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VIP Days Explained

Nicola McMillan

Traditional branding & logo design projects can take 6-12 weeks which can feel like endless conversation of back-and-forth emails, and a bit of a drawn-out process… Not ideal for those running a small business. These traditional projects do have a place but what I’ve found is people like me need something quicker to market ourselves and launch our businesses & services. My unique take on VIP Days is like a design espresso shot – concentrated, powerful, and exactly what your small business needs. 


Nicola sitting with her laptop with the title of the blog 'what is a vip day'

What exactly is a VIP Day?


A VIP Day as a design intensive – a focused, high-energy day where we transform your brand from concept to reality. No dragging. No waiting. Just pure, concentrated design magic.


My process for this has been refined over the last year and I know what is achievable if my client and I work together before the day. I’m also a fast designer (one of my strengths I play to) so I can usually get some extra bits in too.


The Traditional Design Process vs. The VIP Day Approach


Traditional Route:

  • Multiple meetings

  • Weeks (or months) of back-and-forth feedback & revisions

  • Potential delays with other business stuff going on

  • Longer wait to launch services


VIP Day Approach:

  • One intensive day

  • Immediate results

  • Complete brand focus 


Why would you consider a VIP Design Day?


Coaches and service providers often struggle with branding that doesn't represent their expertise. They typically face frustrating challenges: 

  • Inconsistent visuals across platforms that confuse rather than attract clients

  • DIY designs that look don’t look professional despite hours spent creating them or not having the time to spend creating them

  • Brand identity that fails to stand out among their competitors


The root problem? They're experts in their field—not design—and this disconnect creates a visual identity that undermines their credibility, attracts the wrong audience, and ultimately costs them money. What begins as a simple design problem eventually becomes a bigger business limitation, holding them back from increasing their impact and income.



What Happens During a Mini Brand VIP Day?


Pre work - Strategy & Discovery

  • 45 minute brand consultation

  • Defining your goals for the VIP Day

  • Gather all the information we need for a successful day


Morning: Getting started

  • Mood board creation

  • Colour palette development

  • Initial logo concepts

  • Visual direction exploration


Midday: Check in

  • I’ll be in touch during the day to gain feedback

  • Proofs are emailed

  • Zoom call to have a chat about the concepts

  • Revisions noted


Afternoon: Design Completion

  • Refined logo design

  • Brand style guide created

  • Any extra requests are carried out


What You'll Walk Away With


By the end of our VIP Day, you'll have:

  • A brand style guide to help you keep your branding consistent

  • A full logo design package with all the files you’ll ever need

  • Branded colour palette

  • Typography recommendations

  • Launch graphics



Traditional branding


Lets have a little chat about traditional branding I would like to mention that this usually incorporates full branding strategy and while the VIP Day is strategy based it’s not the full process of strategic branding (full competitor analysis, ideal customer avatars, brand values, creative direction etc). IMO the smaller businesses don’t need all the aspects of full strategic branding at that stage in their business journey but they may in the future. The VIP Day allows a micro business to get strategy based design work by a professional designer without the larger price tag of a traditional brand package.


Is a VIP Day Right for You?


A VIP Day might be the solution for you if you:

  • Are struggling with a brand that doesn't match your business's quality

  • Finding traditional agency pricing too high

  • Feeling frustrated by lengthy design processes

  • May have tried DIY design solutions that don’t quite hit the mark

  • You desire to be taken seriously in your industry

  • Wants your brand to reflect your professional capabilities

  • Want to feel confident about how your business looks

  • Value collaboration and being understood

  • Understand the value of professional branding

  • Ready for significant brand elevation


If you're nodding along to this list, we might be a perfect match.


Your Next Step


Design isn't just about looking good. It's about communicating your story, connecting with your ideal clients, and standing out in your industry. A VIP Day is more than a service. It's a brand revolution. You can check out my Branding VIP Day options here.

 
 
 

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