Design Pitches: Opportunities, Selection Criteria & Focus on Fairness
Why We Love Design Pitches – and Yet Don’t Take Part in Every One
We love pitches – partly because they keep surprising us. Sometimes pitch invitations land in our inbox before we even know exactly what they’re about. And yet, we can sense that there’s potential: an exciting brand, a topic that sparks curiosity, or simply a feeling of “This could turn into something.”
But one thing is certain: not all design pitches are the same.
Of course, whenever possible, we familiarize ourselves with the brand in advance. We also assess whether the effort involved is reasonable for a pitch and fair in relation to the pitch fee. We remain open – to new industries, new perspectives, and sometimes to the little surprise that only reveals itself at second glance.
Design Pitches as a Creative Challenge
We’ll be honest: we like pitches.
Not because they’re easy. Not because they always pay off. But because they challenge us. A pitch means new ways of thinking, fresh energy, and a clear goal in sight. For us as an interdisciplinary branding agency, it’s like a creative catalyst – whether it’s about packaging design, brand identity, or the strategic development of a new social media campaign.
At the same time, it’s clear: pitches are an investment. Time, experience, ideas, and our full passion – all of this goes into participating. That’s why, over the years, we’ve developed clear criteria to decide whether or not to take part in a tender.
When a Design Pitch Makes Sense for Us
As a creative design agency with a focus on holistic brand development, we assess in advance, among other factors:
- Is the pitch fairly compensated?
- How many agencies have been invited?
- How precise is the briefing?
- Is the timing realistic?
- What is the expected scope of work?
- Do we have direct access to the decision-makers?
- And most importantly: what is there to gain?
Because in the end, it’s not just the creative idea that counts – but also the prospect of genuine collaboration. If, after the pitch, six visuals are to be adapted and then put out to tender again, that’s not a sustainable deal for us. Sustainability in pitches, for us, means a long-term partnership.
What Matters to Us: Fairness, Transparency & Working as Equals
We value transparency in the process and appreciation for creative work. For us, this also includes fair compensation – not only in the event of winning but ideally already for participating. Whether we act as a social media agency, packaging design studio, or brand consultant, our ideas are the result of intensive work – not just creative intuition, but also strategy, experience, and teamwork.
And that’s exactly why we sometimes say no.
For example, to unpaid design pitches. Or when the briefing is unclear, the conditions are vague, or the added value for both sides is not apparent. We want to use our time – and that of our clients – wisely. For brand work that makes an impact. For designs that make our clients more successful.
Design Pitches Done Right – and Built for Sustainability
The good news is: it can be done differently. Many companies and brands run pitches in a fair, transparent, and sustainable way – making participation genuinely worthwhile. In such cases, pitches are not just a competition but an invitation to collaborate. That’s exactly how we see it.
Because we believe in clarity – and in strong relationships.
And when a pitch leads to a shared path, it’s more than worth the effort.
