Special Modern Design

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of Scott Moe Creative, a small business that creates explainer videos. We serve as a design house for a variety of companies.

What challenge were you trying to address with Special Modern Design?

We were looking to establish effective branding. After trying to do it on our own for a while. I realized we needed some expert help.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Special Modern Design designed our logo and provided branding services. First, they conducted a questionnaire to figure out our business approach and my personal design taste. Next, we sat down for a meeting and they had a far more detailed understanding of our business and a strategy tailored to our specific industry. 

They had also prepared potential business names and early ideas for logo design. From there, we collaborated to find the name, logo, and branding that fit us best and tailored it to our liking. They even gave me homework so they could ensure the new branding stays true to how I want our company to be presented.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with Karen (Founder).

How did you come to work with Special Modern Design?

I first interacted with Special Modern Design back in 2012 and I was really impressed with their logo design. We stayed in touch over the years and I continued to admire her work. It made the choice to work with them easy.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement began in October 2020.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

I was incredibly impressed by how their business processes really compliment the really cool designs they create. Special Modern Design helped us find our niche in the industry. They set us up for success by finding an interesting way for us to present ourselves.

How did Special Modern Design perform from a project management standpoint?

Special Modern Design has met every deadline so far. Our discussions are always on topic and productive. We communicate via email and Zoom meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a very strong sense of creativity, but it’s very grounded and applicable to the business world.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, everything has been great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Listen to what they say. They can do more than just create logos, they bring a very strong sense of both branding and business cohesion to everything they do.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Cake Monkey Bakery. We have 2 retail locations as well as a wholesale division and mail order department.

For what projects/services did your company hire Special Modern Design?

When I first founded the company, I hired Special Modern Design to design our logo and then our business cards, gift box packaging and website design. I continue to engage their services for our marketing artwork, packaged goods, and all branding for our retail stores.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal for the logo design was to help give our company a unique identity and convey a sense of whimsy without being too "on the nose". Karen at Special Modern Design nailed it on the first round. Our logo then helped inform how we would design the packaging branding materials and in-store signage. We wanted something recognizable and that's what we achieved with the design.

How did you select this vendor?

I was new to the business so I googled logo designers in our area and Special Modern Design's own branding attracted me right away. We had an initial meeting and I felt that Karen really understood what I was trying to achieve.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The process began by filling out a very detailed profile/questionnaire from Special Modern Design. This questionnaire was very insightful and turned out to be very instrumental in helping me write a business plan and define the kind of company I was trying to build. Karen was very hands on and had a personal approach that I appreciated. She's great at taking feedback and turning that feedback into exactly what I need! She delivered an amazing logo, business card, marketing postcard, gift box packaging and a gorgeous website. They then designed all of our in-store signage for our retail locations.

What was the team composition?

I worked one on one with the founder of Special Modern Design and had very personal service. She handled everything for us.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The logo that Special Modern Design created for us has had tremendous appeal to both customers and the press. We have been featured in national and local publications as well as tv shows. The logo has been used as a sticker on our most popular item and is recognized citywide in stores and cafes.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We continue to have an open line of communication with Special Modern Design and they are always great about fitting in last minute projects with great results. They value our feedback and are happy to incorporate our notes.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by the way that Special Modern Design just always knows what we're looking for, despite the fact that we may not be able to articulate it well! Their designs are spot-on every time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I honestly don't feel that they could have done a better job! I will continue to work with them as our company grows.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a designer for a company making custom bags.

For what projects/services did your company hire Special Modern Design, and what were your goals?

We needed a strong logo, branding, and website design. We wanted something unique and consistent with our mission.

How did you select this vendor?

Strong reference from other business.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Work included logo design, branding and imaging setup and design, and website design and implementation.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with the owner.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Logo and branding incorporated in products; website complete and live.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Extremely professional; timely responses to all communications.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They're amazing at coming up with designs and ideas based on the basic information that we provided regarding our mission and vision.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the sole proprietor of my consulting business.

For what projects/services did your company hire Special Modern Design?

As a start up, I wanted to stand out.

What were your goals for this project?

To have a unique design and website that would convey my services in a creative and unique fashion.

How did you select this vendor?

I was familiar with her work through a friend/colleague.

Describe the project in detail.

Special Modern Design took me through a complete branding process - resulting in a super looking logo with collateral materials and a unique and top notch website.

What was the team composition?

I worked with principal owner Karen Barranco.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

What a great experience! Karen is not only talented, but intuitive – and has an uncanny ability to capture both your personality and your product offering in the branding process. I get tons of compliments on my branding and my website – mostly from really bright people! Most recently, I had a potential client tell me that my website was the best she had ever seen from a consultant.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of the final product is remarkable.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of.