Author: Treefrog Design

In the world of creativity and innovation, designers stand out as true problem solvers.

Our ability to blend aesthetics with functionality while addressing complex challenges is what sets us apart. Whether crafting digital experiences or creating brands that matter, designers – such as the team here at Treefrog, have a unique knack for approaching problems from fresh perspectives and finding elegant solutions. In this blog post, we will explore why being a designer is synonymous with being a problem solver.

1. Identifying the core problem: As designers we need to excel at digging deep to understand the core problem we are trying to solve. We think most designers have a natural curiosity that drives them to explore and gain a comprehensive understanding of the context, constraints, and user needs. By delving into the nuances of a problem, it allows us to unravel its complexities and uncover the underlying issues that need to be addressed.
2. Empathising with users: When designing we put ourselves in the shoes of the end-users, empathising with their pain points, frustrations, and desires. This user-centric approach allows designers to gain invaluable insights into the target audience’s needs, motivations, and behaviors. By immersing themselves in the user’s world, we can design solutions that resonate on a deeper level and truly meet the requirements.
3. Thinking outside the box: Designers are not confined by preconceived notions or traditional approaches. This ability to think outside the box enables designers to break free from conventional solutions and explore alternative paths – basically creativity!
4. Balancing form and function: Here at Treefrog our designers are experienced and understand that successful solutions are not just about aesthetics or functionality alone; they strive for a harmonious balance between the two. Blending beautiful designs with practicality, ensuring that solutions are visually appealing while also serving their intended purpose.
5. Collaboration and multidisciplinary approach: As a studio we have a diverse depth of knowledge and expertise in different areas of design so our designers understand the value of collaboration and actively seek diverse perspectives. We think this multidisciplinary approach enriches our work, allowing us to create holistic solutions that consider various factors and perspectives.

Conclusion: Being a designer is more than just creating visually appealing designs; it is about being a problem solver. Designers possess a unique skill set that enables them to identify core problems, empathise with users, think innovatively, balance form and function, iterate their solutions, and collaborate effectively. They have the power to transform challenges into opportunities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and creating meaningful experiences for users.

Have you got a design headache or solution that needs solving? Perhaps it is a re-brand while balancing multiple stakeholders or a complex development project that needs carefully considered user experience design? Contact Treefrog today to see how we can help.

In a world where businesses are constantly striving to differentiate themselves from their competitors, creativity has become a crucial element in achieving success.

A well-designed brand identity can make all the difference when it comes to standing out in a crowded market. That’s where Treefrog Design, a design agency in Surrey comes in. With our expertise in branding, web design, and marketing, we can help your business unleash its creative potential and create a unique identity that resonates with your target audience.

From crafting a visually stunning website to designing eye-catching logos and graphics, a design agency such as Treefrog, can help you establish a strong brand presence that sets you apart from the competition. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which Treefrog (a design agency in Surrey) can help your business stand out in today’s competitive marketplace. So, let’s dive in and discover the power of creativity!

What is a design agency?

Firstly, it is important to understand what we do here at Treefrog. A design agency is a team of creative professionals who specialise in various aspects of design, such as branding, web design, graphic design, and marketing. We work with businesses of all sizes to create visually stunning designs that communicate brand messages and values. As a design agency we can help businesses establish a strong brand presence and stand out in a crowded market. We have the expertise and tools to create unique and memorable designs that capture the attention of your target audience.

Like many design agencies, we have a team of professionals with different skill sets, including graphic designers, web developers, marketing specialists and the ability to work with proven copywriters. Working together to create a cohesive brand identity that communicates the client’s message and values. Here at Treefrog we have access to the latest design tools and technologies and stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and best practices.

Benefits of hiring a design agency

Hiring a design agency like ourselves offers many benefits for businesses. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Professional expertise

Treefrog have a team of professionals with specialised skills and expertise. We have experience working with a variety of clients and industries, and know what works and what doesn’t. Treefrog have the tools and resources to create professional-grade designs that stand out and communicate the client’s message effectively.

2. Time and cost savings

Designing a brand identity or a website can be time-consuming and costly. Hiring a design agency like Treefrog can save businesses time and money by leveraging the our agency’s expertise and resources. Treefrog can handle all aspects of the design process, from research and concept development to final design and implementation. This allows businesses to focus on their core operations and leave the design work to the experts.

3. Consistency and cohesion

Treefrog Design can ensure that all aspects of the client’s design are consistent and cohesive. They can create a brand identity that is consistent across all platforms and channels, including social media, websites, and print materials. This helps businesses establish a strong brand presence and reinforces their message and values.

How a design agency can help your business stand out

A design agency can help your business stand out in many ways. Here are some of the key ways in which Treefrog can help:

1. Branding

A design agency can help businesses establish a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience. Treefrog can create a unique logo, colour scheme, and visual language that communicates the client’s message and values effectively. A strong brand identity can help businesses stand out in a crowded market and establish a strong brand presence.

2. Web design

A design agency can create a visually stunning website that is optimised for user experience and search engine optimisation (SEO). Treefrog can create a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and devices, ensuring that the website is accessible to all users. A well-designed website can help businesses stand out and attract more visitors.

3. Graphic design

As a design agency, Treefrog can create eye-catching graphics and visuals that communicate the client’s message effectively. We can create designs for social media, print materials, and other marketing channels that capture the attention of the target audience. A strong visual identity can help businesses stand out and create a memorable impression on their audience.

Choosing the right design agency for your business

Choosing the right design agency is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some tips for choosing the right design agency and why we think Treefrog may be a great fit:

1. Look for experience

Choose a design agency with experience working with businesses in your industry. They will have a better understanding of your target audience and the challenges of your industry. Here at Treefrog we have over 20+ years of experience, working with clients across a multitude of industries and sectors.

2. Check their portfolio

Review the agency’s portfolio to see examples of their work. Why not check out our featured work on our homepage: https://treefrogdesign.agency

3. Consider the process

When starting a project, please feel free to ask about the agency’s design process and how we work with clients. We can then make sure that our process aligns with your needs and expectations.

4. Pricing

Our pricing is transparent and we will happily provide you with an estimate before undertaking any work. If you are working to a budget we can help discuss what we can do to maximise that budget and get the best return for your money.

Collaborating with a design agency

Collaborating with a design agency requires clear communication and a collaborative mindset. Here are some tips for collaborating with a design agency:

1. Define your goals

Communicate your goals and objectives clearly to the us with as much detail as possible – no information is not relevant and the more you provide us the better the solution we can provide. We can then understand your vision and create designs that align with your goals.

2. Provide feedback

Provide feedback throughout the design process to ensure that the designs meet your expectations. Be specific about what you like and don’t like, and provide constructive feedback that helps us (the agency) deliver.

3. Be open to new ideas

Design agencies bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas to the table. So be open to suggestions and ideas, and be willing to take risks to create a unique and memorable brand identity. Remember. Treefrog is built on experts so what might not be right for your personal preferences might however be right for the business.

Design agency pricing and budgeting

Design agency pricing can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. The best thing to do is to talk to us. We can then set a brief for your project and provide an estimate or if you are working to a budget we can advise what can be achieved within any restraints.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive marketplace, businesses need to stand out to capture the attention of their target audience. A well-designed brand identity can make all the difference when it comes to standing out in a crowded market. Treefrog, a design agency in Surrey, can help your business unleash its creative potential and create a unique identity that resonates with your target audience. From crafting a visually stunning website to designing eye-catching logos and graphics, Treefrog can help you establish a strong brand presence that sets you apart from the competition. By choosing the right design agency in Surrey and collaborating effectively, you can unlock the power of creativity and take your business to the next level.

Treefrog were commissioned to create a range of concepts to promote a young persons/student film competition – a joint venture between CVP and Canon.

Each concept was required to comply with stringent brand guidelines and be brand consistent with 2 sets of directives given by the brand partnership. At the same time, the concepts needed to be both distinctive and eye catching, and appeal to the demographic of the competition.

The chosen concept visually represented the demographic and conveyed to title of the competition with its sense of movement. This concept was rolled out across a wide range of promotional collateral for both digital and print.

Assets to complete the Canon website launch was given priority with phase 2 – web banners, HTML E-mail templates and headers, Social media templates and posters quickly following to help promote the inaugural event.

View website

How much does a website cost?…it’s a question we are often asked, but one that’s difficult to answer due to the many variables that can affect the price.

• Do you have an existing identity, brand or style in place?
• Do you require a purely brochure style site to give you the online presence in order to present your products or services and reassure potential customers?
• Do you require the site to act as your main marketing drive, that will sell or generate leads?
• Is there any functionality that is required, such as booking forms, or sales check outs, or are there specific third-party integrations?
• Not to mention how big is the site, is there an existing site map or specific user journey already mapped, and how many pages are required?

Our success comes from listening and interpreting your unique requirements. Every business is unique, so every website that we create is tailored to your individual needs. In order to provide an estimate for your website that’s fit for your specific purpose, it is essential we establish the answers to these and other questions. This is the only way we can answer the question of “How much does a website cost?”. We can then ensure we are quoting on a website that will provide you with the best ROI, deliver results, and help your business gain a competitive edge. That is why we have developed  a comprehensive online briefing sheet. Once completed and your specific needs are understood, we can then advise on the best route forward and provide an estimate on the work involved. 

How much does a website cost? What if I have a limited budget?

Having worked closely with organisations of all sizes, we are well aware that what may be right for one company isn’t always right for another. Our websites are built from scratch, designed by top designers, built by expert developers and strategised by SEO savvy content advisors, but it maybe that your business does not have to go that far to create an online presence that is adequate for your needs. There are lots of companies that offer off-the-shelf templated designs, or online builders that can help you create your own website. Whilst these vary in terms of the level of professionalism and sophistication, in the right hands, some maybe sufficient to create a basic online presence that’s adequate for your immediate needs or current budget.

What website builder do you recommend?

Our particular favourite is Squarespace – you may have seen this advertised on UK TV by Idris Elba. Their software allows users to access pre-built website templates and drag-and-drop elements to create and modify web pages. As with anything you get what you pay for, and these type of sites will never be at the level that could be attained by building a bespoke and truly unique site from scratch. Whilst certain functionality can also be added, it is limited and the more specific you want your site to look or perform certain functions the less likely this route will be for you. Ownership is also another consideration. As with any website template builder, a Squarespace site sits on their platform and uses their software to build it, so its never yours to keep and can’t be transferred elsewhere. Think of it as an indefinite rolling rental, where you pay a monthly subscription fee to Squarespace for the use of their software and hosting. As long as the limitations are understood, for start-ups or businesses with a limited budget this route may well be all you need.      

How can I make a web template site look as good as it can be?

Whilst in theory these can then be built by anyone without any design or coding experience, in practice, without these skillsets these sites can look unsophisticated and generic. In the right hands however, with a designers eye and a coders expertise they can be modified to look slick and professional, adapted to be less generic and align with your existing brand. For a one-off fee Treefrog can build a site for you using on the Squarespace platform, you then simply continue to pay your monthly subscription direct to Squarespace. Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements, we will then be able to advise if this route could work for you and be sufficient for you current needs.

A logo or identity sits at the core of everything, but your brand is much more than rolling out your logo once a year to adorn the obligatory Christmas card.

Your company’s brand is the combined and overall look of all its communications, all the elements of your brand that make it recognisable and different, and the more distinctive all these core elements are, the stronger your brand will be. The stronger your brand is, the more likely it will be picked out of the pack by customers so getting all these individual assets right is vital.

At Treefrog we have developed a range of packages to suit all businesses and budgets, ranging from logo packages through to a complete brand development. The key differences are highlighted below:

A logo/identity package:

• Your logo is developed by means of a briefing sheet to identify the key requirements of the logo.
• From that information we develop a number of different concepts from which you can choose from.
• The number of concepts and re-iterations are dependant on the package chosen.
• The different packages are defined by the studio time allocated which is reflected in the number of concepts and re-iterations included in the chosen package.

A complete brand development package:

The brand redevelopment is a more fully inclusive service whereby we carry out research and in depth strategic reasoning to provide a brand strategy to your whole business rather than just a single stand-alone logo.

• A full research & discovery project is undertaken prior to any design work. We learn your business, your customers, your services and your competitors. The logo is then derived from the information obtained from the Market research, Strategy and Brand positioning analysis carried out prior to any logo work.
• This research then helps us build a criteria that the branding must hit, this then defines what the logo should look like.
• The logo is shown as a part of an overall brand strategy and shown in the context of secondary styling with mood boards illustrating a range of collateral to illustrate the logo as part of the overall brand implementation.

The strategy behind brand redevelopment includes the following stages/steps:

1. Audit & research

The project starts by learning about the heart of your business and discovering what makes it tick. We establish your personality, values and attributes – these are key to defining your brand effectively, consistently and succinctly.

2. Defining the brand

We provide analysis and reporting of opinions of key stakeholders, customer profiles and key competitor brands. By defining the key attributes & core values of your brand we can then define the market opportunities and identify the optimal space for your brand to occupy.

3. Creating the brand

Only now can we start to bring your brand to life and move forward with your most important asset – your identity. We then support this by establishing the key elements that you can use to communicate your personality and brand values to the world.

Primary identity development: Based on our research and analysis we present 3 concept routes.

Secondary styling: Effective brand identity is achieved by the consistent use of key specific elements to create a strong and recognisable brand that can stand alone even without the logo. That’s why we surround your identity with examples of secondary styling to your flesh out the brand, establishing some of your most important brand assets.

4. Protecting the brand

Once we have established your brand you need to ensure that it is always presented in a consistent and professional way. Our brand identity guidelines help to ensure your brand remains consistent and avoids inconsistencies that may weaken or confuse your brand.

How we can help your business gain a competitive edge?

Treefrog have a wealth of experience creating identities and building brands for companies of all shapes and sizes across the globe. We learn about the heart of your business and discover what makes it tick. Then, by drawing from this learning process, we can create a whole range of relevant, distinctive and cohesive brand assets to ensure your business looks truly awesome.

Get in touch to find out more about our identity or complete branding service and discover how we can help your company stand out from your competitors and gain a competitive edge.

First impressions count, wrong impressions last, and there are no second chances. Your logo has a primary role in the representation of your company, so getting it right first time is vital.

It’s a jungle out there, and for any business the only thing that may distinguish you from your competitors is your image. Your identity is not just a visual representation of your business name, but should embody the identity of your company, its personality and reputation not only to your potential customers, but your current or future staff and potential partnerships.

Your logo needs to work hard, and may be required for any number of purposes including print, signage, and online media. It’s therefore essential that careful consideration needs to be given to all possible uses, ensuring a consistency is achieved across different processes and requirements. Using a trusted and experienced design agency with the right knowledge and expertise will ensure your logo design will reproduce correctly and meet the demands of all media and ensure your business looks truly awesome.

If you have no strong opinions – don’t worry, if the designer has understood your company and your brief correctly they will be more than happy to propose ideas and directions for you, don’t be afraid to leave it to them, they are the experts. Remember creating a logo is not necessarily about creating a logo that you like but rather crating something that is right for your business – a logo that truly embodies your company and presents itself in the correct way. Of course at treefrog, we always try to achieve both.

Finally, if the proposed designs don’t hit the spot, don’t worry, don’t be afraid to say so, but try to be constructive. Perhaps there are certain aspects that they can mix and match. There may be colours or fonts that you can work with?

Ultimately, the designer will need to understand which route they need to take so that you are happy with the end result. An effective design process is really all about clear communication from start to finish. The better your communication the better the final outcome, so keep talking to your design team.

How we can help your business create the right and lasting impression?

Treefrog have a wealth of experience creating identities for companies of all shapes and sizes. We can bring your business to life with a mix of analytical thinking and creative flair that helps you connect with your customers through print, web and a cohesive digital strategy.

Get in touch to find out more about our identity and branding service and how we can help your business grow and help your brand gain a competitive edge.

Your company’s brand is the combined and overall look of all its communications and effective branding is achieved by the consistent use of specific visual elements to create distinction. This includes everything from specific fonts, colours and graphic elements – all the constituent parts that helps to create a strong and recognisable brand that stands alone even without the logo. We often refer to this as ‘secondary styling’ but its importance should not be underestimated.

What are brand guidelines?

Brand guidelines are a set of rules and tools that determine how you use your branding elements. The guidelines are used by designers, writers, marketing professionals and anyone else who makes use of your brand’s elements when they create marketing materials. These guidelines will usually be presented as a pdf, so they can be easily updated or added to as your brand grows.

Why are brand guidelines important?

Effective brand identity is achieved by the consistent use of specific elements to create a strong and recognisable brand. Your brand affects your business’s ability to achieve its objectives. It’s what sets you apart from your competitors and instils recognition and loyalty in your client and customers. Consistency is key to your brand’s success and the tools by which this is achieved are brand guidelines.

Do I need brand guidelines?

When distributed to service providers, brand guidelines provide tools for anyone working on marketing materials to ensure your brand remains consistent. If you use or intend to use multiple service providers then brand guidelines are imperative to avoid inconsistencies that will weaken or confuse your brand. If you are using a single branding agency to produce all your collateral, across both print and digital, then these may not necessarily be required as the branding agency should automatically act as your brand guardians.

What should brand guidelines include?

No two businesses are the same so the elements that are included in your brand guidelines may vary.

However, brand guidelines would typically include:
Logo Use
Correct Uses – Full colour, Single colour, Mono and Reversed (If required)
Incorrect Uses
Positioning – Min Size Requirements
Positioning – Min Space Requirements
Typography – Main Font Uses
Colour Palette – Primary & Secondary

…but may also include for example:
Secondary styling (overview of implementation of chosen style)
Photography style
Product branding (If applicable)
Website style (overview only)
Infographics (styling of charts, maps & icons)
Stationery (overview)
Print collateral overview ( A4 brochure cover & spread)
Print advertising (typical A4 ad)
Print advertising (typical A5 ad)
Digital advertising overview (Social Media)
PowerPoint (overview example 4pp)
Exhibitions & Signage (overview)
Merchandise (overview of mugs/pens/apparel)

How do you establish your brand guidelines?

As a branding agency Treefrog know good foundations are essential to building your brand. A logo sits at the core of everything, but your brand is so much more…

Treefrog have a wealth of experience building brands for companies of all shapes and sizes across the globe. We learn about the heart of your business and discover what makes it tick. Then, by drawing from this learning process, we can create a whole range of relevant, distinctive and cohesive brand assets to ensure your business looks truly awesome.

Get in touch to find out more about our branding service and discover how we can help your business grow and help your brand gain a competitive edge.

Hello there! Welcome to our blog. We are Treefrog Design, a Surrey design agency operating out of the village of Ripley (just outside of Woking). 

As a limited company we started out all the way back in 2003 – with the rather long winded name of Treefrog Design Associates. A few years in we dropped the ‘Associates’ part of the name and now we are known as Treefrog Design – or by those who work with us and know us best, Treefrog.

We are an all encompassing design agency. A turn of phrase which we have kind of pioneered ourselves in referencing what we do. Basically – it means whether you need branding, a logo, print related items, a website, digital marketing or something else then we are your one stop shop. 

How can you specialise in so many areas? I hear you ask. Well, every team member here at Treefrog has their own speciality roles and are simply experts in their areas. To help keep things simple if you need something design related it is best to call and ask for Phill (who heads up the design and print side of the business) and if you are after something website or digital related, including SEO and advertising then it is best to call and ask for Paul. Both of these wonderfully helpful individuals (even if I do say so myself!) can then best advise. 

A Surrey design agency built on values

We pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive. Where necessary (and possible), we will work around the clock to accommodate your requirements and pull out all the stops to keep you happy. We are well aware that what may be right for one company isn’t always right for another. Each project is tailored to its individual requirements and budget. 

We strive for is to make sure we are a ‘fluff’ free zone. While sometime we need to talk technical we will avoid the use of jargon. If something is also not right for you we will make sure to tell you – and suggest alternatives. The ethos is simple, straightforward design creativity where flair and finesse are not considered value-added extras.

Want to work with us?

If you have a project or even just a question about something potentially in the pipeline please reach out. We would love to talk to you! You can fill our our contact form or simply just call the studio.