or manner to anyone other than the addressee(s) and employees or authorized representatives of the firm/client.
Our agency launched in 2015, when we worked mainly on real estate and financial service brands. Learning how to market to customers in that space is one of the most challenging things to do, as that more high-end market has particular needs that we must meet.
That space allowed us to create brands that stand out. Towards the beginning of 2018, we started receiving multiple RFPs from startups and Hospitality groups who had seen some of our work and wanted us to apply our same tastes, preferences, and process to their organizations. From startups to companies like OTTO Hotels too larger establishments like Nemacolin, it allowed us to evolve their brands and market share through strategic visuals.
2018 -- 15%
2029 -- 19%
2020 -- 32%
2021 - 34%
Our team does an immersive deep dive into every industry during our engagements. We will explore everything from how the competition positions themselves, their "why," and how they acquire new customers.
Research Phase 1
Research Phase 2
Research Phase 3
Our team will lead our brand strategy workshops, which help us define the brand's new positioning, strategy, target, brand narrative, and GTM strategy.
Strategy Phase 1.1 → Research, Naming, Brand Strategy Workshops, Positioning, Messaging, and Tone
Branding Phase 1.2 → Visual Identity Design, Brand Application Design
Full breakdown below in Phase Sections
We're not a 50+ person agency that runs through bureaucratic processes to get things done. We prefer to work with brands and products that we believe can make a difference. Being a smaller agency lets us give our full attention to our current clients.
Our team brings over a decade of experience in brand development and product design/dev. We have a startup mentality, which means we can be as agile as our clients need us to be, yet we deliver enterprise-level results. We can weave into organizations and let our clients feel as if we are part of their internal team.
We are the best fit because alongside our Agency model, we also invest in companies ourselves. We know what it takes to build a business from the ground up and how to hit both business and marketing goals. We understand that good branding is more than a cool logo or a font -- good design should solve problems and move the needle.
Our agency follows a Hybrid Scaling Model. We have a core team of 8 multi-disciplinary individuals and scale up to more team members through our tightly knit network of freelancers who are broken down by industry type.
Leadership team
Harji Singh - Creative Director
William Mobayed - Strategic Partnerships
Polina Gordovich - Accounts
Savannah West - Design
Japna Kaur - Strategy
Our entire agency is built on refined processes which allow for complete transparency and efficiency. For all our projects, tasks, and goals, we use Monday.
We've done workshops at Monday.com's offices on how our agency runs projects. Typically we create a shared dashboard that allows our clients to view at any time what is happening inside of a project. Interested in seeing a sample setup project? Have a look here -- https://view.monday.com/500804759-614e0c69a3b9ca17ef8779d8e6248ce0
For all day-to-day communication with our clients, we create a cross-account Slack Channel.
First, we'll require a single point of contact for approval. Too often, we've seen companies with too many chefs in the kitchen, which can cause delays and endless revisions.
Secondly, we'll need the team to give a complete insight into how your business runs, from your business model to your current pain points. We invest in companies ourselves; therefore would like to identify areas where we can help.
We'll need you and your team to dive into this engagement with an open mind to design. At the end of the day, companies hire us for our taste and knowledge that will help make them stand out.
Lastly, we'll need the team to understand that we are not simply direction takers. If you are looking for an agency that will make a brand exactly the way you want it or create a brand similar to your competitors, we will not be a good fit for this project.
Project setup & kickoff: 1.5 weeks
Strategy: 3 Weeks
Brand Identity & Brand on Application: 4 - 5 Weeks
Web Design & Dev: 8 - 12 Weeks
This estimate is given with timely approvals. The formal SOW to follow will encompass a more detailed timeline created with client feedback to account for any days off or suggestions. At project kick off, our team provides a fully web-based interactive timeline gantt chart.
Full interactive timeline delivered upon SOW draft.
Below you'll see a detailed outline of deliverables and fees for the associated activities. In addition, Azai Studios recommends earmarking an estimated $15,000 - $35,500 to put towards additional asset development to be defined mid-way through the project. This can be for additional creative such as motion graphics, illustrations and/or video. We feel that it's important to earmark these funds, and are conscious of the targeted cap for this initial phase of work and establishment of your brand.
Our goal here is to weave our team into your organization to understand who, what, and how it all works. Discovery, brand strategy and positioning gives our team a level overview of the company's current inner workings. During this phase, we set out to define the overall brand, vision, mission, positioning and messaging, in addition to client personas, competitive analysis, industry landscape, and brand strategy.
(1) Azai Studios Strategy Workshop
(1) One creative brief
(1) One strategy deck
We'll work together on building a brand identity and collateral that stands out in the marketplace. This phase aims to set the look and feel of the brand and how that rolls out across all digital, print, and experiential touchpoints. We want to create a brand system that can grow with the organization. Azai Studios builds out a fully custom digital brand guidelines which our clients can access at anytime.
1.2.1 Visual Identity Design
This essential step will help us set the direction for the visual identity, and allow you to collaborate with our process at a very early stage. The visual identity will be a complete refresh of the company's logo systems, typography guidelines, color palettes, brand patterns, visual principals, art direction, and any other brand element necessary to tell the company's visual story.
1.2.2 Digital Brand Guidelines
Azai Studios converts the visual design system into a practical usage guideline showcasing all aspects of the newly developed brand.
1.2.3 Brand collateral, print, and fabrication design
We will take the defined goals from our strategy and apply them to the a website to showcase brand's story, products, services and/or features. We will seamlessly integrate any data feeds, newsletter sign-ups, and api functionality with additional focus on UX best practices and SEO optimization. The website will be designed with future-proof additions in mind.
The new website will feature the new visual identity created in Phase 1.2.
Website Prototype & Designs
We will conduct a full website audit to suggest the best layout and website practices. Azai Studios will work alongside the client's team to ensure all pages are accounted for and organized in the most systematic way possible. Azai Studios may suggest new website flows to improve overall design and outcome based on best UX practices.
Stage 1 -- Website architecture & user flows
Stage 2 -- Website wireframes & Content Strategy for imagery, copy and video
Stage 3 -- Website hi-fidelity design incorporating all visual elements and copy. Hi-fi design are prototyped to showcase website's flow.
After we have full approvals on website designs, our team will begin coding the website and connecting it to the appropriate CMS Platform. Project estimates are based on Webflow, or Headless CMS + custom React (Web3 Friendly) based development.
Full Website Development
The development phase will consist of building the website based off of the approved hi-fidelity design. and selected content. We will set up a testing environment to push changes and updates as they progress.
Let us run and manage your social media accounts.
Starting at $5,000 per platform/month
Monthly email marketing has shown to have the highest ROI. Our team will design and manage your monthly email marketing.
Starting at $1,200 / month
Google search ads drive the highest intent driven traffic. Our team will create, manage, and optimize your Google Ads Account.
Starting at $3,500 / month at 0 - $34,999 ad spend per month.
At $35,000+ ad spend per month, we charge 10% of total ad spend.
For all socials, our team can create the appropriate Graphics and photos and content.
See À la carte services below
Social media marketing is today's most powerful tool. Our team will create, manage, and optimize all social media ads across multiple platforms to drive a high ROI.
Starting at $3,500 / month at 0 - $34,999 ad spend per month
At $35,000 + ad spend per month we charge 10% of total ad spend.
For brands to fully come to life, the content needs to breathe and live within the new brand ethos. Everything from the brand imagery to the branded lifestyle videos needs to be strategically incorporated to visually tell a story that should drive customer desire. All organic assets are aimed to be used for website content, socials and advertising.
Sometimes we step back in after launch. From major brand campaigns, to product and retail expansions, new verticals and more: we support growth through brand-defining moments.
Phases can include:
New Product Rollout
Retail Expansion
Campaigns
Onboarding
Hiring
Advisement
Creative direction and planning
Image retouching
Fixed camera with lighting adjustments for product variations
Photographer/equipment
Single environment: White/colored seamless or textured surface
Usage terms to follow in contract
Additional Fees
Location & Studio rental
Creative direction and planning
Image retouching
Fixed camera with lighting adjustments for product variations
Photographer/equipment
Location: + $ Additional studio rental time
Single environment: White/colored seamless or textured surface
Usage terms to follow in contract
Additional Fees
Location & Studio rental
Talent and model fees
Full cost breakdown provided after concept
+ Location & Studio rental
+ Talent and model fees
Pricing and scope estimate upon initial discovery call
RODEO ARCHITECTS
Brand Strategy, Identity Design, Content Website Design
Ivira provides care that’s always there – when you need it and when you don’t. Need a prescription filled? We’ve got you covered. What about an infusion? No problem. Home Health Services? Yes, we do that too. The truth is, we want you to get better, and we’ll go above and beyond to make sure you’re cared for in the process.Everyone’s health is different, which is why we’ve developed a family of services to help you no matter where you’re at in your wellness journey. Not sure how much care you need? Chat with one of our trusted Care Compass team members, who are always happy to lend a helping hand.
Care is at the core of what we do, which is why you’ll always find it at ivira.
For Ivira, the goal of this branding was to create a unique mark that would communicate their approachability & community feel in the category. The colors for the branding were chosen to work with the sub-brand colors of all of Ivira's services. In addition to the branding, we designed and developed a full website for them in Webflow which allows for easy updates and maintenance.
Ritual
Strategy, Visual Identity Design, Package Design, Website & Digital Marketing
Ritual is new kind of health technology company that’s reinventing the products that women use every single day. Their debut product—an essential daily vitamin—boasts completely traceable and transparent ingredients so you know exactly what you’re swallowing.
The founder was looking for soup-to-nuts creative vision and execution for the brand identity, website, packaging and art direction. There was much to do so we brought on a friend and fellow designer, Jess Yan, to help build out Ritual's launch alongside us. As Ritual grew, we led all creative fronts as Creative Director to help scale the company and fortify the brand and customer journey. We continue to build Ritual today as consultant on high-level initiatives and campaigns.
Energetech, an energy trading platform
Brand Re-Design, Web Design, Web Development
The team is happy to kick off 2022 by sharing our work for Energetech. The firm uses science, technology, and automation to build a platform that continually challenges traditional energy trading practices – to forecast opportunities and create robust strategies that create value and mitigate risk. Nominated as the UAE's most promising B2B startup, we worked alongside the cofounders on developing the company's new brand identity and digital. If you're at the Dubai World Expo, make sure you check out their booth!
Gateway Partners
Strategy, Branding, Web Design, Content, OOH ads, Print Design
Gateway Partners is an emerging markets fund manager investing responsibly in South and Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa. As Gateway was preparing to raise their biggest fund to date, Azai Studios was engaged to lead the firm's full rebrand with a goal of reintroducing the company as an industry leader in the space.
Chileno Bay
Brand Strategy, Identity Design, Content Website Design
Azai Studios worked alongside JJK Capital on rebranding their latest acquisition, a massive resort in Mexico. From hotel rooms to luxury villas, our agency was able to reposition the asset to attract a much higher clientele.
We're small, and we're proud.
Each team member comes from a creative background, so we've seen many pain-points from client-side to agency-side.
Being small lets us keep the focus on the work itself, and away from the mundane. It allows us to be less bureaucratic, which enables out-of-the-box thinking.
Launched in 2014, Azai Studios works with people and businesses to help them in the creation or evolution of their brand experience. We at Azai Studios apply creative and technical thought to deliver effective, sustainable, and inspiring design solutions at scale.
Now as a global agency with team members in New York City, Dubai, and Riga, we seek out diverse opportunities that celebrate cultural diversity and expression. Our reach across continents allows us to work in different time zones, and to collaborate with talent from around the world, all to provide our clients with top quality work. We could continue on in agency jargon but we figured we’d get to the important stuff…
We're a small agency, and we're proud of that.
It's not always about the numbers, and we’re only as good as our last project. It lets us to say no to the projects that don't fit our ethos and allows us to be more transparent - because we can.
That's not a thing many agencies brag about, but we love it. We are a tight-knit team. All of us come from larger agency backgrounds, so we’ve seen may pain-points from client-side to agency-side.
We learned that when you work with big agencies, a lot of the time there are things that get in the way of simply doing the best work. Being the small lets us keep the focus on the work itself, and away from the mundane. It lets us be less bureaucratic, which enables out-of-the-box thinking.
•
Being small lets our clients work directly with our account executives and creative directors.
•
Being agile lets us be as lean as our clients, stay fast, always adapt, always be there and on top of things. Startup ethos, enterprise results.
•
Being global allows us to leverage our network of professionals to ensure every project is a home run hit.
