When it comes to marketing, whether it’s a direct mail campaign or digital channels, the creative is the heart of a successful campaign. It’s the first thing the audience notices and works to draw them in to explore the messaging further. We believe that a great creative campaign shouldn’t just look good, it should leave a lasting impression and haunt your audience (in a good way).

Our creative development goes through several key phases, each designed to ensure that every piece of the client’s final product is polished, professional, and powerfully communicates their message.

Phase One: The Creative Brief

To begin every project the team collaborates to develop a roadmap for the design process. Whether we are working with a returning client or a brand-new business, this phase ensures that our creative team has all the critical information to build out the deliverables for the campaign. We review all goals, preferred branding, required dimensions, and special messaging to fully understand the project as a whole and not just the perspective from separate departments.

This step is fundamental to the success of the project. It aligns the team’s expectations early and positions them to do the best quality work possible, avoiding any spooky last-minute surprises that could be lurking in the shadows.

Phase Two: Concept and Design Development

Next, our creative team takes the reins. The process usually begins with a rough draft – whether it’s on paper or a quick digital layout. This phase helps brainstorm ideas and allows them to take shape freely, before needing to be finalized.

From there, we move into the digital design process, beginning to render our rough sketch in design software. As the layout takes shape, our designers refine placement, typography, and overall structure to ensure content flows cleanly and seamlessly. Once the foundation of the piece is built, they begin to add additional color, imagery, and other elements to align with the branding and messaging the client is seeking. This step is essential to giving the design personality and spark, something we believe is hugely important to the success of a piece.

Phase Three: Internal Review

Our internal review is where the magic happens. Not with a spellbook, but with cohesive collaboration between the job runner and the creative team to fine-tune every detail. They work together to optimize the design, so the message clarity and artistic goals are balanced and aligned.

After the internal review process and any resulting edits are completed, the piece is then submitted to our proofreading team. They begin a meticulous check of spelling, grammar, and required content. They ensure that every phone number, legal disclaimer, and logo is correct throughout the entirety of the project.

Phase Four: Client Review & Final Approval

Once our team is confident that the piece is ready, it’s time for client review. The client can provide feedback, and our creative team will make any necessary revisions until everything feels just right – no tricks, just treats!

After final client approval, the project is then handed off for production or digital implementation. The creative process may end here, but the client’s campaign is just beginning to make an impact!

Our team understands the impact of creative design is more than just visual appeal; it’s one key to an effective campaign. Your creative and messaging should work together to create a connection, clarity, and capture the audience’s attention. Our skilled team works hard to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices to ensure that every campaign delivers both style and substance.

If you’re ready to turn your next campaign from creepy to creative, contact us today to see how we can help bring your marketing vision to life! No potion or witch’s brew required.