SHIPLEE

STUDIO

Welcome

Thank you for considering Shiplee Studio as your creative partner. I’m Lara — a designer, illustrator, and artist based in Maitland, supporting businesses, organisations, and community-led initiatives through thoughtful, meaningful design.

My approach to branding is grounded in the belief that success is not about rushing toward a finish line — it’s about creating systems, rhythms, and visuals that allow your business to thrive sustainably, just like a healthy ecosystem.

This guide walks you through my process, how we’ll collaborate, and how to invest in creative work in a way that honours both your capacity and mine.

ABOUT MY SERVICES

I see business as an ecosystem, and I can help you bring coherence, clarity, and creativity to yours through:

Branding & Strategy: Logos, colour palettes, typography, brand guidelines, and strategic foundations rooted in who you are.

Graphic Design: Collateral that strengthens your brand environment — signage, menus, brochures, flyers, posters, digital assets.

Illustration & Artwork: Hand-crafted illustrations, murals, and custom artwork that add depth, personality, and story to your space or brand.

Branding & Strategy

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Graphic Design

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Illustration & Artwork

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Branding & Strategy · Graphic Design · Illustration & Artwork ·

WHAT I DON'T OFFER

  • Admin tasks or project coordination

  • Ongoing marketing management

  • All supplier liaison (I can work directly with some printers, but I believe it’s important you are across these processes, and I can guide you if you aren’t familiar)

  • Last-minute projects outside scheduled availability

  • Phone calls for ongoing updates (email keeps everything clear, trackable, and grounded)

My process is designed to feel spacious, steady, and efficient — supporting you without rushing you, and supporting me without overwhelming my ecosystem.

My Process

  • Enquiry & Discovery

    You have submitted your enquiry; I am now in the process of reviewing the scope, timing, and alignment.

    If it feels like a good fit, I will email you so we can book a Free Creative Consultation (Zoom or in-person) to explore your goals and what success looks like for you.

  • Proposal & Agreement

    Following our chat, you’ll receive:

    A custom proposal
    A design contract
    An invoice for the initial 50% deposit

    Your project is officially booked into my schedule once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid. I schedule work in blocks to honour deep creative focus.

  • Brand Strategy & Concept Development

    You complete the Brand Strategy Brief — a reflective process designed to bring clarity to your vision and values.

    I will schedule another chat with you so we can talk through your answers and begin building a Pinterest Board that captures your vision.

    From this, I create:

    A Brand Strategy Summary
    A Brand Strategy Mood Board capturing visual direction

    This stage ensures we’re aligned before any final design work begins.

  • Design Development

    A Brand Presentation, including your logo concept, colour palette, typography, and applied examples, will be your official sign-off document (all design changes freeze at this stage).

    Your timely feedback helps maintain momentum and ease throughout the project.

  • Delivery

    Once you approve the Brand Presentation, I will move into production:

    All final logo files
    Brand Guide & Collateral

    Optional digital and physical applications as agreed

EXPECTATIONS FOR COLLABORATION

Grounded Success comes from sustainable rhythms, mutual respect, and clear communication.

To support that:

Feedback
Please provide prompt, consolidated feedback. Long delays disrupt the project rhythm.

Communication
All communication runs through email. I check emails twice a day to protect creative focus. We communicate through one channel so nothing gets lost.

Scheduling
Work is scheduled in advance; last-minute requests may not be possible.

Capacity
I work with multiple clients at once, always ensuring each project receives focused, intentional time. I present options that meet the brief, not everything under the sun.

Investment & Invoicing

To keep the process simple and grounded:

  • Projects may be quoted as a fixed fee or hourly, depending on the scope

  • Invoices are 50% upfront (based on date) and 50% the following month (payment plans are also an option)

  • GST applies to all invoices

  • Payment schedules honour both our ecosystems by considering cash flow and avoiding rushed progress-based billing

Why Work With Me

  • I blend creativity and strategy to create brands that feel true to your nature

  • I support you with a calm, structured process that reduces overwhelm

  • I have extensive experience with local businesses, charities, wellness spaces, hospitality, and community organisations

  • I bring empathy, curiosity, and craftsmanship to every project

  • You gain a design partner who works with you — not just for you — to create something meaningful and sustainable

NEXT STEPS

Before we meet, take a moment to consider whether this process feels like the right fit for you and your business:

  • Reflect on the branding support you need and the areas where a creative partner could help you thrive.

  • Review the process outlined in this guide so you know what to expect and how we’ll work together.

  • Consider your timeline, availability for feedback, and capacity for collaboration.

If it feels aligned, the next steps will unfold naturally:

  1. I will be in contact to book your Discovery Chat
    We’ll talk through your goals, challenges, and vision to ensure we’re the right fit.

  2. Approve your proposal and contract
    Once everything feels right, your project is officially booked into my creative calendar.

  3. Receive your Welcome Guide
    This will walk you through the journey ahead and how to prepare.

  4. Begin the creative journey
    Together, we’ll craft a grounded, meaningful brand that reflects your nature and supports your growth.

If this process resonates with you, I’ll be in touch soon to organise your Free Creative Consultation.

Let’s create something beautiful and true to your nature.