Engagement models
Not every organisation needs the same relationship with a studio. Workstyles describes the three engagement models we offer—and helps you identify which fits your team, timeline, and internal capacity.
Each model shares the same craft standards described on our Standard page. What differs is depth of involvement, duration, and how much coordination we assume on your behalf. We recommend a model during the briefing conversation; we do not assign one before understanding your context.
Fit first
A lean marketing team with strong internal writers may need production oversight only. A regional launch with tight timing may need a sprint. An ongoing brand programme may need a retainer. We match the model to the reality, not the other way around.
Sprint
A focused engagement—typically six to ten weeks—for a defined campaign with clear deliverables. Sprints suit product launches, seasonal pushes, and event communications where the scope is bounded and the deadline is fixed.
We assign a dedicated project lead and schedule weekly review sessions. Deliverables, milestones, and approval windows are agreed in a written scope before work begins. Scope changes are documented and may adjust timing.
Retainer
A monthly engagement for organisations that need ongoing campaign support without hiring a full in-house team. Retainers reserve studio capacity and provide predictable access to editorial, design, and production coordination.
Monthly allocations cover agreed hours and deliverable types. Unused hours do not roll indefinitely—we discuss reallocation quarterly. Retainers include a standing review call and priority scheduling for urgent requests.
Advisory
For teams that produce content internally but want external quality review. We audit existing materials, recommend structural improvements, and review work-in-progress at agreed intervals.
Advisory engagements are lighter on production and heavier on critique. They suit organisations with capable internal teams that want a senior editorial perspective without transferring execution.
Regardless of model, you receive documented decisions, version-controlled files, and a single point of contact at the studio. We do not rotate account managers to maintain relationship continuity. The person who briefs you is the person who reviews your deliverables.
Communication defaults to email with scheduled calls for review sessions. We do not require proprietary project management tools—though we adapt to yours if access can be granted securely. Status updates are sent at agreed intervals; we do not wait for you to ask.
Confidentiality is standard. Materials you share during briefing are stored securely and accessed only by team members assigned to your project. We do not reference client work in our portfolio without written permission.
Choosing
Sprints work best when the scope and date are known. Retainers suit ongoing programmes where timing flexes month to month.
Multiple approval layers extend review cycles. We account for this in Cadence planning but need to know your structure upfront.
If your team handles design and copy, advisory oversight may suffice. If you need end-to-end delivery, a sprint or retainer is more appropriate.
Single-moment campaigns suit sprints. Multi-quarter programmes benefit from retainer continuity and accumulated institutional knowledge.
Next step
We do not publish rate cards on this site because pricing depends on scope, timeline, and production complexity. During the Briefing conversation we will recommend a workstyle and provide a written proposal if the fit is mutual. There is no charge for the initial briefing call.
Organisations sometimes begin with a sprint and later move to a retainer once the campaign proves its value internally. Others start with advisory oversight and expand to full production once internal capacity is confirmed. We accommodate transitions when studio capacity allows and document the change in an amended engagement letter.
Switching workstyles mid-project without scope adjustment creates confusion about responsibilities and fees. We prefer to finish the current phase under existing terms, then begin the new workstyle at a defined boundary—typically a calendar month or campaign milestone.
Remote collaboration is supported across all workstyles. Sprint clients receive the same video review sessions as retainer clients. The workstyle describes depth and duration, not whether we sit in the same room.
Studio location
Our fifth-floor studio sits above the shophouse rhythm of Amoy Street. Visit by appointment during office hours, or write to arrange a briefing.