The Growth Challenge We All Face

You know what I’ve discovered after years of designing? The real secret to growing a sustainable design business isn’t just finding more clients—it’s becoming truly invaluable to the ones you already have.

When we can solve deeper problems for our clients, they stop seeing us as just “the logo person” and start seeing us as an essential strategic partner.

Introducing the Brand Sprint

This is where Brand Sprints come in! Developed by Jake Knapp during his 10 years at Google, this approach completely reimagines how we tackle branding challenges.

Instead of the traditional months-long branding process (which, let’s be honest, most clients don’t have the patience or budget for), a Brand Sprint condenses the core strategic work into just 3 focused hours.

What Happens in Those Magic 3 Hours?

During a Brand Sprint, you’ll guide your clients through structured exercises that help them:

  • Transform vague notions of “our brand” into something tangible and actionable
  • Develop a shared vocabulary to describe what their company truly stands for
  • Create a foundation that makes all subsequent decisions about naming, identity, and marketing significantly easier

A Personal Turning Point

I still remember my first Brand Sprint. I was nervous—would clients see the value? Would I be able to facilitate effectively?

But what happened surprised me. Not only did clients love the process, but it completely changed our working relationship. Instead of getting stuck in endless revisions and misunderstandings, we had a clear, shared vision from the start.

This meant I could spend more time on the creative aspects I love, rather than troubleshooting communication problems!

How Brand Sprints Changed My Design Practice

The results were remarkable:

  • Projects ran more smoothly with fewer revisions
  • Clients felt more confident in their investment
  • My designs became more strategic and effective
  • I could charge appropriately for this added value
  • Clients started referring me to others specifically for this approach

You Can Do This Too!

If you’re thinking “this sounds great, but I’m not sure how to run a Brand Sprint,” I’ve got good news! I’ve created a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process.

My fully illustrated Brand Sprint Guide includes:

  • Step-by-step facilitation instructions
  • All the exercises Jake Knapp used at Google
  • Customizable templates you can use immediately
  • Tips for presenting this service to clients
  • Guidance on pricing this valuable offering

Ready to Elevate Your Design Practice?

Whether you’re a freelancer looking to offer more value, an agency designer wanting to bring new methodologies to your team, or simply curious about more strategic approaches to design—Brand Sprints could be exactly what you’re looking for.