Today we’d like to introduce you to Kriston Sellier.
Founded in 2000, Sellier Design, Inc. (dba id8) is an award-winning branding agency located in the heart of Marietta, Georgia, recognized for developing conceptual brand experiences based on customer experience and sound strategic planning. Our purpose is to apply the vehicle of design as a vital force for cultural transformation. We have won more than 50 awards from Graphic Design USA and more than 20 awards from American Graphic Design & Advertising. We attribute our, success to the people we work with, both internally and externally. Our collaborative approach to every project allows us to create brands that have lasting impacts.
In the mid 90’s, Kriston Sellier was finishing her undergraduate degree in graphic design from Illinois State University. While completing her last semester of work, she became interested in owning a small 3 – 5 person graphic design firm. Kriston had a passion for design and was energized about the industry. After doing some Master’s work, working at small design firms, and working for the IBM e-business innovation services department, Kriston decided it was time to take a risk.
Originally a sole-proprietor in 2000, Kriston offered graphic design services in Atlanta. With one Apple computer, her experience and ambition, she started calling business connections, friends and family to see if there was a need. With virtual no budget, Kriston continued cold calling and the business started rolling in quickly. Within a year, the business grew and Kriston started bringing on staff and additional talented design contractors for support. There was a need in Atlanta for high-quality design work without the red tape of a large agency.
Before the end of her first year in business, Kriston incorporated the business to create a foundation for growth. Sellier Design launched on January 1, 2001 initially focused on the food and beverage niche. Expertise was in their collaborative methodology. Sellier Design, Inc. created a process for branding and collaborating with marketing strategy. While working with food and beverage clients, the team was approached to expanded into design and brand work for retail packaging prospects.
Building relationships with clients was a critical success factor for Sellier Design, Inc. A client succeeding in the marketplace was an accomplishment for Sellier Design, Inc. and proof of the value of design. In 2005, Kriston developed systems and structure, which allowed the company to expand without losing the quality of their service. Sellier Design, Inc. hired two full-time graphic designers.
In 2008, Sellier Design, Inc. expanded its experience and diversified the client base. Sellier Design Inc. had the opportunity to design and collaborate with two new brands introduced to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and won the design contract for the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
In 2009, a demand for agency services grew and therefore a foundational brand change was needed. Id8 was born as the new brand name for Sellier Design, Inc. The name id8 was based on the word “ideate” which means to create, innovate and come up with new ideas. It is the fundamental core of our business and was the way to plant our agency firmly in the South as a firm that would embrace change and help businesses grow through strategy and creativity.
id8’s unique services and solutions have brought great success stories and outstanding results to clients. Expanding on the surge of creativity and strategy, id8 has surged since 2009. Several well-known and high-profile client wins allowed the id8 team to sink their teeth into profound branding, design, and strategic marketing work that have provided measurable results for organizations across several industry platforms. One notable case study includes the team’s work for the Atlanta North School, where enrollment was declining. So, they hired id8 to do a makeover of their school image by rebranding. Since the new brand identity unveiling, the school has doubled their enrollment in a 2-year period. The school is now at capacity and is adding a $1.5 million expansion to accept more students. After signing on with id8, the City of Atlanta experienced the largest attended Atlanta Jazz festival. Id8 continued working the City of Atlanta for nine years to create the annual marketing and advertising collateral for the Jazz Festival.
Prior to 2015, downtown Marietta merchants were few and there were few customers visiting the area regularly. The merchants banded together and hired id8 to help them come up with a name and brand for downtown Marietta. Now known as Marietta Square, the thriving work-life-play district has attracted more businesses, customers and visitors from all over the metro Atlanta. Marietta Square is busy every weekend – with customers lining up to eat at the local restaurants, office space is at a premium. Moreover, families often enjoy weekend mornings at the Farmer’s market and evenings enjoying entertainment in the Marietta Square. In 2015, Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers voted , the 30060, the City of Marietta, the best zip code in Atlanta.
Today, id8 applies design thinking to solve bigger problems. If a corporation is struggling to succeed, developing new marketing materials will not solve the issue. Instead, the id8 team works with businesses to help translate their unique brand experience into a design that is sustainable and reflective of their core value. We start with research and strategy and base creative decisions on attaining real business goals. Our clients need growth and we are happy to continue helping them exceed their business objectives through strategic branding, design and marketing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Among the hardest challenges we face is finding, developing, and managing a diverse team with shared values and culture. Searching for the right person to add to the team is a tough process that takes many months, and when we hire the right people, it provides better outcomes for both our team and our clients. To refine this process, we hired a consultant to help us focus on leadership development, including the specific process for attracting qualified talent. Together, we developed a system where job descriptions, hiring advertisements, and interview processes seamlessly work together, so our employees understand the job and our expectations before they begin. We created a culture book that communicates our values and guides employees on how to succeed in their position, from the first day to their 15th year with the agency. These processes and materials allow us to attract the best candidates who will integrate and improve the culture we so deeply value.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with id8 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
id8 applies design thinking to solve bigger problems. If a company is struggling to succeed, just developing new marketing materials won’t solve the issue. Instead, we work with businesses to help translate their unique brand experience into a design that is both sustainable and reflective of their core value in the marketplace.
In Atlanta North School’s case, the superficial problem was low enrollment despite the school’s superior academics, hard-working teachers, and vibrant, energetic culture. To solve the bigger, hidden problem, id8 dove headfirst into the customer experience from the parents’ shoes — how did it feel to research the school, enroll the student, and walk the halls for the first time? This research uncovered a strong disconnect between the real and perceived school culture among the greater marketplace. We developed a rebranding strategy that clearly conveyed why they are the superior choice for education. This rebrand, based on Experiential Design, resulted in an extraordinary return on investment of over 2,300%.
Our involvement in the community is of utmost importance, and we intend to maintain that position. Over the next five years, we aim to double our staff and client roster. We will be viewed as the preferred agency partner, bringing the most refined insight to a business community that is often left in the middle between large firms and small contractors. We will double our footprint on board membership, sponsorship, and advocacy. We intend to help our local businesses and communities grow as we grow.
We will accomplish this by continuing to adapt to new technologies and provide smart, cutting-edge services that exceed our clients’ branding needs. We will start every project with branding, so our clients can create long-term value that will sustain their business for years to come. We will fill a gap that is desperately needed in our local business community.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta has a rich artist culture and appreciation for artists as a whole. That culture translates to Marietta, where our office are located. Marietta is a mix of some of the best artisans in the south – from musicians to theatre to painters.
Traffic, of course, is the biggest pain point for living here. But without traffic, we wouldn’t have such a thriving economy!
Contact Info:
- Address: 30 South Park Square, Suite 201
Marietta, GA 30060 - Website: https://www.id8agency.com/
- Phone: 770-428-8668
- Email: ks@id8agency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/id8agency/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/id8agency/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/id8agency
Image Credit:
Daemon Baizan and Hadley(s) Photography
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