A deeper look into process, perspective, and ways of pushing culture forward.

Our Processes

While the studio is capable of producing, and consulting on a wide array of projects we find ourselves often engaging with clients across three main categories: Brand Strategy + Identity, Web Design, and Experience Design. We will take a deeper look at what collaborating with the MF9 studio on a varierty of these projects looks like.

The timeline for the design and development process from initial meeting to product delivery ranges from 20–24 weeks. This range varies depending on a variety of factors, including depth of scope, touchpoints needed, production & asset development, etc. Once the client needs are properly identified, the team at MF9 will develop a timeline that will outline a reasonable delivery window. The Brand Strategy and Identity process is made up of four interdependent phases. This means that the actions taken in each of the phases will directly impact the next stage of the process.

While a lot of design studios tend to focus their process into speculative touchpoints that "look good on paper" we strive to anchor our scope to real use-cases and touchpoints. When the project is finished your identity will already be working for you, and your audience.

The breadth and scope is mean't to be uniquely applicapable to YOU. This is just an overview, and
you may find your final scope of deliverables is longer, shorter, or altogether different.

Typical Project Scope Includes the Following:

Brand Naming

Soft-strategy meetings around target audience.
Audit, and discussion of what you are looking for out of a name.
Defining, narrowing, and vetting of potential, and/or chosen names.

Brand Strategy

Application and development of cultural systems that reinforce and develop brand DNA through the mission, pillars, and values.
Workshopping and development of customer journey.
Outside and parallel soft-market research.
Development of clear strategy to target audience while enforcing customer journey and engagement.
Understanding, clarifying, and extending brand and product-related experiences across applicable touchpoint.

Art Direction and Messaging

Development of social media strategy and implementation of strategy for majors platforms such as instagram.
Art direction and photography development for product and lifestyle imagery as it could be used across brand assets and platforms.
Clarifying and establishing basic foundations for brand voice, and communication.

Identity + Typographic Systems

Research, evaluation, design, and/or refinement of wordmark, logo, symbology and other visual iconography core to the brand.
Development and implementation of typographic language, and heirarchy across touchpoints reinforcing brand voice and strategy.
Defined color-palette including main, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Motion research, definition and core development.
Secondary imagery/treatment design and curation.
Development and implementation of finalized brand across speculative touchpoints and related aspects to the brand experience defined during the Brand Strategy Phase.
Direction and mplementation of illustration 2d and/or 3d.
Data visualization design and organization.

Website Design and Graphics

Visual research + brand development and translation of identity into multiple-page types matching scope and audit of existing touchpoints or references established during the Discovery Phase.
Wire-framing to reflect multiple page types mutually agreed upon and outlined during Discovery Phase.
Consultation on and/or facilitating the development of the designed website.

Our design process is broken down into a series of consecutive phases that build over the development of the project.

Click below to expand and dive deeper into each phase.

Phase 0: Brand Naming, 2 to 4 weeks.

Objective: Identify the unique value proposition, who the audience is and crafting a name that can support further brand development.

The naming phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to construct a list of potential names that are unique within the space, is memorable, future-proof, and something to believe in. This is the name which will ultimately be imbued with brand equity. After a newly established name is agreed upon, we take all that research and dialogue into the next phase of our process for further development—Brand Strategy.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral

Client action items:
1: Attend kickoff meeting
2: Sign proposal and request revisions within 2 business days of deliver

Client must pay project start up costs (50% of total fee) within 2 business days of timeline sign-off

3: Attend & Participate in Naming Meeting

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.
Client must provide feedback on initial round of work within 2 business days of Check-In.

Phase 1: Brand Strategy, 4 to 8 weeks.

Objective: Identify the core essense of the identity. Who is the audience, what is it *really* and what is unique about your company.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

Phase 2: Discovery & Ideation, 4 weeks.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Client action items:

1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

Client must pay phase deposits or necessary fees within 2 business days of receiving.

3. Attend design Check-In I

Client must provide feedback on initial round of design within 2 business days of Check-In I

4. Attend design Check-In II

— Client must provide feedback/choose a direction on second round of design within 2 business days of Check-In II. If needed a secondary meeting can be called to discuss, and collaboratively finalize the direction of the project. This could impact timeline depending on discussion, and work needed.

Phase 3: Design Development, 6 to 8 weeks.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Objective: A fully built-out, and explored world application of the project. This is where high-level concept work, and reality meet. Photo shoots, Video Production, CGI, Motion, etc...Every level of the brand within the inital scope is designed, clarified, built, and ultimately summarized within the final brand book.

Part 1

MF9 executes, and finalizes major touch points of the core scope. Logo, Typography, Color Palette, etc.
Create a design and development timeline based on project requirements, and reaffirm with client.

Client to Attend Design check-ins scheduled every two-weeks to allow for ample time to design, and address revisions.

Part 2

Extended Brand Engagement happens here. CGI, Motion, Photo and Video(initaited in Part 1) in finalized.

Design Check-Ins within Part 2 focus on alignment across the Extended Brand Engagement.

The Final Guideline Deliverable is initated, and complete. This brand book becomes the final output. It holds all assets, rules, guidelines, direction and more for the company's brand soul and identity.

Client action items:
1. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

Client must pay phase deposits or necessary fees within 2 business days of receiving.

3. Attend design Check-In I

Client must provide feedback on initial round of design within 2 business days of Check-In I

4. Attend design Check-In II

— Client must provide feedback/choose a direction on second round of design within 2 business days of Check-In II. If needed a secondary meeting can be called to discuss, and collaboratively finalize the direction of the project. This could impact timeline depending on discussion, and work needed.

Phase 4: Production, 6 to 8 weeks*.

Objective: Take any necessary designs executed in the previous phase and bring them into reality.

Projects if necessary finish in the Production and Development phase, not to be confused with the Production and Development processes within the Product Design, and Development. This is where final design are turned physical. Banners, Signage, Printed Ephemera, and or Digital Assets like websites are put into development.

A bespoke timeline based on the specific scope, and deliverables will be outlined and provided. In general printed materials take 4 weeks for production, while digital first assets like websites can take 4–8 weeks depnding on complexity.
During this phase, the client has approved all final artwork. Revisions, or design check-ins, here are rare if at all. If they occur additional charges at an hourly rate of 150 USD will occur.

Client action items:
1. Availability to meet and discuss design/development direction twice during the agreed upon 2–4 week window.

All stakeholders must be present in both meetings
In this situation, a stakeholder is a member of the team required for final sign-off

2. Feedback on design/development direction within 2 business days of both meetings.

3. Sign-off on design direction within 2 business days of final product proposal delivery.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

4. Attend design Check-In II

— Client must provide feedback/choose a direction on second round of design within 2 business days of Check-In II. If needed a secondary meeting can be called to discuss, and collaboratively finalize the direction of the project. This could impact timeline depending on discussion, and work needed.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Objective: The goal of this phase is to take the knowledge gained, outlined, and structured within the Brand Strategy phase, and begin to form 2 design directions or hypotheses in which the brand's world can communicate.

The brand strategy phase begins with a meeting between MF9 and you—the client. We begin working together through dialogue to home in on a constructed mission supported by a set of pillars and values that are authentic and unique to you. We call this the brand soul. After a newly established soul is agreed upon, we take all research and dialogue into the next phase of our process—Ideation and Discovery.

In order for this phase to have the right impact frequent meeting, and honest dialogue are necessary. It may seem like "discussion" or "just talking" but for us, and you to truly understand your brand potential it is important for us to know the who's, what's, and why's. Meetings are centered around establishing the mission, pillars, and values. Leadership participation is integral Client action items:

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client must pay any associated design fees and/or deposits otherwise the next meetings will be cancelled, and rescheduled for the next week.

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

At the end of each meeting there may be “homework” on each side.
Client Must provide or come prepared to discuss previous talking points.

4. Attend design Check-In II

— Client must provide feedback/choose a direction on second round of design within 2 business days of Check-In II. If needed a secondary meeting can be called to discuss, and collaboratively finalize the direction of the project. This could impact timeline depending on discussion, and work needed.

Week 1

Kickoff meeting between client and MF9
Re-affirm the full project timeline based on project requirements, and strategy outcomes

MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

Weeks 2 to 4

MF9 forms two concrete directions to further develop.
Design Check-In I: MF9 presents initial design solutions, and research.
MF9 considers feedback in application.
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together
MF9 considers feedback in application
Design Check-In II: MF9 presents back two concrete directions. To proceed a direction is chosen, or more commonly than not, aspects of both are melded together.

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A deeper look into process, perspective, and ways of pushing culture forward.

While a lot of design studios tend to focus their process into speculative touchpoints that "look good on paper" we strive to anchor our scope to real use-cases and touchpoints. When the project is finished your identity will already be working for you, and your audience.

Typical Project Scope Includes the Following:

Brand Naming

Brand Strategy

Art Direction and Messaging

Identity + Typographic Systems

Website Design and Graphics

Our design process is broken down into a series of consecutive phases that build over the development of the project.

Phase 0: Brand Naming, 2 to 4 weeks.

Client action items:1: Attend kickoff meeting 2: Sign proposal and request revisions within 2 business days of deliver

3: Attend & Participate in Naming Meeting

Phase 1: Brand Strategy, 4 to 8 weeks.

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

Phase 2: Discovery & Ideation, 4 weeks.

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

Weeks 2 to 4

Client action items: 1. Attend kickoff meeting2. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

3. Attend design Check-In I

4. Attend design Check-In II

Phase 3: Design Development, 6 to 8 weeks.

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

Weeks 2 to 4

Part 2

Client action items:1. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

3. Attend design Check-In I

4. Attend design Check-In II

Phase 4: Production, 6 to 8 weeks*.

Client action items:1. Availability to meet and discuss design/development direction twice during the agreed upon 2–4 week window.

2. Feedback on design/development direction within 2 business days of both meetings.

3. Sign-off on design direction within 2 business days of final product proposal delivery.

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

4. Attend design Check-In II

Weeks 2 to 4

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

Weeks 2 to 4

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

Weeks 2 to 4

Client action items:1. Attend kickoff meeting 2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

3. Attend & Participate in Brand Strategy Meetings

4. Attend design Check-In II

Weeks 2 to 4

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Client action items:
1: Attend kickoff meeting
2: Sign proposal and request revisions within 2 business days of deliver

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:

1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:
1. Pay Phase Deposit or necessary fees.

Client action items:
1. Availability to meet and discuss design/development direction twice during the agreed upon 2–4 week window.

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery

Client action items:
1. Attend kickoff meeting
2. Sign proposal within 2 business days of delivery