There are many advantages that a small design firm can offer to large corporations that many of the large agencies can’t match.

When bidding for a large corporation’s annual report, corporate collateral or website, it is important to show that you can handle a project of that magnitude. In our case, a company will be working directly with–me, the Creative Director–which ensures that they will get priority on our project list.

By working directly with me, you won’t have to go through an account representative, which means that possible miscommunications can be avoided. It also means that I am present at meetings or conference calls concerning the project and can work out the creative “kinks” with the final goal in mind, rather than working primarily on the “look” of the project.

Doing the Research

It is important to conduct appropriate research on the company that you are approaching. I learn about the major subsidiaries, corporate goals, and strategies. I become familiar with how the company has presented it self in prior marketing material. This research allows me to focus my presentation on how I could work with the companies goals in mind and streamline the creative and production processes.

Once you understand how a company works, you are able to show them how to overcome obstacles that can potentially become problems.

One problem for a client of mine, was turnaround time. The senior executives were very involved in the annual report process, yet, of course, they are extremely busy. I was able to offer overnight delivery of modifications to layouts and text, compared to the two- to three-day turnaround that they might expect from many larger agencies.

Getting Top Brass Involved

Another way to streamline the process is to meet with the “decision makers” early in the process. While this may be difficult to do with large corporations, it is important to note that a half-hour concept meeting with senior executives can accomplish more thatn 40 hours of conceptualizing. In the end, I am able to present much stronger concepts taht are based directly on management’s discussion.

Controlling Costs

Another advantage that small design firms can offer is value. With lower overhead, the rates are generally lower than those of larger firms.

One of the most important things to consider when preparing to work on a new project, is to work with a designer that will put in the time necessary to learn about your company.

Any decent designer can create a piece that looks good, but a designer can’t possibly answer all the needs of the current project without the knowledge of the corporation and its culture.