How We Work Together

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

Starting or refreshing your brand can feel overwhelming - I get it! That's why I've created a simple, supportive process that takes the fear out of building your visual identity. My unique blend of creative flair and analytical thinking (thanks to my engineering background!) means I'll help you prioritise what matters most while creating something truly beautiful.

Step 1: Our Friendly First Chat

It all starts with a conversation. Whether you've found me through a referral, social media, or a Google search, we'll jump on a video call that works for both of us - Messenger, WhatsApp, Teams, or Zoom, whatever feels comfortable.

This isn't a sales pitch - it's about getting to know you, your vision, and your goals. I'll spend time understanding your project, helping you see the bigger picture, and often assisting with business direction. Most people tell me they feel so much more relaxed after our first chat!

What we'll cover:

  • Your story and what you're trying to achieve

  • Your current challenges and concerns

  • What success looks like for your project

  • Priorities and timeline with clear milestones and commitment

Step 2: Your Comprehensive Proposal

After our chat, the real work begins behind the scenes. I dive deep into research - studying your industry trends, analysing your competition, and exploring what's currently available in your market space. This isn't just about creating a quote; it's about understanding the landscape your brand needs to navigate.

I'll create a comprehensive proposal that's tailored specifically to your needs and informed by this research. This isn't a generic template - it's a strategic roadmap for your unique project, complete with insights about your market position, recommended approaches based on industry analysis, timeline, and investment details.

You'll receive a document that demonstrates not just what I'll create for you, but why these particular design choices and strategies will help you stand out in your specific market.

Step 3: Let's Make It Official

Once you're ready to move forward, I'll require a 50% deposit to commence your project. This payment allows me to schedule the next two weeks exclusively to creating and completing your project. This means you'll need to have the time available to collaborate actively during this focused period.

To ensure your project is completed as efficiently as possible:

  • Complete the comprehensive questionnaire I supply

  • Domain & Hosting: If your project includes a website and you haven't purchased your domain name and web hosting platform yet, this needs to be done immediately (I can guide you, but you'll handle the setup to avoid delays)

  • Share ALL inspiration, ideas, and reference materials upfront

Important: Share everything now - Pinterest, Canva experiments, logos you love, colour preferences, everything! It helps me understand your style from the start rather than discovering it three revisions in.

Step 4: The Creative Magic

For Logo Design: I'll present you with a variety of concepts (usually within 2-3 working days) to help us find the right "feel" for your brand. This first round is about exploring possibilities - not perfecting details.

For Website Projects: If you already have a brand, we'll focus on platform selection and style direction. For website refreshes, I'll work with what you love and improve what isn't working. I will begin by providing a visual of your homepage for approval before building the site.

Step 5: Refinement & Revisions

This is where your project comes to life! Logos includes up to 3 revision rounds, and I typically turn around changes within 24 hours.

Here's what works best:

  • Give me all your feedback for each round at once

  • Be specific about what you'd like changed

  • Remember, revisions are refinements, not complete redesigns

  • Stay on course: Significant changes in direction, delayed approvals, or requests for elements not included in the original brief will incur additional costs

  • Timeline commitment: Projects that stall due to client unavailability may be subject to weekly service charges for late completion

Payment Terms: Final payment is due upon project completion OR 14 days from project start date, whichever comes first. Weekly service charges may apply to overdue invoices.

Step 6: Final Delivery

Once you're thrilled with your new brand (and trust me, you will be!), I'll deliver all your final files according to your package specifications.

Project Timelines from deposit

  • Logo and brand collateral only: 1 week

  • Complete new branding + new website setup: 14 days

  • Existing website redesign: 7-10 days

These timelines assume you provide feedback and approvals within our agreed timeframes

What Makes This Different?

Battle-Tested Resilience Forged in Africa's dynamic landscape, I've mastered the art of creating excellence from any situation - limited resources only fuel my creativity.

Global Mindset, Local Heart Years of remote collaboration across continents mean I understand your business, whether you're in Manhattan or Mombasa.

Old-School Craft Meets Cutting-Edge Innovation From Letraset to Illustrator, I've evolved with every technological shift while maintaining an artisan's attention to detail.

Vision Translator I excel at taking your "what if" moments and transforming them into compelling visual stories that your audience can't ignore.

I Listen Without Agenda This isn't about adding to my portfolio - it's about creating something that serves YOUR goals and connects with YOUR audience.

Experience Meets Intuition I interpret what you're really asking for, even when you can't quite articulate it yourself, bringing years of experience and current trend knowledge to every project.

Calm in the Storm Whether you're a nervous first-time business owner or a seasoned professional, I'll help you feel supported every step of the way. As one client beautifully put it: "I feel so cared for and calm in your presence."

The result? Brands that don't just look good - they work. They connect. They convert.

Your Part of the Partnership

When you accept a proposal and we begin working together, I'm committing my time, creativity, and expertise to your project. In return, I need you to:

  • Commit to the timeline we've agreed upon

  • Provide feedback promptly

  • Share all preferences and inspiration upfront

  • Trust the process - remember, we're eating this elephant one bite at a time!

Ready to Start?

If this approach feels right for you, I'd love to hear about your project. Drop me an email or use the contact form, and let's schedule that friendly first chat.

Remember: when the root is deep, there is no need to fear the wind. Let's build those deep roots for your brand together.

More Than a Designer - A Strategic Business Partner

“I have had the privilege of working with Pippa Dones for over 12 months, initially engaging her to develop my brand. What began with branding soon expanded into creating my website, business cards, designing professional print resources, and most recently, editing and graphics for my upcoming book.

Pippa’s high-quality work and meticulous attention to detail are second to none. She is not only a talented designer but also a highly experienced businesswoman who brings a wealth of marketing and business expertise to every project. Her ability to combine creativity with strategy means that she consistently transforms ideas and visions into professional, polished outcomes.

What makes Pippa truly exceptional is her warmth and professionalism. She has a collaborative, supportive style that takes away the overwhelm and replaces it with clarity and confidence. Whether you are a new business owner or further along in your journey, she provides both innovation and transformation in a way that feels effortless.

Her scope of expertise is vast, and nothing is ever too much trouble. She is incredibly generous with her time and knowledge, and her commitment—even working across international time zones—shows her dedication to her clients’ success.

I would not hesitate to highly recommend Pippa to anyone seeking support in branding, design, or business development. With Pippa, you don’t just receive outstanding work—you gain a trusted partner who genuinely cares about your success.”

Jenni Langrell