Alembic FAQs
What is an Alembic?:
An alembic is a distilling flask or still-head, often depicted as spherical and with a long angled spout. It was one of the principal tools of the early alchemists who sought to convert base metals into gold, but who became better known for their dubious claims than for their actual achievements.
Alembic Design Consultants makes no claims for the transformation of matter! However the process of distilling information and identifying the essence of 'brand' to create valuable visual communications are processes at the heart of our design method.
What does Alembic charge for its services?:
Contrary to popular belief, costing design projects has nothing in common with determining the length of pieces of string! Our estimates are based on careful estimation of time required to achieve a given outcome, and a simple set of rates for project personnel.
No two design projects are quite alike however, so the question "what do you charge to develop a brand (or to design an annual report?)" is unanswerable in any meaningful way without some key information (for example: audiences, aims, timescales for the project).
As well as obvious factors like media, format, quantity and timing (for one-off communications), broader background information (especially for brand development and strategic projects) will have a bearing on the nature of the solution, so to some extent, its cost.
We are happy to discuss outline project information and provide project cost estimates without obligation.
Who does Alembic work for?:
Our UK clients range from large public companies to small not-for-profit organisations and come from most industry sectors. We also manage projects for clients in Bahrain, China, Italy, Germany, Portugal and the USA.
Experience & client list
What do clients think about our work?:
Some of our clients are kind enough to say nice things about us:
"...Alembic's creativity combined with excellent project management resulted in an award-winning report for the Bank that was highly regarded throughout the region..."
Gaye Bentham, Associate, Corporate Communications, Arcapita.
"...amongst other things, Alembic have designed our literature, advertising and website, advised us on managing our visual identity and created a brand identity for a new product. The subsequent increase in our sales endorses the value of their work. As an extra bonus, Alembic are a nice bunch of people to work with!"
Russell Stephens, Sales & Marketing Manager, CS Healthcare.
"...Alembic not only met an unexpectedly tight deadline, but did so without relaxing their usual high creative and service standards..."
John Walton, Managing Director, Asset Value Investors.
"...Alembic combines a highly creative approach with a clear sense of business requirements. Their work for us - from brand development to marketing communications and naming issues - has made a significant contribution to our success"
Belinda Edwards, Head of Marketing, GranadaChannels.
"...In the 25 years since we opened, The Film Editors has become a respected name, so changing our corporate identity was not a task we undertook lightly. Alembic used their creative skills to show us different approaches, adapted well to our changing needs and successfully guided us through what can be a painful process..."
Pamela Power, Managing Director, The Film Editors.
"...Hamilton's success depends on our markets understanding the exceptional quality of our products and Alembic have always clearly communicated that for us. Over many years, they have provided us with high quality design and production for all our communications including our corporate identity, brochures, website and other marketing materials. In that time, our company has grown dramatically and internationally..."
Hugh Hamilton, Managing Director, Hamilton Billiards & Games