Process

How identity projects work

This page is for clients who want to understand how logo and identity projects are usually structured before we define the exact scope.

01 / Scopes

Scopes

Identity work in focused scopes

Projects can start with a focused logo system or grow into a broader identity with rules, assets, and guidelines. After a short conversation, you receive a recommended scope, timeline, and estimate.

Logo System

Focused logo system
for a clear foundation

Custom estimate

Primary logo

Secondary marks

Logo lockups

Color versions

Basic usage rules

Final logo files

Identity System

Complete identity
system for broader use

Custom estimate

Logo system

Color and typography

Graphic elements

3–5 selected applications

Visual direction

Brand guidelines

Extensions

Additional depth
when needed

Custom estimate

Expanded guidelines

Additional applications

Digital / print usage

Presentation templates

Templates

Photo direction

02 / Logo System

Focused logo system for a
clear foundation

For brands that need a strong logo foundation without building a full identity system yet. This scope focuses on the idea, form, versions, basic usage logic, and final files of the logo family.

Custom estimate
1–2 weeks
50% advance / 50% before handoff

Focus of the scope

  • Logo idea and visual direction
  • Logo family for key scenarios
  • Basic usage logic
  • Mini logo guide and final files

Core deliverables

  • Primary logo
  • Adaptive logo versions
  • Color versions
  • Favicon / social avatar
  • Presentation mockups
  • Mini logo guide
  • Final logo files

Usually scoped separately

  • Expanded brand palette
  • Typography system
  • Full graphic language
  • Large application system
  • Detailed brandbook
03 / Identity System

Complete identity system for
broader use

For brands that need not only a logo, but a broader visual system that works across formats. This scope develops the logo into color, typography, graphic principles, selected applications, and practical guidelines.

Custom estimate
2–3 weeks
40% advance / 30% after direction approval / 30% before handoff

Focus of the scope

  • Logo system
  • Visual language around the logo
  • Color, typography, and graphic principles
  • 3–5 core applications
  • Brand guide for further use

Core deliverables

  • Logo system
  • Color palette
  • Typography direction
  • Graphic elements
  • Layout principles
  • Core applications
  • Brand guide
  • Final identity files

Usually scoped separately

  • Full social media kit
  • Presentation templates
  • Extended brandbook
  • Detailed photo direction
  • Large asset library
  • Website design
  • Production supervision
04 / Extensions

What’s included, what’s
separate

Identity System includes the core visual decisions and 3–5 selected applications. Larger systems, detailed documentation, templates, and production-heavy formats can be added when the project needs more depth.

Usually included in Identity System

  • Logo system
  • Color palette
  • Typography direction
  • Graphic principles
  • Core applications
  • Brand guide
  • Final identity files

Selected applications

  • Business card
  • Letterhead
  • Label / sticker / tag
  • Simple packaging paper
  • Social avatar / cover
  • Email signature
  • Small sign or door sticker

Scoped separately

  • Pitch deck / proposal templates
  • Catalogs or brochures
  • Packaging series
  • Signage system
  • Complex asset libraries
  • Website design & layout
  • Production supervision
05 / Guides & handoff

Clear handoff after the
presentation

The final result is prepared as a working system: logo files, identity assets, usage rules, and practical notes that help the brand stay consistent after handoff.

Final files

Prepared vector and raster files for digital and print use. The exact file set depends on the project scope and approved deliverables.

Mini logo guide

A short guide for safe logo usage: spacing, minimum size, background use, color versions, basic do/don’t examples, and file notes.

Brand guide

A practical guide for the core identity system: logo, color, typography, graphic principles, composition logic, selected applications, and usage examples.

Extended brandbook

A deeper document for teams and collaborators when the identity needs more detailed rules, examples, templates, or format-specific explanations.

06 / Process & timeline

How the process
usually works

The process is built around a recommended direction, not a menu of disconnected options. Each project starts with context, then moves through exploration, refinement, and final handoff.

Logo System

A focused two-stage process, usually 1–2 weeks.

01 / Direction

  • Brief and project start
  • Context review
  • Visual exploration
  • Presentation of a recommended logo direction
  • Discussion and next-step decision

02 / Refinement & handoff

  • Refinement of the selected direction
  • Adaptation for key logo scenarios
  • Color and contrast versions
  • Mini logo guide
  • Final approval and payment before handoff
  • File handoff

Identity System

A broader three-stage process, usually 2–3 weeks.

01 / Direction

  • Brief and project start
  • Context review
  • Visual exploration
  • Presentation of a recommended identity direction
  • Discussion and next-step decision

02 / System development

  • Logo system refinement
  • Color palette
  • Typography direction
  • Graphic principles
  • Composition logic
  • 3–5 selected applications

03 / Guide & handoff

  • Brand guide
  • Final identity files
  • Final review and approval
  • Final approval and payment before handoff
  • File handoff
07 / FAQ

Questions before starting

Not sure where to start?

Send a short note with your project, timeline, and current stage.

How long does a project take? −

Logo systems usually take 1–2 weeks. Identity systems usually take 2–3 weeks. Larger scopes are estimated separately.

What happens if the first direction doesn’t feel right? +

The project starts with aligning on context, references, and goals to eliminate unsuitable routes early on. From there, I explore concepts and present a grounded direction. We then refine and polish the chosen route until it works seamlessly. If the core brief or business goals pivot completely midway, we simply realign the scope together.

Why do I need an identity system, not just a logo? +

A logo gives the brand a recognizable form. An identity system explains how that form works across formats, typography, color, and practical materials.

What is included in the presentation? +

The presentation shows the idea, logo system, key versions, visual principles, and selected applications, depending on the agreed scope.

What do the guidelines include? +

A guideline is a practical document with rules for using the logo, colors, typography, graphic elements, layouts, and other identity assets.

What happens after the project is finished? +

You receive final files, usage rules, and guidelines. The materials are prepared so another designer, marketer, or internal team can continue working with the brand.

Need a logo or identity system?
Start with a short message.

Send a few details about your project, current stage, timeline, and what you need. I'll reply with the next step or a few questions to clarify the scope.