A creative offering for startups.
Up&Running is a specific creative program I’ve created for founders, early stage companies, and venture firms to get ideas off the ground.
Up&Running is an intensive four week process for creating a name, brand identity program, early messaging, a landing page, key product screens, and a pitch deck. The perfect amount of creative to get a company well on their way.
Brand Identity
Right behind a name, the brand identity is what brings it to life. How a product or logo sits on the shelf or pops in the app store (or even shows up on a helicopter). The logo, the color, the type, and all of the brand elements come together to tell a memorable visual story.
Naming
A name is pretty important. This is how customers will read and hear about you, but more importantly tell their friends about you. Your name needs to be memorable, but not too weird. Ideally there should be some meaning and a story behind it.
Already have a name? Great, you’re one step ahead.
Messaging
Having your story nailed is key. Can you tell the story of your company in a paragraph? How about a sentence? How about 6 words? We’ll develop a tight narrative that will run through the headline on your website, to the bio on your LinkedIn. We’ll create the sound bite your customers can share for you.
Prototype + Key Visuals
Humans are visual by nature. We need to see and hold something in order to believe it is real. At this phase we start creating visual mockups, app-prototypes, and key screens to show the world how your product comes to life.
Landing Page
How do you tell the world your story? Photos? Illustration? Demo’s? Video’s? This is where we will craft the perfect way to announce to the world you are open for business.
*Image intentionally blurry because pitch decks tend to have sensitive company information!
Pitch Deck
The pitch deck still reigns supreme when raising capital. We’ll develop a 10-15 slide presentation giving investors a very clear understanding of your company and its vision. I’ve helped raise over $500Mm with clear and effective decks.
Not raising capital? Well this deck can be leveraged to attract new partners, new recruits, and be a north star internally.
The Process
Week One
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The first phase of the project is gathering as much information (and opinions) as possible. There will be interviews with key stakeholders and industry experts. Then, we will run two proven workshops with key team members to help craft the visual and verbal story of the company. There will also be considerable research on the category. Depending on the industry this can range from site visits, shopalongs, factory tours, desktop research, and if needed 3rd party focus groups.
Week Two
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The second phase of the project is taking all of the information in week one and synthesizing it into a clear narrative. This is where we are starting to identify the unique value proposition in the category and how the brand should be positioned in written and visual form.
Week Three
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In the third phase, the brand starts to come to life. A minimum of three creative directions are presented to the team. This is where logos, app icons, and the look and feel are shown in context. Together we will select a direction, or mix n’match to create the identity every is excited to move forward with.
Week Four
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Lastly, all of the assets are created to meet the specs of the company and product. This could be preparing art for the App store or a CNC machine. I will provide an in depth set of brand guidelines and online brand asset repository so that you and the team have all the tools you need to to create an enduring brand.
Why invest in creative early?
You look legit.
In order to attract customers and investors you need to look the part. They need to trust you, and albeit superficial, it is important that your brand looks professional.
You attract and retain the right talent.
Creating a brand and a story someone can put their career trust in is critical. Give your future employees something they are going to be proud to wear on that company issued swag.
You focus on your core skillsets.
Unfortunately I’ve seen a lot of founders wasting their precious time and money trying to design logos, build websites, learn prototyping tools, and not focus on building the actual business. Yes, there are a lot of self service tools out there to help you get going. But investing in yourself at this stage is going to do more for your company down the road.
You stand out from the crowd.
The world is a noisy place. There are a million ideas. Together, we’ll understand your unique offering and define the positioning that will help you stand out.
A clear story helps you raise capital.
A product that people want and need is the most important part of raising capital. But having a compelling story is not far behind. The age old “elevator pitch” and key visuals can help you land critical meetings and funding.
You save money down the road.
You know what is valuable? Brand recognition. As you build your company, drive impressions, and grow customer loyalty, make sure it is around a brand and name you will have for awhile. Because you know what is expensive? A re-brand.
So what now?
Let’s talk. I’m always excited to hear about new ideas, companies or collaborations. From there, we’ll figure out the best way to work together. Shoot me a note at scott@suiter.co
I take on a limited number of projects a year so that I can give each project undivided attention.