How to Get Started

Whether you call it a deal toy, tombstone or deal marker, when you’re getting started on a project for the first time, it's easy to assume you need to have every detail figured out before reaching out.

You don't.

In fact, many of our projects begin with a simple email and a working draft of the deal text.

One of the questions we hear most often is:

"What do you need from us to get started?"

The answer is simpler than most people expect.

Start With the Basics

Most of the time, we only need a few things to begin developing ideas.

A draft of the deal text

It doesn't have to be final.

Names change. Titles get updated. Legal language gets revised. That's all part of the process.

A working draft gives us enough information to begin thinking about layout, hierarchy and how the information will fit within the design.

Company logos

Vector artwork (AI, EPS or SVG) is ideal.

If you don't have vector files handy, send whatever you have. We can begin developing concepts and request different file formats later if needed.

Don't let artwork formats slow the project down.

Estimated quantity

Whether you need ten pieces or one hundred, an approximate quantity helps us recommend the most appropriate manufacturing approach and provide accurate pricing.

It doesn't have to be exact.

Budget

Even a general range is helpful.

A budget isn't about limiting ideas. It helps us recommend materials and manufacturing methods that make the most sense for your project from the beginning.

Any ideas you'd like us to consider

If you've seen a design you like, have a particular shape in mind or want to incorporate something meaningful from the transaction, we'd love to see it.

If you don't have ideas yet, that's perfectly fine too.

We'll usually develop a few concepts for your consideration.

Quick Start Checklist

To get your project moving, simply send us:

✓ A draft of the deal text

✓ Company logos

✓ Estimated quantity

✓ Budget (even a rough range)

✓ Any ideas or inspiration you'd like us to consider

If some of those items aren't finalized yet, don't worry. We can begin with a working draft and refine the details as the project develops.

What You Don't Need to Figure Out

Many clients think they need to decide on the material before contacting us.

Crystal?

Lucite?

Metal?

Resin?

In most cases, that's our job.

Once we understand what you're commemorating, we'll recommend materials and construction methods that fit both the project and your budget.

The same goes for the design.

You don't need finished artwork.

You don't need detailed specifications.

And you don't need to know exactly what the finished piece should look like.

That's what we're here for.

The Earlier We Talk, the Better

Some clients wait until every detail has been finalized before reaching out.

In our experience, it's often easier to begin the conversation earlier.

A draft of the text and a few logos are usually enough for us to start thinking about concepts, timelines and production.

If details change along the way, we'll adjust.

That's a normal part of custom work.

Our Goal

Designing and producing a custom deal toy involves hundreds of small decisions.

Our goal is to make sure you don't have to make all of them yourself.

We'll guide you through the process, recommend materials and manufacturing methods that fit your project and develop concepts that are worthy of what the achievement represents.

If you're ready to get started, simply send us what you have.

We'll help with the rest.