Clarity from the Start
Frequently Asked
The best working relationships are built on transparency. Here are honest answers to the questions I hear most before we even get on a call.
Services & Process
What I do, how I work, and what collaboration looks like day to day.
What services do you offer?
C. Costa Co. is a one-person creative studio specializing in brand photography, brand identity design, and website design and the real advantage is that all three come from the same place, the same eye, and the same strategy. Most businesses piece this together over time with different people, and that's usually why it never quite feels cohesive. I offer Photography sessions (headshots, brand shoots, product), Brand Design (logo, colour, typography, full identity system), and Website Design (custom, conversion-focused builds). You can book individual services or combine them into a full brand build.
How long does a typical project take?
Photography galleries are delivered within 7–10 business days (rush delivery in 48 hours is available for an additional fee). For brand identity and web projects, timelines vary based on scope most projects run 3–6 weeks from kickoff to final delivery. The timeline depends on the complexity of deliverables, how quickly feedback comes in during review stages, and your availability. Once we scope your project, I'll give you a clear timeline upfront so there are no surprises.
How involved do I need to be?
You don't need to manage anything that's what I'm here for. I handle creative direction, execution, and delivery. That said, the best outcomes happen when clients are engaged at the right moments: completing the onboarding questionnaire thoroughly, providing timely feedback during revision rounds, showing up prepared for your photography session, and being available for the pre-launch walkthrough. Your input shapes the direction; my job is to translate it into something that actually works.
Do you work with clients outside of London, Ontario?
Absolutely. Brand identity and web projects are fully remote we work via email, video calls, and shared design files. For photography, I'm based in London, Ontario and available for travel across Canada and the US. Travel fees may apply depending on location, and we'll discuss that during your consult.
Photography
Everything you need to know before your shoot day.
How far in advance should I book my session?
I typically book 2–4 weeks out, though popular dates especially spring and fall fill up faster. If you have a specific deadline (a website launch, an event, a campaign), give yourself at least 3–4 weeks to allow time for editing and delivery. Headshot sessions have more flexibility and can sometimes be booked with less lead time.
How do I prepare for my shoot?
I'll send you a prep guide once your session is booked. In general: plan your outfits in advance (avoiding large logos, busy patterns, and neon colours), think about locations that feel true to your brand, and come with a rough idea of how you want to be perceived. For Signature sessions, we'll have a pre-shoot planning call to go through all of this together. The more intentional we are going in, the stronger the content coming out.
How many photos will I receive?
The number of delivered images scales with session length. Headshots typically deliver 10–15 selects. Half Sessions deliver 20–30. The Essentials delivers 40–60. The Signature Branding Session delivers 80–120+. All images are professionally edited I don't just hand over a raw dump. You'll receive a curated gallery of images that are actually usable and on-brand.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Life happens I get it. You can reschedule up to 48 hours before your session at no charge, and I'll do my best to find a date that works. Cancellations within 48 hours may result in a forfeit of the deposit, as that time was held exclusively for you. If you need to cancel entirely, please reach out as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.
Branding & Web
How design projects are structured and what to expect.
What does the brand design process look like?
After your deposit is received, we start with a detailed onboarding questionnaire to understand your business, your audience, and your aesthetic direction. From there, I develop an initial concept not a range of random options, but a focused direction based on strategy. You'll receive two rounds of revisions to refine it. Once approved, I prepare and deliver all final files organized and ready to use, along with a brand guidelines document so you always know how to apply everything consistently.
Do you build websites on a specific platform?
Yes I primarily build on Squarespace and Webflow, both of which allow you to manage and update your content after launch without needing a developer. The platform recommendation depends on your needs and comfort level, and we'll talk through that during your consult. I don't build on Wix or WordPress (unless the project is an exceptionally strong fit for WordPress and you have developer support).
Will I be able to manage my website after launch?
Yes that's the point. Every website I deliver includes a walkthrough call so you understand how to make updates yourself. I build sites that are clean and organized on the backend, not bloated with unnecessary complexity. You should be able to update your own copy, swap images, and add new pages without needing to call anyone. If you ever need ongoing support beyond that, we can discuss a maintenance arrangement.
How many revisions are included?
Brand Design includes 2 rounds of revisions. Website Design includes 3 rounds. The Brand Builder package includes 3 rounds across all deliverables. A "revision round" means you review the work, compile your feedback, and I implement it in one pass not an ongoing back-and-forth. Additional revision rounds can be added for $100 each. Clear, consolidated feedback at each stage keeps the project moving efficiently and gets you to a result you're genuinely proud of.
Investment
Payment structure, deposits, and what affects your final price.
What does the payment structure look like?
For photography sessions: a 50% deposit is required to secure your date, with the remaining balance due on or before your session day. For brand and web projects: a 50% deposit is required to begin, and the remaining 50% is due upon final delivery before files are transferred. All deposits are non-refundable, as they hold your spot in my schedule and cover the strategy and planning work done upfront.
Do you offer payment plans?
For larger projects (Brand Builder and above), I'm open to discussing a flexible payment structure. This is something we can work out during your free consult just bring it up and we'll find something that makes sense for both of us. I'd rather make it work than have budget be the reason a great project doesn't happen.
What affects the final investment for a branding or web project?
The listed prices are starting points. Your final investment is based on scope the number of deliverables, the complexity of the project, the number of website pages, any add-ons you select, and the timeline. After your consult, you'll receive a clear proposal with everything outlined before you commit to anything. There are no surprise invoices.
Is this worth it for a small business?
That depends on where you are in your business and I'll be honest with you about it on our call. If your brand visuals are holding you back from charging what you're worth, attracting the clients you want, or showing up with confidence, then yes it's one of the highest-leverage investments you can make. I've built my own brand from scratch to over 25,000 sales worldwide. I know firsthand what a strong brand does for a business, and I know what it feels like to outgrow the one you started with.
A note on investment
I work with a small roster of clients at a time so I can give every project the attention it deserves. If my pricing doesn't fit your budget right now, I'd still encourage you to reach out sometimes there's a smaller starting point that makes sense, and sometimes the timing just isn't right yet. Either way, I'll be straight with you.
Getting Started
How to reach out, what to expect, and how to know if we're a fit.
What's the first step?
Fill out the inquiry form on the Contact page with as much detail as you can about your business and what you're looking for. The more context you give me, the better I can assess whether we're a good fit and what approach makes the most sense. If we're aligned, I'll reach out within 48 hours to set up a free 20-minute call.
What should I prepare for the consult call?
Come with a clear sense of your business goals even if they're still forming. Think about what you're hoping to change: do you want to attract a higher-end client? Finally launch the website that's been sitting unfinished? Build a content library you're actually proud of? Show up online in a way that matches where your business is now? You don't need to have everything figured out that's partly what the call is for. But the clearer you are on the problem, the more useful I can be.
Who is a good fit to work with you?
I work best with small business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs who care about how their brand is perceived and are ready to invest in doing it properly. You don't need to know design that's my job. What helps is: being clear on your business and who you serve, being open to strategic creative direction, providing feedback promptly during the process, and understanding that good work takes a bit of time. If you need something designed yesterday for the lowest possible price, I'm probably not the right fit. If you want something done right, that lasts, and that actually moves your business forward let's talk.
What if I'm not sure which service I need?
That's exactly what the free consult is for. Come as you are I'll ask the right questions, help you figure out where the biggest gaps are, and recommend what actually makes sense for your stage and budget. There's no pressure to book anything on the call.
Still Have Questions?
Let's just
talk it through.
The free consult exists for exactly this reason. No pressure, no pitch just a real conversation about where you're at and whether I can help.
