ABOUT VITAMIN C STUDIO
http://www.studiovitaminc.com/
- About five or six years ago Genco completed the Sheridan Web Design program and decided to partner up with his graphic designer brother Jon to start their own boutique studio, which is now called Vitamin C Studio.
- Their philosophy is that it's important to communicate with clients about their business objectives. This will provide design direction that will result in the proper visual solutions.
- They believe that every stage of the project is a direct representation of their studio and the clients company.
- Vitamin C concentrates on design for devices and branding. They create websites, mobile app designs and branding as well as some print design. Their company has really taken off despite the fact they haven't done any marketing, but word of mouth has spread across Toronto and their studio is booming.
- They almost never use Flash, except for projects for their designer father who still thinks it's best practice...both their parents are designers, guess it's in the blood!
- They are still just working as a team of two, but there were thoughts of hiring someone on to help with the busy work loads.
- They agree its rewarding having your business be a success, but also requires a ton of extra hours to put in to make sure you meet your deadlines, sacrifices must be made to be your own boss, but they couldn't be happier.
- Process is an important part of delivering the right work to meet the clients expectations at Vitamin C.
- They begin by sending out a questionnaire of various questions pertaining to their business objectives. They discuss the objectives with the clients, come up with three concepts and then create mood boards to establish a visual design language the clients can interact with...even if they don't quite understand the purpose of a mood board they can at least usually gauge what they absolutely don't like, then they know to stay away from those design features in the next part of the process.
- They then begin designing with various stages of client approvals. If it is a mobile app or websites that require advanced coding they are designing they will send the psd files to their contracted developers. And that's how things get done around their studio.
WEB WORK
http://www.studiovitaminc.com/portfolio/web/
- Jon and Genco took us through a few web and mobile designs.
- The project that really stood out was for a company called Jumping fish. They created a brand and a one page site for this company. It was a simple but complicated project, because minimal content was provided and they had to make it interesting and engaging to look at. They solved this problem by creating graphics that explained complex information in a fun and simple way. Also, I love the colour scheme...orange is my favourite. Take a look at the final piece: http://www.studiovitaminc.com/portfolio/web/detail5.php
ADVICE
- Start thinking about the end of year show now! Industry folks will be there to hire. Be prepared.
- Work somewhere to learn the robes before starting your own business, it's about networking.
- Network. Go to events. They go to Start-up company events because they know that that is their client market, so they pass out business cards to get their company some work and to help companies just starting out. Smart thinking.
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