Define what must remain true...
Before design begins, something more fundamental must be understood.
Every organisation carries an underlying idea. A centre that gives coherence to how it speaks, behaves and appears.
When that idea is clear, brand work gains direction.
Decisions become easier to make.
Design becomes more focused.
Communication begins to align.
But in many organisations this centre remains implied rather than defined.
Projects move quickly toward expression. Logos, websites and campaigns are commissioned before the underlying idea has been clearly articulated.
When that happens, direction becomes negotiable.
Feedback becomes subjective.
Revisions multiply.
The work moves forward, but without a clear centre holding it together.
The Thisness Report exists to define that centre.
A focused strategic report that identifies the idea your organisation must remain true to and clarifies the principles that should guide how the brand communicates, behaves and evolves.
Rather than beginning with visual design, the work begins with definition.
The report distils the underlying idea that gives the organisation coherence. The quality that makes the brand unmistakably itself.
The report typically explores:
• the central idea that defines the brand
• the tensions or contradictions shaping the organisation
• what the brand must remain true to as it grows
• the implications this has for communication and design
The outcome is a clear articulation of the idea that should guide future decisions.
When this centre is defined, the effect is immediate.
Direction strengthens.
Design becomes easier to brief.
Creative work gains coherence.
Instead of competing opinions, decisions begin to align around a shared understanding.
Some organisations continue into design work afterwards.
Others use the report internally to guide teams, agencies and communications.
Either way, clarity comes first.
How the report is created
Each report begins with a short discovery questionnaire designed to uncover the raw material behind your organisation.
Your answers, alongside your existing website, communications and brand materials, are carefully reviewed and interpreted.
The outcome is a concise strategic document that defines the idea your organisation must remain true to and the principles that should guide future expression.
Every report is written personally and delivered within ten working days of the confirmed start date.
The Thisness Report is available as a standalone strategic engagement.
£399
Each report is written personally and delivered as a concise strategic document that defines the idea your organisation must remain true to.
To ensure every report receives the attention it deserves, I schedule only a small number each month.