Solutions: Strategic Design and Brand Consulting for Mission-Driven Organizations

What We Offer

Aquastone Graphic Arts & Print is a Connecticut-based design consultancy offering Strategic Design & Communications Partner for mission-driven organizations that combine high-impact visual design, strategic brand operation clarity, and print/digital execution. Whether you’re a small nonprofit, public-sector program, or creative institution, we partner with you to deliver consistent, measurable brand systems.

Choose Your Service Tier

Choose the level of structured design and strategic support your organization needs. Our retainer model provides consistent execution, predictable pricing, and long-term partnership designed to support growth.

 

ENTRY TEIR —

Foundation Starter Access Micro Retainer

$375/mo ($150/hr overage)
Schedule a Discovery Call

Deliverables

  • Minor design updates
  • One flyer or digital asset
  • Light revisions
  • Email priority support
  • 3 hours included

 

Limitations:

  • No strategy sessions
  • No branding overhaul
  • No dashboard setup

CORE TEIR —

Growth Retainer

$750/mo ($140/hr overage)
Schedule a Discovery Call

Deliverables

  • Ongoing marketing design
  • Print procurement coordination
  • Light brand management
  • Monthly activity report
  • 6 hours included

 

Add-ons:

  • Social content batch
  • Event collateral packages
  • Quarterly review call

STRATEGIC TEIR —

Leader Performance Retainer

$1250+/mo ($135/hr overage)
Schedule a Discovery Call

Deliverables

  • Campaign development
  • Brand system refinement
  • Dashboard tracking
  • Print cost optimization
  • Stakeholder presentations
  • Monthly activity report
  • 10 hours included

Framework Design

At Aquastone, every project follows a systems-thinking methodology built around four critical stages: understanding the business environment, identifying operational challenges, defining the right strategic questions, and designing measurable solutions. Using the SCQA Framework, we transform complex business problems into structured systems, clear communication, and scalable growth strategies through information design, automation, and business intelligence consulting.

Aquastone SCQA

What’s Included

Every retainer package includes:

  • Brand Systems (logos, guides, refreshes)
  • Print procurement expertise of Flyers, Reports, Templates, or any of the print products that we offer. Please take a look at our full list of services, and Web Graphics
  • Strategic Advising on Campaigns and Communication
  • Access to Monthly Activity Reports and Basic Strategic Planning
  • Print Coordination, Press-Ready File Delivery

Tier-specific overage rates and rollover options

  • Additional time billed in 15-minute increments at regular rates.
  • Monthly strategy reports and check-ins

See full scope and pricing breakdown →

What’s NOT Included

Every retainer package can be altered with the following services:

  • Print production (Business cards, brochures, stationery, etc.)
  • Data-informed civic/nonprofit strategy decision options
  • Research-driven design for Information Graphics and Dashboards
  • Lean Six-Sigma Thinking and Brainstorming Sessions
  • Training Systems/ Employee Training Systems/ Educational Program Design
  • Vendor Project Management
  • Sign installations
  • Web Hosting
  • Social Media Set-ups
  • Ad Buying

Client Onboarding Includes

Upon signup, you’ll receive:

  • A custom Retainer Agreement with embedded pricing
  • FAQ & Process Guide (English, International)
  • A monthly Activity Report Template
  • Optional Scope Change Authorization Form
  • Access to an Aquastone Point-of-Contact (Dyshann Anderson, MDES, CAP)

International Clients Welcome

We proudly support clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe, and beyond.

  • Payment in USD, EUR, or GBP
  • Accepted via Stripe, PayPal, or Wise
  • Turnaround based on U.S. Eastern Time
  • Communication via email, Zoom, and Google Meet

Ready to Start?

Book a discovery call or request a proposal tailored to your organization’s goals.

FAQs

0. HOW WE WORK

Step 1
Discovery Conversation
We begin by understanding organizational goals and communication challenges.

Step 2
Strategy Alignment
We determine which retainer tier best fits your operational needs.

Step 3
Proposal and Agreement
We prepare scope, pricing, and engagement structure.

Step 4
Onboarding
Client intake, timeline development, and communication setup.

Step 5
Execution
Ongoing design, communication support, and strategic implementation.

Step 6
Long-Term Partnership
Continuous execution built around organizational growth.

1. What counts as a revision?

A revision refers to a minor change after the first draft is delivered — such as text edits, layout adjustments, image changes, or colour refinements.
Revisions do not include completely new concepts or major creative redirections, which may incur additional costs or require a fresh scope agreement.

2. How do I request changes?

Please email your feedback during the review or use the shared dashboard or collaboration tool (e.g., Google Docs).
We recommend submitting revisions all at once, where possible, and clearly referring to each design element (e.g., “Slide 2 – change title font”).

Aquastone Graphics – Scope Change Authorization Form

3. What is the usual turnaround time?

Turnaround times are calculated in business days (Monday–Friday) and based on Eastern Time (New York):

  • Tier 1 – 5 to 7 business days
  • Tier 2 – 3 to 5 business days
  • Tier 3 – 2 to 3 business days

Rush services can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability.

4. What if I exceed my monthly hours?

We will notify you before exceeding your allocated hours. Additional work is billed at your tier’s hourly rate.
Select tiers allow a limited rollover of unused hours (usually 5 per quarter). Details are in your agreement.

5. How do we schedule meetings?

You’ll receive a link to schedule monthly check-ins or quarterly reviews via Zoom or Google Meet.
Tier 3 clients may request two strategy sessions per month.

6. What can I expect to receive each month?

This depends on your goals and the package you choose. Deliverables may include:

  • Brand materials
  • Flyers or brochures
  • Website banners
  • Email templates
  • Reports or publications
    You will receive a Monthly Activity Report outlining completed and upcoming work.

7. Can I pause or cancel my retainer?

Yes. Retainers may be paused for up to 60 days or cancelled with 30 days’ written notice.
Paused retainers must be reactivated with formal confirmation to resume service.

8. What file types do you deliver?

We deliver all common industry-standard formats:

  • PDF, PNG, JPG
  • Editable formats (Adobe InDesign, PowerPoint, Canva links)
    Let us know your printer or vendor’s requirements, and we’ll prepare accordingly.

9. Do you work with international partners or vendors?

Yes. We’re happy to coordinate with your in-house team, web developer, or print provider to ensure seamless execution, regardless of location.

10. How do I get in touch for urgent matters?

Email info@aquastone.us. Time-sensitive inquiries are typically answered within 24 business hours (Eastern Time, USA).

11. Do you work with clients outside the United States?

Absolutely. We regularly work with clients in the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and beyond.
Payments are accepted in USD, EUR, or GBP via Stripe, PayPal, or Wise.
Kindly note that international transfer fees or currency conversion charges may apply.

(860) 206-4935