FAQs

Introduction

  • Getting started begins with a conversation. We use this time to understand your brand, your goals, and what you’re trying to communicate visually, while also getting to know each other and how we might work together.

    From there, we outline a clear direction and next steps based on what you actually need. If the fit feels right on both sides, we move forward with the project.

  • Cartel Design Studio works with brands that value clarity, structure, and strong first impressions. We primarily partner with fashion, lifestyle, retail, and creative brands, but we’re open to working with any business that takes design seriously and understands its impact.

    We work with brands at different stages—from early concepts that need a strong visual foundation to established businesses looking to refine or evolve their presence. We prioritize projects where there’s clear potential for transformation and a meaningful before-and-after outcome.

    If the work aligns with our expertise and we believe we can add real value, we’re open to the collaboration.

  • Cartel focuses on clean, organized website design and visual identity work. Our goal is to help brands present themselves clearly and consistently online.

    Our work is centered around three core areas:

    Brand Identity
    We help define how your brand looks and feels, creating a clear visual foundation that supports recognition and consistency.

    Digital Layout
    We structure pages with clarity and intention, focusing on hierarchy, spacing, and flow so content is easy to navigate and understand.

    Website Build
    We design and build websites that bring everything together, ensuring the final product is functional, cohesive, and ready to launch.

    Every project is approached with attention to detail and a focus on delivering work that feels intentional and complete.

How We Work

  • Listen. Design. Deliver. Refine.

    We start by listening—taking the time to understand your brand, your audience, and what you’re trying to communicate. This gives us the context needed to make informed design decisions from the beginning.

    From there, we design a clear visual foundation, focusing on structure, hierarchy, and layout. Once the direction is aligned, we move into delivery by building and assembling the work into a functional, cohesive experience.

    Refinement is the final and ongoing step. With a solid foundation in place, we revisit details, adjust spacing, hierarchy, and flow, and continue refining until the work feels complete and ready to launch.

  • Each project begins with a discovery conversation to ensure alignment on goals, scope, and expectations.

    From there, we review your current site or materials, outline next steps, and define the scope of work. Once approved, we move into design and collaborate closely throughout the process.

    Clear communication and transparency guide every stage.

  • Our work is guided by three simple principles: clarity, precision, and alignment. These principles shape how we plan projects, deliver the work, and collaborate with our clients.

    Clean Design
    We create clear, organized layouts that are easy to navigate and understand.

    Precise Delivery
    We focus on the details to ensure the work is complete, intentional, and ready to launch.

    Aligned Vision
    We work closely with our clients to ensure the final result reflects their goals and intent.

  • Cartel’s work is collaborative by nature. We lead the design process, but strong outcomes depend on open communication and shared understanding. We take time to understand your vision while also guiding decisions around structure, clarity, and usability.

    Design is a balance between aesthetics, messaging, and functionality. We present options, explain tradeoffs, and work with you to arrive at solutions that both represent your brand and communicate effectively.

    Most work is done remotely, with regular check-ins to review progress and stay aligned. In-person meetings can be arranged when they add value or when a project stage benefits from face-to-face collaboration.

  • Project timelines are shaped by scope and complexity. We establish clear milestones and target timelines early, while recognizing that strong design—especially work tied to positioning, storytelling, or visual direction—doesn’t always follow a rigid schedule.

    We move efficiently and stay focused on progress, but we don’t rush work at the expense of quality. If additional time allows the work to reach a higher standard, we’ll communicate that clearly and adjust expectations together.

    We only put our name on work we’re confident in and proud to deliver.

Results & Support

  • We don’t disappear after delivery. Once the core project is complete, we remain available to help refine, adjust, or extend the work as needed.

    Ongoing support can include site updates, new pages, visual updates, or additional storytelling as your brand evolves. For new campaigns, concepts, or creative needs that extend beyond the original scope, we define a separate ongoing partnership with clear expectations and boundaries for both sides.

    This approach keeps the original work intact while allowing room for future growth and collaboration.

  • Success is defined at the start of each project. For design work, that often means alignment—confidence in the first impression, clarity in presentation, and a final result that accurately reflects the brand and story being told.

    We focus on whether the work feels right for both sides and whether the design communicates clearly, consistently, and with intention. We take on projects selectively to ensure we can deliver outcomes we’re proud to put our name on.

  • We take confidentiality seriously and operate with discretion as a baseline. Protecting your ideas, information, and work is part of how we do business.

    Formal agreements, including NDAs, can be put in place when appropriate based on the scope and nature of the project. Whether documented or not, we stand by our word and treat every partnership with trust and respect.

Pricing Models

  • Cartel works on a project-based engagement model. Each project is scoped individually based on the work required, the level of collaboration involved, and the complexity of the design.

    Every partnership is unique. Pricing is based on the work produced and the scope agreed upon, not fixed packages or one-size-fits-all offerings. This allows us to focus on delivering thoughtful, well-executed work tailored to each project.

  • Once the scope is defined, we provide clear pricing and expectations before any work begins. This includes what’s included, how the work will be delivered, and where the boundaries of the engagement are set.

    There are no surprise fees or shifting scope without discussion. If additional work is needed, we align on changes before moving forward.