There is no universal price for branding, and anyone who quotes one without understanding your scope is guessing. But there is a framework for thinking about brand development investment that helps founders budget realistically.
What drives cost
- Scope: Naming only? Identity system? Full brand development through launch?
- Complexity: Single product vs multi-brand architecture. One market vs international.
- Stage: Pre-seed MVB vs Series B full rebrand.
- Timeline: Standard engagement vs accelerated delivery.
- Team: Senior strategists and designers vs junior execution.
Benchmark ranges
While every project is scoped individually, these ranges help set expectations:
- Minimum Viable Brand: Positioning, name, core identity. Four to six weeks.
- Brand Identity: Full identity system with guidelines. Six to ten weeks.
- Full Brand Development: Strategy, naming, identity, design application, launch. Eight to twelve weeks.
- Rebrand: Strategy audit through to rollout. Eight to twelve weeks or beyond.
How to budget smart
- Start with the problem, not the deliverable: Tell the agency what you are trying to achieve, not what you think you need.
- Invest in strategy: Cutting strategy to save on design is the most expensive shortcut in branding.
- Plan for post-launch: Budget for applying the brand after delivery, not just creating it.
- Compare value, not price: A cheap identity you rebrand in a year costs more than a proper system that lasts.
Talk to us about scope
At Maker Street Studios, we scope every engagement individually, no packages, no hidden line items. View our pricing approach or start a conversation.