The Creative Branding Journey with SeekThem’s Founder

Meet the mastermind behind SeekThem, Nevilson Christian — a visionary entrepreneur who has redefined the art of creative design and branding. In this interview, delve into the world of innovation and inspiration as Nevilson shares his journey, insights, and the driving force behind SeekThem’s success. Get ready to be inspired by the mind that’s shaping the future of design and branding.

Brand Story and Evolution

SBS – How did SeekThem start, and what has been the journey of its evolution in the creative design and branding industry?

Nevilson – Some say we started at the worst possible time — in the midst of COVID-19. I say that was the best time for a design service agency because so many businesses wanted to go online.

Before this, I was a VP, juggling sales and marketing. We used to do all sorts of design and marketing services for clients, and this idea just wouldn’t leave me alone. What makes a customer trust a digital storefront? It’s great UX. That’s what keeps people coming back.

So imagine the peak of COVID, in a world turned upside down by the pandemic, SeekThem was my leap into the unknown. Think about starting something new when everyone’s holding their breath! It was nerve-wracking but thrilling.

We began by just looking at websites and thinking, “Man, we can make this so much better.” We knew deep down we could amp them up. And from there, it was like rolling downhill, picking up speed.

That’s SeekThem’s story — from a one-man show to a full-on UX design squad.

Service Specialization

SBS – With SeekThem offering a range of services from UX/UI design to branding and website design, which area do you consider your core expertise and why?

Nevilson – Sorry it’s a long answer because we sort of stumbled on our core competence on the way.

Overall, our offerings are logo design, brand guideline creation, website design, and graphic design.

Our first major gig was Travel-o-deal. What a ride that was!

We took a website that was just going through the motions and turned it into a place where travelers felt the excitement bubbling up the moment they landed. It was about creating a vibe, a feeling that you’re about to embark on an adventure.

Then, Follow the Camino came along. They did tour plans for a niche audience. Here’s the thing — today’s travelers are not just looking for a path to walk; they’re after an experience, something that sticks. So, we shaped their website into this welcoming door to adventure. We wanted every visitor to feel like, “Yeah, this is it. This is where my journey starts.”

And it’s not all about websites, you know. Take Doffay Car Rental. In a sea of rentals, they needed to shout, “We’re different!” Their old logo and brand vibe just weren’t cutting it. So, we got to work, crafting a new logo and a whole new look that said, “Doffay’s here, and we mean business.” It was about bringing their spirit of top-notch service into their visual identity, making sure it screamed quality and trust from a mile away.

Every project, every client, it’s a new story. We’re in the business of connecting, of making those digital handshakes warm and memorable. That’s what we’re all about.

Client-Centric Approach

SBS – Can you elaborate on how your ‘customer-centric’ design philosophy translates into your workflow and client interactions?

Nevilson – I’ll tell you, our client interactions have pretty much shaped our entire business model. You see, early on, we noticed a trend.

Clients often can’t pinpoint what they need in terms of design. Every time we asked a business, “What design do you need?” we got blank stares. And it’s fair, right? A businessman knows their product, their model, and their audience. They don’t know design, and they can’t talk design. They don’t want to talk design. They want results.

Our workflow is built on knowing this about how clients think. We get a feel for what makes their brand tick and then bring that to life through design. And yeah, we’ve got this thing where we don’t limit the back-and-forths. We found that putting a cap on iterations just adds pressure and makes clients hold back on feedback. That’s not us.

We keep the lines wide open, encouraging a real dialogue. It’s a partnership. And this approach has been a game-changer. Clients feel heard and understood, and that’s when we all hit that sweet spot of creativity that truly represents their brand. That’s the SeekThem way.

Design Process

SBS – What is the typical process you follow from the initial client consultation to the final delivery of a project?

Nevilson – I wish I could tell you we have these 1, 2, 3 steps in sequence. In design, inflexibility is suicide.

First, we sit down with the client, like a good chat over coffee.

We hear them out — what’s cooking, what they’re after, the whole story, the big picture, and so on.

Then, it’s like gathering ingredients. Sorry for the kitchen analogy, but it’s so accurate I have to roll with it.

We dive into research, cook up some ideas, and sketch out a few rough plans.

Next, we’re IN the kitchen, so to speak. We start designing, tweaking, and adjusting. There’s a lot of back-and-forth with the client. Think of it like tasting the soup and asking, “Does it need more salt?”

We keep at it until everything feels just right. When it’s all cooked up and ready, we serve it — I mean, we deliver the project. And even then, we’re like, “Hey, how’s it tasting? Need a bit more spice?” We tweak and tune until everyone’s happy.

Challenges and Solutions

SBS – What are some common challenges your clients face, and how does SeekThem provide solutions to these issues?

Nevilson – Challenges — where do I even start?

Our clients come with all sorts. Some have websites that look like they’re from the Flintstones era. Others, they’ve got ideas but can’t pin them down. And then there are those who just go, “Make it pop, but I don’t know how.” That’s where we step in.

We’re like those fixer-uppers. Old website? We’ll make it snazzy and smooth. Confused about what you want? We’ll help you figure it out. And for the “make it pop” crowd, we bring out the colors, the designs, and the whole artist’s palette.

But how do we do it, right? It’s all about two things — processes and quality. I’m lucky to have a team of Graphic and UI/UX ninjas who can dissect any design challenge and come up with a game plan. We’ve got systems in place, ensuring every project is a masterpiece.

Quality, that’s our mantra. It’s about crafting experiences that stick with people and make them talk about us to their friends. We stand on the shoulders of these principles. Like Rumi says, “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” That’s us — not just fixing problems but creating design universes that leave our clients and their customers in awe.

So, at the end of the day, it’s about listening, understanding, and then crafting something that not only solves their problem but also makes them go, “Wow, that’s exactly what I wanted!”

Industry Experience

SBS – Given your experience across various industries like healthcare, fintech, and eCommerce, how do you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of each sector?

Nevilson – So when we talk about tailoring our services, it’s like we’re waging a silent war against the monotony of the internet.

We’ve got clients from all walks — healthcare, fintech, online shops, you name it. Each one’s a different ball game.

We tailor our services like a custom suit. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. It’s more like, “Tell us about your world, and we’ll make something that fits right in.” Like, for a healthcare client, we focus on clarity and trust — making patients feel they’re in good hands. For fintech, it’s about making the user feel smart and secure. And ecommerce, well, it’s all about making shopping a breeze. Different strokes for different folks, you know?

We’ve seen a bakery pull in crowds with quirky window cartoons and a data analytics firm win big clients with minimalistic presentations. It’s all about telling a story that resonates. That’s SeekThem — a crusade against the bland.

Technology and Tools

SBS – What role does technology play in your design process, and what are some key tools or software that you rely on?

Nevilson – Tech is the backbone of everything we do. We’re all about blending human creativity with the best of what technology offers. Our arsenal: Adobe XD, Figma, InVision — these tools are like our trusted allies.

And let’s talk AI. The design world is buzzing with AI tools — like MidJourney, Dall-E, and Stable Diffusion.

We’re not just jumping on the bandwagon; we’re riding it with our eyes wide open. These AI tools, they’re powerful, but at SeekThem, we believe in human-led, AI-boosted design.

The human touch, our intuition, and our understanding of the client’s needs are irreplaceable. AI? It’s a boost, an enhancer.

We’re all about striking that perfect balance — where technology amplifies creativity, not replace it. That’s our philosophy: human at the heart, tech as the muscle.

But, you know, it’s not just about having these tools. It’s about how we wield them. Every designer on our team is always on their toes, experimenting and pushing boundaries. It’s a bit like playing with the most advanced Lego set ever.

We’ve got these tools, but the real magic? It comes from how we piece them together and mix in our creativity.

Success Metrics

SBS – How do you measure the success of a design or branding project?

Nevilson – Success is more than just eye-candy designs. We gotta dig deep and figure out what “success” means for each client.

Take our first big project with Travel-o-deal, for instance. That wasn’t just about jazzing up a website. We had to make it a magnet for travelers.

So, how did we measure if we hit the mark? It wasn’t just about looking good. We had to check if it really worked. We focused on three things: did travelers stick around on the site (session duration), were they actually booking trips (conversions), and did they keep coming back (customer retention)?

It’s about hitting those sweet spots for our clients, where their users don’t just visit but engage, stay, and come back for more.

Client Feedback and Iteration

SBS – Can you describe how client feedback is integrated into your project cycle?

Nevilson – Feedback’s the bread and butter of our work. We show our designs to clients, and it’s like, “What do you think? Hit or miss?” Sometimes they’re all in, sometimes they want tweaks. And that’s cool. It’s a dance, you know? Back and forth till we get it just right.

We’re not the type to get all touchy about our designs. It’s a collaboration. We take what they say, mix it with our expertise, and come back with something even better. It’s never one-and-done. More like sculpting — chipping away, smoothing out, until it’s a piece everyone’s proud of. And when the client goes, “That’s it, that’s what I wanted!” that’s the sweet spot.

Global Reach and Local Adaptation

SBS – As a company with a global reach, how do you ensure your designs resonate with local cultures and preferences?

Nevilson – Alright, so let’s park the whole global vs. local thing for a sec. When folks hit up a website, they’re not there for a cultural show. They’ve got a job to do, right? They want it quick, smooth, and enjoyable.

So, this hyperlocal thing isn’t always what they’re after. They’re used to certain UX elements — like hunting for that hamburger menu, top left or right, or swiping through carousels. These things? They’re universal for a reason. They work no matter where you are.

But, I’ve got this one story, not about global or even local — it’s hyper-personal. We did this website for a bakery in Richmond.

The owner is this 60+-year-old lady, packed with British wit and sarcasm. Everyone in the neighborhood knows her. Her shopfront had this hilarious collage of cartoon strips about home-baking disasters. People loved it and always talked about it.

So, we thought, why not make her the brand?

We designed her a five-page website, theme and all, based on those cartoons. It was about making her, her personality, the centerpiece. We weren’t just localizing; we were personalizing — right down to the person.

And guess what? It clicked. It resonated with her local crowd because it was her — the sarcastic, witty baker they knew and loved. That’s how we do it at SeekThem.

We find that unique angle, that personal touch, and we run with it.

Future Trends

SBS – Based on your experience, what emerging trends do you see shaping the future of design and branding?

Nevilson – Well, let me tell you, AI’s the big elephant in the room. In the last year, AI’s been like this tidal wave, and we’re all trying to surf it without wiping it out.

It’s challenging our notions of what’s real and what’s original. And the big one — where do we, as humans with our intuition and creativity, fit into this new landscape?

These are big questions, and honestly, we don’t have all the answers yet. But that’s the thrill of it, right? It’s uncharted territory, and we’re the explorers.

There’s another trend that’s catching my eye — design and marketing getting all tangled up in a good way. More and more, marketing folks are realizing how much design impacts conversion.

This blend is giving rise to something I’m really pumped about — the trend with adventurous companies of getting an fCMO on board. An fCMO is a fractional CMO — to be clear. Personally, for me, this is an opportunity to blend my experience as a VP of marketing and a founder of a design agency and be an fCMO for growth-focused startups.

Advice for New Businesses

SBS – What advice would you give to startups or new businesses about the importance of design and branding?

Nevilson – Here’s my two cents. Design and branding, don’t skimp on them.

It’s like showing up to a party in your best outfit. You wanna make a good impression, right?

Your brand, your design, it’s how you tell the world who you are. Think of Apple, Nike, these big guns. Their design, their brand, it’s not just a logo or a website. It’s a statement. It says who they are and what they stand for.

So, pour your heart into it. Make it personal, make it real. Your brand is your story — make it a good one.

SeekThem’s Future Plans

SBS – Lastly, what are the future goals and plans for SeekThem in terms of growth and service expansion?

Nevilson – Definitely not just sitting back and chilling — though we’d love that. But some things are worth losing sleep over. We’re always dreaming big. We wanna work with clients from more industries and crack the code on what works universally.

Like, whether you’re selling software or sneakers, we wanna be the guys who know just what you need. We’re talking growth, expanding our team, and maybe opening new offices. The sky’s the limit, really.

Our new venture, Ossm.Design is another way to serve a different set of clients. This platform offers unlimited design services at a fixed monthly rate, providing businesses with the flexibility of having a design team on standby whenever needed. No more hassle of discussing costs for every single task

We’re on this wild ride, and we’re not slowing down.

Like they say, shoot for the moon — even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. That’s SeekThem for you.