FAQ

WHY IS YOUR CREATIVE STUDIO DEVOTED TO WORDS?

Because we feel the same way about words as Emily Dickinson. “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word,” she said.

“Preach,” we said.  

We’re obsessed with wielding words. We’ve relished the act as journalists, poets, short story writers, bloggers, reviewers, copywriters, and yes, as voice strategists. Through all that experience, what we find most exhilarating about working with brands is the opportunity to sculpt from scratch an active, living voice. One that is responsive, connects with others, shows value, changes minds, inspires action, evolves.

WHAT IS BRAND VOICE STRATEGY?

Every industry is saturated with competitors. So why do certain brands garner obsession? Because of the evocative and shamelessly confident way in which they speak.

Brand voice strategy is a process of defining what your brand says, and how it’s said. When it’s on point, it creates icons. It ensures that your brand communicates its values and connects to its target audience with unwavering authenticity, radical consistency, and a personality only it can claim.

Rooted in analysis and exceptional copywriting, it details your brand’s positioning, personality, lexicon, who it speaks to and how it makes them feel, the rules it follows, the rules it breaks, and how it vibes on social. Your brand voice strategy is delivered to you complete with style guides and examples for each communication touchpoint so you intrinsically know what your brand says and what it would never say. You cannot have a successful brand without it.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORD?

It’s a criminal question. We’ll choose three.

Goya

(adj., Urdu) The transporting sensation of disbelief that can occur, often through good storytelling.

Duende

(adj., Spanish) The mysterious power a work of art can have over a person, deeply affecting them.

L’esprit de l’escalier

(adj., French) Literally, stairwell wit. The feeling one gets when thinking of the perfect thing to say a moment too late. (An affliction we never have.)

CAN YOU HELP ME NAME MY BUSINESS?

We are expert namers, and will happily divine names for anything you desire: your brand, product, pet, podcast, cosmetic shades, stage name, nom de plume.

WHAT ABOUT SEO?

SEO is the only way people are going to see the brilliant things we write for you. It doesn’t behoove us (or you) to leave it out. SEO is inherent to our copywriting, and one of the many reasons ours is a prestige creative studio.

HOW QUICKLY DO YOU WORK?

Let’s rephrase. What kind of quality are you looking for? If your goal is speed, and speed only, we are not the studio for you. Full tone of voice development is at least a three-month engagement, and turnaround for individual copywriting projects varies based on length and complexity.

We’ve had countless conversations with clients who pushed their brand to launch without devoting the same resources to voice strategy and copywriting as they did to their website, product development, or a lavish influencer package. A few months down the line, they come to us because they’re being dragged by their competitors. They’ve rendered themselves invisible because they don’t have a strategy for communicating with their target audience. They have style, but no substance.

If you want to ravage your budget on a flashy penthouse, and then leave it unfurnished, that’s a choice. But if you have a competitor whose voice you envy, know that they invested in that voice.  

DOES THAT MEAN YOU DON’T DO DESIGN?

We are not designers, and do not personally offer design services. We offer writing and strategy services only, and they are intended to complement and augment your existing design and marketing frameworks.

But that’s why we have friends in high places. We collaborate with next-level designers, brand marketers, creative directors, digital advertisers, and social media strategists, and will happily customize a package for you that includes those services as well.

DO YOU OFFER WORKSHOPS?

We do. Many, in fact. We adore a rich, juicy brainstorming session, which is why we created a series of workshops that address myriad touchpoints of brand communication, including voice strategy, naming, target audience, editorial concepting, and on-site consulting. They’re available individually, and can be included in any package.

DO YOU WORK WITH BRANDS OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY?

Good writing doesn’t discriminate. We have clients all over the world. If you’re in New York City though, let us know. Tête-à-tête is one of our favorite words for a reason.