We get this question a lot: “What kind of projects do you usually take on?”
It’s a fair question — and also one with a more thoughtful answer than most expect. Because at Souva, we don’t just take on “design projects.” We take on partnerships. Commitments. Opportunities to create something meaningful alongside people who care about what they’re building.
So when we consider whether or not to say yes to a new project, we’re not just asking: Can we design this?
We’re asking: Should we? Do we believe in it? Will we do work that matters, together?
Let’s break it down.
1. We Take On Work With Purpose
First and foremost, we’re drawn to projects that have clarity of purpose. That doesn’t mean you need to have every detail figured out — far from it. But we do want to see that you care deeply about the “why” behind what you’re doing.
That could be a founder rethinking mental health care. A team reimagining logistics in underserved markets. A nonprofit building tools for educators. We’ve partnered with startups, organizations, and established brands — the common thread is: they’re all doing something they believe in.
Purpose fuels creativity. It guides decisions. It inspires better work from both sides. When we’re aligned on purpose, everything else flows more naturally.
2. We Take On Work That Values Process
We’re not the right agency if you just need something “pretty” fast. There are other studios for that. At Souva, we go deep. We start with research. We collaborate closely. We test, we iterate, we reflect.
So we love working with teams who respect that process — who understand that great design doesn’t happen in a rush. If you’re looking for a shortcut, we’re probably not the best fit. But if you’re building something with long-term value in mind, we’d love to walk that path with you.
3. We Take On Work That Trusts the Team
Great design requires trust. Not blind trust — but trust built through clear communication, shared goals, and respect for each other’s expertise.
We thrive in relationships where both sides bring their best, listen openly, and challenge ideas thoughtfully. That trust lets us do our best work — and it also creates space for creative risk-taking, which is often where the most exciting ideas live.
We work best with clients who see us not just as a vendor, but as a creative partner.
4. We Take On Work Across Brand and Product
Souva’s sweet spot is at the intersection of brand and digital product. Some of our clients come to us to build a visual identity from scratch — naming, logo, voice, strategy, and beyond. Others come to us when their product needs a new interface, a smoother experience, or a stronger design system.
Sometimes we do both. In fact, our favorite projects often start with brand and end with product — where the story, strategy, and system are cohesive from end to end.
That said, we don’t box ourselves in. If the project feels meaningful and we’re a good fit, we’re open to exploring it — whether it’s packaging, campaign creative, or internal culture decks.
5. We Take On Work That Feels Like a Mutual Fit
Every creative relationship is two-sided. Just as our clients are evaluating us, we’re evaluating them. Do we communicate well together? Do we like each other’s energy? Are we excited about the same outcomes?
We’re a small, focused team. We only take on a handful of projects at a time. That means we’re careful with what we commit to — because when we say yes, we’re all in.
What We Don’t Usually Take On
To be transparent, there are some types of projects we usually pass on:
- Projects with no clear stakeholder or decision-maker
- Work with unrealistic timelines and rigid deliverables
- “Just make it look cool” briefs with no substance or intent
- One-off deliverables with no context or follow-up
- Projects that conflict with our values
We also rarely do speculative work or unpaid pitches. We believe in fair, respectful collaboration from the start.
So… Is Souva Right for Your Project?
If you’re building something thoughtful, purposeful, and ambitious — whether you’re just getting started or scaling something real — we’d love to hear about it.
We’re not for everyone. But for the right kind of partner, we’re all in. The design is just the beginning. Let’s build something that matters — together.
