Services
Propel offers a wide variety of services for your business that will add fuel to your company and a spark to your marketing. Catering to both the large corporation and the small start-up business, Propel has the capabilities and knowledge needed to help you rise to new heights.
What to look for in a design firm
Finding the right design firm for your projects can be a difficult task, but the effort will prove worthwhile. Knowing what criteria to judge by and what things to look for will help you make the right decision. We want to help.
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- A good design firm brings more to the table than great aesthetics. They should be able to incorporate marketing and communications into any project they work on. When looking for a design firm, the chemistry between you and the firm is very important. Look for those you would feel comfortable working with on an on-going basis.
- Look for firms that approach projects as marketing and communications issues rather than as design issues. The better design firms will not start out with questions like, "What kind of brochure/annual report/Web-site are you looking for?" even if you approach them with that in mind. The more savvy firm will instead ask you about your goals, the message you are trying to communicate, and the demographics of your audience. Design should always respond to these criteria.
- Find out about their project management skills. Good project management provides an opportunity for good design.
- Look for enthusiasm and interest on their part. Do they take initiative in wanting to come to your office and learn about you?
- Make sure to visit their office as well. This will give you a better look into how they work and their operating environment. Who will you be working with at their firm? Meet their team.
- In addition to looking at the firm's portfolio, ask for client references.
- Last, make sure you like their creative approaches.
How to work with a design firm
It is generally best to discuss your goals with the firm. Make sure they know your audience, your needs, and what the project is to accomplish. Let them work with you to propose ways to address those needs. This will truly get you the best results. If you have already decided that a two-color brochure, with your logo on front, and two pages of content are what you want, then you don't need design, you need an employee. Many design firms will still be able to do the production work for you, but you are really short changing yourself, not getting the full benefit of their creative team to help you discover new ways to approach the problem.
It is generally a good idea to share the budget with the firms you are considering, even in a bid situation. Any reputable firm will be able to work with you to fit your budget, or immediately tell you otherwise. You will then be able to compare what each firm can do given the same resources. If you need help to determine what a reasonable budget is, be up front; better firms will be able to guide you with information on industry standards and a minimum level.
Strengths
Areas of Expertise where Propel flexes its muscle.
- creative and design
- industry knowledge
- broad experience and backgrounds
- marketing savvy
- responsiveness
- reliability
- detail skills
- understanding of deadlines
- production
- vendor purchasing negotiation skills
- coordination efforts
- equipment strengths
- understanding and utilization of Macintosh software programs across all print and electronic media
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2830 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75223 P 214.841.1032 F 214.841.1044
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