The Design Menu: What to Expect When Working with a Creative Studio

So you’re thinking about hiring a creative studio, maybe for a new logo, a cookbook layout, or a brand identity that finally makes your business look as professional as it is. First of all: congrats. That’s a bold (and smart) step.

But maybe you’re wondering… what actually happens once you book a design studio? Do they just throw some logos at you? Do you need to know “designer language” to explain what you want? How long will it all take?

At Kakao Studio, we like to think of working with a creative studio as ordering from a menu. Each dish (or design deliverable) has its ingredients, its prep time, and its flavor. And the experience? It’s collaborative, transparent, and meant to fuel your growth.

Here’s your inside peek at what to expect when you pull up a chair at the design table.

Step 1: The Appetizer – Discovery & Briefing

Before we start cooking, we need to know your taste. This step is all about discovery:

We’ll talk about your goals, audience, and brand personality.

We’ll review your current visuals (if you have them).

You’ll fill out a short creative brief (don’t worry, it’s not homework, more like a flavor profile).

This is where we align on your vision. No jargon, no fluff. Just clarity.

Step 2: The Mise en Place – Research & Strategy

Great chefs prep before they cook. Great designers do too. We’ll:

Research your industry, competitors, and target audience.

Identify trends (and clichés to avoid).

Build a moodboard to capture the vibe: colors, fonts, imagery, and inspiration.

This is the behind-the-scenes prep that makes the final work feel effortless.

Step 3: The Main Course – Concept & Design

This is where the magic happens. Based on the brief and research, we’ll start cooking up design concepts. Depending on the project, this could be:

Brand Identity: Logo, color palette, font system.

Packaging: Label mockups, dielines, shelf-ready visuals.

Editorial Design: Sample spreads for your cookbook.

Content Design: Templates for social media or marketing.

You’ll get a first taste (draft concepts), and yes, feedback is on the menu.

Step 4: The Tasting – Feedback & Revisions

Design is a collaboration, not a monologue. You’ll have the chance to:

Review concepts.

Share what feels on-brand (and what doesn’t).

Request revisions (this is normal and expected!).

We’ll refine the design until it’s seasoned just right.

Step 5: The Dessert – Final Delivery

Once you’re happy, we’ll serve up the final files in all the formats you need. Think of it like a take-home box, everything packaged, labeled, and ready to use:

Logo files in multiple formats.

Templates you can edit.

Print-ready artwork.

Style guides to keep things consistent.

Sweet and satisfying.

Step 6: The Digestif – Support & Growth

Good meals end with conversation. Good design partnerships do too. After delivery, we’ll:

Provide guidance on using your new assets.

Answer questions.

Offer ongoing design support if you need it (like adding new dishes to the menu as your brand grows).

We’re not just one-and-done. We want to see your brand thrive long-term.

🍴 Final Bite

Hiring a creative studio shouldn’t feel intimidating, it should feel exciting. Think of it like working with a chef: you bring the vision, we bring the expertise, and together we create something unforgettable.

At Kakao Studio, we don’t serve bland design. We craft bold, flavorful visuals tailored to your brand. From the appetizer (discovery) to dessert (final delivery), the process is collaborative, transparent, and deliciously effective.

👉 Curious to taste what’s possible? Explore our services or reach out to book your seat at the table.