FAQ
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Got questions? You’re not alone. Here’s what most clients want to know before we begin, and what we think you deserve to hear straight.
❓ What does Hornsby Creative actually do?
We help brands clarify who they are, what they stand for, and how they show up in the world. That includes brand strategy, identity design, environmental and experiential design, and brand activation like signage, packaging, and promotional merchandise.
We don’t just make things look good, we make sure they work to move your mission forward.
❓ How is your process different from other creative studios?
We’re not order-takers or pixel-pushers. We lead with strategy. Our Discover → Design → Deliver framework ensures we’re solving the right problem before we ever start designing.
You get insight-driven creative rooted in business goals, not trendy design for design’s sake.
Plus, we don’t leave you hanging after the “big reveal.” We support implementation—across websites, signage, merch, and beyond.
And unlike many agencies, we offer both strategy, design and fulfillment under one roof, so your brand experience stays cohesive from start to finish.
❓ What types of clients do you typically work with?
We partner best with purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community-minded entrepreneurs, who are scaling, evolving, or repositioning their brand.
That includes founders, executive directors, marketing leads, and leadership teams at:
Values-aligned small to mid-sized businesses
Nonprofits and community-based organizations
Municipal departments and educational institutions
Creative service firms needing strategic partnership
If you’re seeking clarity, consistency, and strategic support, you’re our kind of people.
Most of our clients are:
Growing or evolving brands ready to invest in clarity
Tired of “just winging it” with their visual identity
Looking for a collaborative, responsive team that can both guide and execute
❓ Do you offer standalone design services?
Sometimes. But most of our work begins with strategy. We’ve learned the hard way that design without strategy is just decoration, and rarely delivers long-term results.
If you come in with a clear brief, we’re happy to explore design-only support. But if you’re not sure what you really need, or are basing it on a personal hunch rather than deep reflection and research, start with Discovery.
A mirror can not see itself. We act as a mirror.
❓ How much do your services cost?
We build custom proposals based on your goals, timeline, and complexity. As a ballpark:
Brand strategy & identity engagements often range from $5K–$15K+
Environmental/signage projects vary based on site details materials and fabrication and other factors
Retainers and phased engagements are recommended for ongoing work and strategic support
We’re not the cheapest, but we’re efficient, experienced, and strategic, so you get more than a pile of files. You get long-term brand clarity and a partner in growth that really gets you.
❓ What’s the typical timeline for a project?
Timelines depend on scope and your availability for feedback. Here’s a general idea:
Discovery Phase: 2–5 weeks
Brand Identity: 4–6 weeks
Signage or Environmental: 6–10 weeks including production.
We’ll map out a detailed timeline in your proposal, and keep communication clear along the way.
❓ What if I just need something simple?
Let’s talk. Sometimes a light brand refresh or promotional campaign is all that’s needed to get momentum going. If we’re not the right fit for the scale of your needs, we’re happy to point you to someone who is.
❓ Do I own the work you create?
Yes, with boundaries. Upon final payment, you’ll receive full rights to the final deliverables as defined in your agreement. We retain rights to preliminary work and design tools, and reserve the right to showcase work in our portfolio unless otherwise agreed.
Need full transfer of working filesor templates set up in something like Canva? Just let us know, we’ll include that in your proposal if needed.
❓ Do you use AI or create everything by hand?
We use both—intentionally and transparently.
At Hornsby Creative, we believe in leveraging the best tools available to serve our partners with efficiency, creativity, and integrity. That includes using AI to assist with ideation, automation, and research, but never to replace human strategy, consent, or creativity.
Every project is led by human insight, shaped by our values, and held to high standards of originality, ethics, and impact.
You can read more about our approach in our AI Use Policy, which outlines exactly how we use (and don’t use) AI in service of our work and yours.
In short: We use AI to enhance our process, not to cut corners or compromise integrity.
❓ Do you offer printing, production, or install services?
Absolutely. That’s what Peak Promo is for—our branded merchandise and experiential swag division.
We design and fulfill strategic promo kits for:
Conferences & events
Team refreshes & onboardings
Donor engagement & fundraising
Community storytelling campaigns
Minimum order: 100 units or $1,000.
We specialize in tangible brand activations, not throwaway swag.
We can act as your single point of contact. We manage production through trusted partners, including signage, merchandise, and environmental installations. You’ll benefit from our relationships, vendor know-how, and quality control.
You’ll also get options: we’ll advise you, but you always approve the final specs and costs. For many options, we are a licensed distributor. For some options, we may simply provide a referral. Ultimately, we are happy to accommodate whatever is best for your budget and peace of mind.
❓ Do you only work with local partners?
Nope. While we’re based in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and prioritize local when feasible, we also work with partners across the country—especially those who align with our values and want a deeper level of strategic support. This applied to both clients, and service and production partners.
❓ We’re not sure we’re “ready” for branding—can we just start with a conversation?
Yes. Our process is built on listening first. If you’re unsure what you need, we offer a no-pressure discovery call or standalone Brand Discovery Sessions to help you get clear on your next step.
You don’t need to have it all figured out; we specialize in clarifying and guiding the way.
❓ What’s the next step if I’m interested?
Simple. Book a discovery call and let’s have a real conversation.
No pressure. No jargon. Just clarity.
EFFECTIVE JAN 01 2025
Terms &
Conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern all projects and services provided by Hornsby Creative Group, LLC (“Designer,” “we,” or “our”). By engaging with us, you (“Client”) agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Scope of Work
All project services, deliverables, and fees will be defined in a written proposal. Any work requested outside that scope will be treated as an additional engagement and may require a new estimate.
2. Fees, Payment Terms & Late Charges
Deposit: 100% of the project deposit is due to initiate work unless otherwise agreed.
Balance: Remaining balance is due prior to delivery of final files.
Accepted Methods: ACH, credit card, or check. A 3% discount is offered for payments made by ACH or check. Please request an updated invoice to reflect this with proper tax calculations if desired.
Overdue Payments: Invoices not paid within 15 calendar days may incur a 1.5% monthly late fee and suspension of work until payment is received.
3. Ownership, Copyright & Licensing
We retain all rights to preliminary works, sketches, and working files.
Upon full payment, you receive an exclusive license to use the final deliverables for agreed-upon purposes.
Rights to modify, resell, or transfer our work must be granted in writing.
Designer retains the right to reuse non-client-specific elements and design tools.
4. Attribution & Promotion
Unless otherwise agreed:
Designer may showcase final deliverables and in-progress work in our portfolio, social media, or case studies.
Client agrees to include credit (e.g., “Design by Hornsby Creative Group”) where practical.
We respect confidentiality and will not share sensitive strategic or financial materials without written permission.
5. Timeline & Delays
Project schedules depend on timely client feedback and approvals.
Delays in response (more than 5 business days) may result in project rescheduling or additional fees.
Rush requests (mid-project) may incur up to a 30% surcharge on total project fees.
6. Revisions & Change Orders
Most projects include 1–2 revision rounds.
Requests that shift the direction, scope, or volume of the project by 15% or more will trigger a new proposal or change order.
Additional changes are billed hourly at standard rates. Please inquire for current rates.
7. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
Provide all necessary materials in a timely manner
Review and approve deliverables quickly and thoroughly
Ensure final proofreading prior to production
Designate a single point of contact for decision-making
8. Cancellation & Termination
You may cancel this agreement at any time with written notice.
We may terminate the agreement if payment is overdue or the scope is materially breached.
In either case, the Client is responsible for all work completed to date. A 25% early termination fee may apply.
Final files are only released upon full payment.
9. Limitation of Liability
Hornsby Creative Group is not liable for:
Delays due to events outside our control
Loss of profit, opportunity, or indirect damages
Errors in content provided by the client
Maximum liability is limited to the total fees paid.
10. Confidentiality
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during the project. This obligation survives the completion of the project.
11. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failure to deliver work due to events beyond our control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, illness, internet outages, or acts of war.
12. Dispute Resolution & Legal
All disputes will be handled first through good faith negotiation.
If necessary, disputes may be resolved through arbitration in North Carolina.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Contact
Hornsby Creative Group, LLC
📍 1195 Plott Creek Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786
📧 info@hornsbycreativegroup.com
📞 (828) 407-0487
🌐 hornsbycreativegroup.com
