Preparing to Work With a Brand Designer: Timelines, Budgets & What to Expect
Starting a new business, rebranding, or creating a website is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you begin reaching out to designers. I often hear from clients who are eager to launch quickly, only to discover that design work takes longer (and often costs more) than they had anticipated.
To help you prepare, here are some friendly insights into how I work, what you can expect, and how to set yourself up for a smooth and successful project.
Understanding Timelines
Good branding and websites take time. When working with me, on average, branding projects can take 6-12 weeks, and websites can also take 6-12 weeks (sometimes longer, depending on their complexity).
If you have a specific launch date in mind, then it is best to start the design conversation at least three months in advance. I book projects several months out, and because I work independently (alongside my contract commitments), I can only take on a limited number of clients at a time.
💡 Tip: If your launch date is immovable, consider starting with branding first and adding a website later. That way, you can still launch with a strong identity, then expand into digital once the timing works.
The Courthouse is a great example of a large scale branding project - engagement with the clients began in April 2023, yet it would be almost a year later (March 2024) before the brand started to be implemented into the space as well as online.
Budget Realistically
Creating a brand and/or a website are investments, and they’re foundational to how your business is perceived.
My branding prices do have some flexibility depending on the scope. For example a leaner engagement vs. a full, comprehensive system. This means if you don’t fall within my minimum starting price for branding I can work out an alternative for you. Usually I find people quote a brand I have already done, and this gives me a good place to start with when helping you understand the budgets required to do something similar.
Websites, however, do not have a “light” option. €2,750 is my base rate for brochure websites and €3,750 for e-commerce, as this reflects the minimum amount of work needed to produce something professional and effective.
💡 Tip: When setting a budget, don’t just think about the cost today, but the long-term value. Strong branding and a well-built website will serve you for years, giving clients and partners the right impression from the start.
Know What You’ll Get (and Won’t Get)
Not all projects will include the same deliverables. For example, with a leaner branding budget, our discovery session might be completed via an online form rather than a full day in-person session, and the design depth will be more limited and streamlined.
Higher-budget clients receive more comprehensive outputs. For example, brand shorthand icons, patterns, photography libraries, branded assets, extensive brand guidelines, and ready-to-use templates. It’s all about matching deliverables to budget and needs.
💡 Tip: Be clear on what’s essential for your launch versus what can be added later. Sometimes, phasing your project makes more sense than trying to do everything at once.
Cup Print is a great example of a brand refresh - not a rebrand. There were strong elements of the brand already in place, but it needed refinement and a clear direction that matched its new messaging. This was a short turnaround project of 3 weeks.
Give Yourself Time to Think
Design is a collaborative process. It’s not just about me creating something, it’s about us exploring what your brand should represent, how you want to be perceived, and how that translates visually. That means you’ll need time to:
Fill out a discovery questionnaire thoughtfully / be present for an in-person workshop
Review and give feedback on concepts
Build your website content
Consider revisions and refinements
💡 Tip: Build in space in your own schedule for this collaboration. A rushed process often leads to compromises, while a thoughtful process creates results you’ll feel proud of.
Two years after creating Velvet Interiors brand, they embarked on the redesign of their website. Afterwards the client told me how she underestimated the extra time and personal involvement in a project like this. The visual content alone required extra time and budget on her part to make sure that her interiors and shop were staged and photographed to the highest possible standard.
Be Ready for the Journey
Working with a designer isn’t a “one and done” exchange. It’s a journey of discovery, iteration, and creativity. My role is to guide and advise, but also to challenge you when needed. I want to make sure the final result is not only beautiful, but strategic and aligned with your goals.
💡 Tip: Approach the project as a partnership. The more open and prepared you are, the smoother and more enjoyable the process will be.
Preparing to work with a brand designer means planning ahead, budgeting realistically, and being ready to collaborate. When you do, the results are transformative. And that’s not just in how your business looks, but in how confidently you step into the next chapter.
