Design is a process, a product, a way of thinking. Design is a powerful tool for growth, innovation, and success. It’s not a gamble—it’s a proven business strategy to increase brand awareness, enhance your customer experience, and boost your bottom line.
SPECIALTIES
With an impressive network of more than 100 talented individuals and agencies, our team will help match you with the best talent to fit your needs.
– JOSHUA SMITH, WHO’S THAT
We’d love to work with you to understand where you’re coming from, where you’re going, and how design can help you get there. Together, we can build a better world, by design.
Our job is to make your job easier, whether you work for a nonprofit organization, a small business or a major corporation.
Each engagement starts by filling this intake form. Once we know what you need, we’ll connect you with talent. We offer any combination of these three services:
LIST
We’ll give you a list of matches from our database of more than 100 design companies in our network. We give you their contact and profile information—you take it from there.
POST
We’ll give you a list of matches from our network of more than 100 design companies. We post the project weekly until your submission deadline has passed.
HOST
We’ll organize and host a 1 hour virtual Design Salon for you and your team, where you can present your project to a targeted list of designers qualified to meet your needs.
How long does it take to connect with a designer?
It depends on your project needs and your timeline. If your request is urgent, we can generally turn a list around for you within 2-3 business days. RFPs and SOWs are posted every Thursday and designers respond according to your deadlines. Scheduling and planning a Design Salon requires 2-3 weeks lead time. Fill out the this form with your specific needs and we can create a schedule that works for you.
Our services to connect you with designers are currently free, thanks to the support of Pure Michigan Business Connect. You’re responsible for paying the designer you hire for contracted services.
What is the format for the Design Salon? What do I need to do to prepare?
The Design Salon is a one-hour, virtual Zoom meeting where you can meet the design talent we’ve matched to your project. Typically, we begin with introductions and sharing information about the project, and then designers share their relevant experience and expertise. The meeting ends with a Q&A, so both parties can clarify expectations. Come prepared with a good understanding of your project goals, needs, timeline, budget and expectations for follow up.
To schedule a Design Salon, submit a Scope of Work or Intake Form, and we’ll identify a date that works for you.
Are the designer's services discounted or free?
No, the professionals we match you to charge market rates for their services. Fees are dependent on each designer’s expertise and experience. Design Core is not involved in negotiating fees or contracts.
What other resources do you offer for working with designers?
We have resources to help businesses and organizations appreciate the value of design, and offer tools for how to initiate designer relationships and manage expectations. You can also schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and our approach to working together.
What if the design discipline I think I need is not on the above list?
The list of designer disciplines within the network talent is long and varied. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, shoot us a note. We’ll let you know if we have someone who can meet your needs or make an appropriate referral outside of the network.
If you have more questions, or just want to introduce yourself, send us an email.
