Frequently Asked Questions

| Core Identity

Your branding questions answered

  • Core Identity is a branding company based in Denver, Colorado, founded by Nicole and Mim.

    With over two decades of combined experience in photography, graphic design, and brand

    development, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs launch or rebrand their businesses with

    confidence and clarity. We provide cost-effective, customized branding solutions that are clear,

    trustworthy, and empowering.

  • Core Identity was co-founded by Nicole and Mim. Nicole is a 4th-generation female

    entrepreneur with 25 years of experience running Studio Elliott, a photography, design, and

    consulting company. Mim is a lifelong creative and entrepreneur with over 20 years of

    experience in graphic design and brand development. Together, they bring complementary skill

    sets and a shared passion for helping entrepreneurs build impactful brands.

  • Core Identity is based in Denver, Colorado. However, we work with entrepreneurs

    nationwide, so you do not need to be local to take advantage of our branding services.

  • Yes! While we are based in Denver, Colorado, we offer affordable branding packages for

    entrepreneurs nationwide. Our process is designed to work seamlessly with remote clients

    through online questionnaires, virtual discovery calls, and digital delivery of all branding assets.

Branding Services
& Packages

  • We offer a comprehensive Core Identity Launch Package that includes everything you need

    to establish a strong online presence: a Brand Strategy Plan (defining your core values, brand

    style, and tagline), a unique logo, an engaging website (up to 5 pages), and a Brand Style

    Package that includes business cards, social media profiles, e-newsletter templates, email

    signature, thank you cards, and a stationery package.

  • The Core Identity Launch Package is our all-in-one branding solution that includes: (1) a Brand Strategy Plan defining your mission, vision, core values, and tagline; (2) a custom logo design with a style guide; (3) a professional website of up to 5 pages that speaks to your target audience; (4) a complete Brand Style Package with business cards, social media profiles, e-newsletter setup and template, email signature, thank you cards, and stationery package.

  • Our branding process follows three simple steps. Step 1 – Identity Discovered: You complete

    our comprehensive Online Identity Branding Questionnaire to define your target audience,

    identify problems and solutions, create your unique style and color palette, and develop a

    launch strategy. Step 2 – Identity Developed: We create your custom Brand Strategy Plan and

    begin designing your logo and website. Step 3 – Identity Delivered: We deliver your complete

    branding package, including your logo, style guide, website, business cards, stationery, email

    signature, thank you cards, social profiles, and e-newsletter setup.

  • Absolutely. Whether you are launching a brand-new business or need help pulling your

    existing brand elements together into a cohesive, updated identity, we are here to help. If you

    already have some elements like a website or logo but need everything to feel unified and

    professional, reach out through our contact form to discuss your specific needs.

  • Yes! Website design is a key component of our Core Identity Launch Package. We build an

    engaging launch site of up to 5 pages that clearly defines your mission, speaks to the heart of

    your target audience, and connects them to your brand and offering.

  • If you already have some elements like a website or logo but need everything to feel unified and

    professional, reach out through our contact form to discuss your specific needs.

Branding Pricing
& Payment

  • The Core Identity Launch Package is $4,700 all-in. We believe in full transparency with no

    hidden fees, no confusing plans, and no unnecessary add-ons. Payment is split into two halves:

    50% upfront and the remaining 50% when the project is delivered.

  • No. Our pricing is completely transparent. The $4,700 package price covers everything listed

    in the Core Identity Launch Package. There are no hidden costs, no surprise charges, and no

    ongoing commitments. When the project is complete, you receive full ownership of all

    deliverables with no strings attached. We do offer optional ongoing support if you need it, but it

    is entirely up to you.

  • We keep payment simple: 50% is due at the start of the project, and the remaining 50% is

    due when the final deliverables are handed over. No complicated installment plans or confusing

    invoices.

  • Yes, 100%. Once the project is delivered and payment is complete, you have full ownership

    of your logo, website, brand strategy plan, and all other deliverables. There are no strings

    attached and no licensing restrictions.

Get Started

  • Getting started is easy! The first step is to schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with

    Nicole and Mim. During this call, we will learn about your business, discuss your goals, and

    explain how Core Identity can help you build a strong brand. You can schedule your call through

    our website or reach out via our contact form.

  • A Discovery Call is a free, no-obligation conversation with our founders Nicole and Mim. It

    gives us a chance to learn about your business, understand your vision, and determine how

    Core Identity can best support your branding needs. It is also your opportunity to ask questions

    and see if we are the right fit for you.

  • The Online Identity Branding Questionnaire is a comprehensive form you complete at the

    start of the branding process. It helps us understand your target audience, identify the problems

    your business solves, define your unique style and color palette, and develop a strategy for an

    effective launch. This questionnaire is the foundation for building a brand that truly represents

    who you are.

  • The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your project and how quickly you provide

    feedback during the process. But usually we say 6 - 8 weeks from start to finish.

Working with
Core Identity

  • Working with Core Identity is collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We are

    entrepreneurs just like you, and we care deeply about helping you succeed. Our clients describe

    the experience as professional, creative, and attentive, with outstanding attention to detail. We

    listen to your vision, keep our promises, and guide you through a streamlined process so you

    can focus on building your business.

  • Several things set us apart. First, we provide a complete end-to-end branding solution under

    one roof, eliminating the fragmented experience of working with multiple vendors. Second, our

    pricing is transparent and budget-friendly, designed specifically for entrepreneurs. Third, we are

    entrepreneurs ourselves, so we understand the challenges you face. And finally, we combine

    strategy-driven design with a genuine, human-centered approach that prioritizes clarity,

    authenticity, and empowerment.

  • Yes, we offer optional ongoing support for clients who need it. However, it is entirely your

    choice. Once your project is delivered, you have everything you need to run your brand

    independently. If you decide you want additional help down the road, we are always here for

    you.

  • You can reach us by email at info@coreidentityco.com, through the contact form on our

    website, or by scheduling a complimentary Discovery Call. We aim to respond to all inquiries

    within one business day.

Branding & Strategy

  • Strong branding gives your business a clear identity that your audience can recognize and

    connect with. It builds trust, differentiates you from competitors, and creates a consistent

    experience across every touchpoint, from your website and business cards to your social media

    presence. Without cohesive branding, your message can become fragmented and confusing,

    which can delay your success.

  • A Brand Strategy Plan is a foundational document that defines your mission, vision, core

    values, and brand tagline. It serves as a roadmap for all of your branding decisions and ensures

    that your visual identity, messaging, and marketing materials all work together to communicate

    a consistent, authentic story to your audience.

  • A brand style guide is a reference document delivered as part of your branding package that

    outlines the visual and design standards for your brand. It typically includes your logo usage

    guidelines, color palette, typography, and other visual elements that ensure consistency across

    all of your marketing materials and touchpoints.

  • Absolutely! That is exactly what our process is designed for. Our Online Identity Branding

    Questionnaire and Brand Strategy Plan help you discover and define your brand identity step by

    step. You do not need to have everything figured out before you start. We guide you through the

    process with clarity and care so your brand ends up authentically reflecting who you are and

    what you offer.

  • Creating a unique logo starts with understanding your target audience and brand positioning. At Core Identity, we approach logo design strategically, focusing on what your audience values, how you want to be perceived, and what sets you apart in your market.

    A logo that resonates should:

    • Reflect your brand’s personality and industry positioning

    • Be simple, memorable, and versatile across platforms

    • Align with your overall brand strategy, not just visual trends

    Instead of designing based on personal preference, we create logos rooted in strategy, so your brand connects, builds trust, and stands out.

  • Choosing the right branding agency is about more than design, it’s about finding a strategic partner. The best branding agencies for small businesses prioritize clarity, process, and long-term growth.

    When evaluating an agency, look for:

    • A strategy-first approach (not just logo design)

    • Clear communication and defined processes

    • Experience working with startups or small businesses

    • Scalable services like brand strategy, web alignment, and marketing support

    At Core Identity in Denver, CO we focus on building brands that grow with your business, giving you both the foundation and the tools to scale.

  • Yes, there are affordable branding solutions, but the key is balancing cost with strategy. For entrepreneurs launching a new business, investing in the right foundation early can save significant time and money later.

    Cost-effective branding options include:

    • Phased branding (start with essentials, expand over time)

    • Strategy-focused packages to guide DIY efforts

    • A la carte services like logo design, SEO audits, or social media support

    Core Identity offers flexible solutions designed specifically for startups, so you can build a professional brand without overspending.

  • Developing a strong brand identity requires a structured, strategic approach. Skipping steps often leads to inconsistent branding and costly rework.

    The key steps include:

    1. Brand Discovery – Define your mission, audience, and goals

    2. Brand Strategy – Establish positioning, messaging, and direction

    3. Visual Identity Design – Create your logo, colors, and typography

    4. Brand Implementation – Apply your brand across your website and marketing

    5. Ongoing Optimization – Refine your brand as your business grows

    At Core Identity in Denver Colorado, we guide startups through each step to ensure their brand is not only visually strong but built for long-term success.

brand my business!