Contrast & Co.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Mymee, Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

We were embarking on a rebranding process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Contrast & Co. guided us through every step of the rebranding journey, beginning with a discovery process. The team was responsible for everything from a new logo design, positioning statement, and other underlying aspects like a new website and updated stationary, business cards, sales materials, and PowerPoint templates. They took an iterative approach to redesign during the feedback phase. 

What is the team composition?

I’m in touch with several members of the team, including Dharma (Founder & Creative Director). We have a dedicated point of contact depending on what point in the project we’re in.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

I’ve worked with them before and have been very pleased with the results. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place from June–November 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Contrast & Co. has a skilled, versatile team, which makes the project very efficient and pleasant. Each element of their ideas is thought through.

The team played a huge role in refreshing and presenting the essence of our company. Their efforts made us stand out much more clearly in the market; we received a lot of third party validation.

How did Contrast & Co perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was very strong. They have a process behind everything, but we never felt like we were going through a cookie-cutter experience. Despite the orderly system Contrast & Co. offered, there was still a lot of creativity. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve worked with a lot of branding agencies over the past 20 years, and they’re one of the only companies that’s been able to interpret our business from the get-go during the discovery process. After one meeting, Contrast & Co. was able to return with a powerful, crisp distillation of the basics of our company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Contrast & Co. really knows their stuff. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing consultant and have been an interim CMO for multiple startups. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

I’m brought into multiple startups to help them build up their organization and move quickly. Contrast & Co is my go-to agency to contract for branding. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Contrast & Co. does branding work for each company I work with. We work together to try to bring a brand to life. 

We worked with a 20-year-old company that had a solid product, customers, and employees, but needed some “sex appeal” to make that brand better known. Contrast & Co. did a great on that. Another company was a data company. All their competitors looked and sounded alike, so our challenge was to differentiate them. The third company was in the telecommunications space; they’d been acquiring companies and holding different brands. They needed a clean overall umbrella brand for the new company.

After Contrast & Co. worked with them, two out of the three companies were bought within a year. In each project, I start the project, and Dharma (Founder + Creative Director) would work with the company after I’d leave.

What is the team composition?

Dharma, the lead there, has the best mind in the industry. He has the ability to really capture things. He has a team of people that work with him, help him brainstorm, and execute the brand materials. But he does the real heavy-lifting when it comes to capturing the brand.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

I originally met Dharma when he was working at another company. I brought him in to do a project, and he did an awesome job. After he left the company and started his own agency, I continued to work with him.

I used to bring 3–4 agencies for each company to pick, but Contrast & Co. would always win out every time, so I stopped the bidding process altogether. Why waste 3–4 weeks when I knew who the client was going to pick anyway?

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Contrast & Co. in January 2015. I haven’t used them in two years, however.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Right now, in my current company, I have a really strong branding person in-house, so I’m not planning on using any agency at all in the short term. However, as time evolves, the next time I need to bring anybody in, Contrast & Co. is going to be the first call I make.

The brands that Contrast & Co. created changed how people thought about each company. They’re able to capture that piece that shows who each company is. That’s really important.

How did Contrast & Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

Over the years, they’ve used different tools like Basecamp to communicate, but I’m not sure what they’re using right now.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like that they have no attitude. They don’t force their ideas on a company that’s not willing. Dharma is able to work with what a company can absorb, which is as important as determining the right creative and branding work to be done. I really appreciate that flexibility.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think they’ve done as much business development as they should for themselves. Their brand is all word-of-mouth, and they haven’t taken the time to do blogging or marketing themselves. I want them to grow their own brand even more. 

Any advice for potential customers?

The only thing I would tell people is to trust your agency. They’re pros at this; be open to the options they give you. If you’ve found Contrast & Co., you’ve already made the right choice.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of strategic communications for Hogan Lovells, a global law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Contrast & Co.?

Because our brand is so strongly associated with law, I hired Contrast & Co. to help create a brand image that was consistent with the law firm’s brand while making it look like a brand that you would expect from a PR agency — we didn’t want to give up any of the creativity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Firstly, we brainstormed with the team. They then came up with a name, logo, a new look and feel, and a way to represent the brand differently but consistently. Additionally, they provided other branded materials such as poster boards and paper cups along with iconography that would go to different services within the brand.

What is the team composition?

We worked with about three teammates, including Dharma (Founder & Creative Director), who served as our project manager.

How did you come to work with Contrast & Co.?

Dharma had been my creative director at a previous agency.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from September–December 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered exactly what they were asked to deliver. After we got the finished product up the ranks, the law firm decided that they weren’t comfortable with having a separate brand for strategic communications. However, the work was met with extremely positive feedback and the global head of regulatory affairs was so impressed that she hired Dharma to do some other work on the existing Hogan Lovells brand. 

How did Contrast & Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was extremely easy to work with. They also worked quickly and were open to feedback, intuitive, and self-starting. We communicated via phone and had some in-person meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by the team’s ability to take a loosely articulated concept and bring direction to it, achieving and exceeding our hopes. They were a pleasure to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no suggestions. Dharma is the most creative, easy-to-work-with designer. A lot of designers need more direction to get the work done. He’s self-driving, flexible, and really wants to make the customer happy. He offers ideas and is responsive to the client as well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell Contrast & Co. your hopes and ambitions, and let them give you second options on how to get there. There’s no need to micro-manage the project because they’re really good at figuring out what you need and can take you further than you might get on your own.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As CEO/Founder Emeritus Strathmore Music Center, we present, produce and educate our 1 million population with excellent product and service in all aspects of arts programming. We nab age a 2,000 seat Concert Hall, Education Center, Mansion, and 18 acre site.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co.?

We engaged Dharma an his talented team to brand and develop materials for a comprehensive new outreach initiative in East County, Montgomery County MD. Working with our staff, the final presentation of BLOOM stunned me with the clarity, vivid imagery and compassion we sought to convey. They listened, empathized with our intent and simply got it right.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to introduce a whole new product line of classes, shows and resources to an area of the County which had not been able to afford nor access our work on a regular basis.

So, we went to them. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SPEAK TO THEM IN NEW WAYS. We wanted to build a new database, feedback channels and lay the foundations for long term engagement.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our VP of Marketing knew of their work and brought them in. They were much newer and smaller than now. Every staff member echoed the care, concern and responsiveness demonstrated by their leader throughout the process.

Upon my retirement, I recommended them to Five Square Development who appreciated their work while branding a major project at the Metro station next door to Strathmore.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Essentially exquisite listening, careful data collection, regular concept testing, visual graphic reviews, draft presentation with critique, final approval and rollout.

What was the team composition?

It was a small shop at the time but 3-4 people were highly active, to my knowledge. I see they have grown quickly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The brand has been refreshed, regularly tuned, promoted in all our chances of communication and wears well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I was excellent, candid and always positive. Rarely have contractors performed so flawless with our staff.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their creativity and empathy was beyond any other thatI've seen in my 40 years career.

Are there any areas for improvement?

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

This project was a rebrand for a healthcare client of my PR/Marketing agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co.?

The company had a dated brand identity. Their website, collaterals, presentations, trade show presence lacked sophistication and failed to convey key attributes of the company, such as its innovation.

What were your goals for this project?

To develop a new identity, website and other executions that were distinct, modern and attractive.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have worked with Contrast & Co. on several projects. Their work is exceptionally creative and sophisticated and choosing them for this work was an easy call.

Describe the project in detail.

Under tight deadlines, the Contrast team conducted in-person discovery session, developed and presented a stunning new brand, redesigned hundreds of presentations and collaterals.

What was the team composition?

We had one primary point of contact, but at any point, 3 or 4 Contrast team members were involved in the project based on the work being done, including the founder of the firm.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work is extraordinary. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, it meets (exceeds, really) several strategic goals for the company. The client is thrilled. The launch of the brand has been delayed due to unrelated developments in the client's business, but I am confident that when it is, it will be transformative. This will change how both internal and external audiences view the company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are professional and excellent to work with. They keep their word and deadlines. For such a large and complex project, it could not have gone more smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The creative is brilliant, sophisticated, and on point. This is a very talented team. And they never lose sight of the client's business objectives.

Are there any areas for improvement?

You do need to plan ahead with Contrast. Because they are in high demand, they cannot always start a project right away. Once they do begin work, however, I know I have their full attention until it is complete.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marcom lead of an it services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We support the federal government with IT solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Contrast & Co. to accomplish?

• website development

SOLUTION

How did you find Contrast & Co.?

• Online Search

Why did you select Contrast & Co. over others?

• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Contrast & Co. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Started with research of understanding our current (old) site and our competitors, next came the creation of our desired outcome for the new site through information architecture andUX wireframing. Once that was established and tested we moved into design comps and layouts and them it was the job to bring it all to life through front-end development, content integration and content creation and migration. Once it was all created the integrated we moved into testing and then finally launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Regular meetings, email updates and then the dev sites

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

For the most part- in the middle of the agreement there was some delayed responses but more towards the end the team was very responsive and helpful.

What was your primary form of communication with Contrast & Co.?

• Virtual Meeting

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

The end result was great. Very helpful during launch and thereafter

Are there any areas for improvement or something Contrast & Co. could have done differently?

I would've loved to see more creativity in regards to images, more focus on search and AI elements

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Principle Broker of a real estate company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Real Estate Brokerage

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Contrast & Co. to accomplish?

• Brand

SOLUTION

How did you find Contrast & Co.?

Referral

Why did you select Contrast & Co. over others?

Taryn

How many teammates from Contrast & Co. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Provider of real estate related services

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Complete brand and website

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Very responsive and on time

What was your primary form of communication with Contrast & Co.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their creativity was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Contrast & Co. could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a director at Rissman Law

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Law firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Contrast & Co. to accomplish?

• Rebrand our firm

SOLUTION

How did you find Contrast & Co.?

Referral

Why did you select Contrast & Co. over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Contrast & Co. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Contrast helped us rebrand our entire website experience and logo, as well as provided us with marketing materials for conferences, thought leadership articles and social media marketing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I am not familiar with that.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were incredibly responsive and went above and beyond what we asked of them.

What was your primary form of communication with Contrast & Co.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were super easy to work with and they just get us.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Contrast & Co. could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

When joining Q'Apel Medical, Inc. as the Vice President of Commercialization my first goal was to create a more cohesive brand experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co., and what were your goals?

Q'Apel was a newly started company with only one product at the time I joined. We had numerous challenges with the existing messages and brand experience. It was quite disjointed and did not clearly define us as a company nor effectively communicate the features and benefits of our products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We needed a way to blend the old with a new brand experience and I chose Contrast & Co because I had worked with them on another project. C&C is a top-notch agency that can tackle any challenge in an effective and magical way. My background in graphic design, advertising and photography makes me more critical of amazing design work, and C&C is a standout! Just like there name, they will find a way to create a brand experience like no other agency I have seen!

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

C&C has an amazing team of people who make the process seamless for any organization no matter how large or small. They are so detail oriented and extremely organized. They deliver on time and exceed expectations on every project!

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

I worked with their project manager, their web designers, their creative team, billing team, web hosting team and print house.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Q'Apel Medical went from an unknown Medical Device company to catching the attention of an entire industry in a short amount of time.

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

Their project managers are very organized and execute each project with precision and efficiency. We would have weekly meetings on existing projects and if new needs arose, they would weave them into our timelines to ensure all deadlines were made.

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

They are magical! No one transforms brands like C&C!

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

NO. Hands down the best in every way!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a digital creative agency, and I am the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Contrast & Co., and what were your goals?

They were responsible for the design and brand elements for this client.

SOLUTION

How did you select Contrast & Co. and what were the deciding factors?

We selected them based on a referral and their amazing portfolio.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Contrast really lead this whole project, providing wireframes, prototypes, design and implementation oversite.

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

The creative director, and lead designer were daily contact for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The site was a tremendous success on a national level, attracting kids to sign-up from across the country.

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

Contrast created an open-ended communication channel, backed-by a clear schedule with detailed deliverables and expectations.

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

Far and away their most impressive quality was their level of creativity and imagination.

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

I really can't think of any, that's why I wanted to do this review, they deserve all the credit in the world for the work they do.