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Graphic Designer

Arts Equity Group
Email



 

Town of Belchertown 

Request for Proposals: Branding Belchertown Project


 

Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025 at 5 pm EST

Proposals should be submitted as one PDF via email to team@artsequitygroup.com with “Branding Belchertown | Graphic Design Proposal” in the subject line.

 

 

I. Overview

The Town of Belchertown is seeking proposals from qualified design professionals to create a cohesive and authentic visual identity that reflects the town’s rich history, vibrancy, and aspirations for the future. This initiative includes updating the Town Seal for formal purposes, designing a new logo for everyday use, and creating a comprehensive brand guidelines document. The visual identity will be implemented across all areas of the municipality and serve as a cornerstone for the town’s broader economic development and marketing strategies.

This project is an exciting opportunity for a design professional or firm to contribute to the evolving identity of a semi-rural community with a growing creative economy, scenic landscapes, and a deeply rooted history. Successful proposals will demonstrate expertise in the intricacies of municipal design usage, community-focused design processes, and branding as a tool to connect diverse audiences and bolster economies.

Visit our website to learn more about the Branding Belchertown Project.

 

 

II. Timeline

  • RFP Release Date: January 8, 2024
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025
  • Interviews with Finalists: January 24- February 11, 2025
  • Contract Awarded: February 14, 2025
  • Initial Design Deliverables Due: March 19, 2025
  • Second Round Deliverables Due:  April 16, 2025
  • Final Deliverables Due: May 14, 2025

Flexibility will be built into the timeline to accommodate community engagement and feedback.

 

 

III. Project Background
The Branding Belchertown Project emerged as a key recommendation of the town’s 2021 Rapid Recovery Plan and supports the economic development strategy outlined in the Community Plan. The project’s goal is to craft a visual identity that authentically represents Belchertown’s values, assets, and vision for the future while resonating with all residents, local businesses, and prospective visitors.

Belchertown’s unique features include:

  • A rich historical legacy
  • A semi-rural landscape with scenic beauty and proximity to the Quabbin Reservoir
  • A growing creative economy and a population increasingly engaged in cultural and economic development.

The Branding Belchertown Project is overseen by the Branding Belchertown Committee, with direct management and support provided by the Project Manager.

 

 

IV. Scope of Work

  1. Town Seal  
    • Redesign the Town Seal with respect for its historical elements while incorporating modern and accessible design principles and community feedback
  2. Logo Design
    • Create 3–5 logo concepts for review by the Branding Belchertown Committee.
    • Refine the selected concept through two rounds of feedback.
    • Provide all final logos in full color, black-and-white, and reverse-color versions in PNG, EPS, SVG, and PDF formats. 
    • Provide raw design files and guidelines in real examples, including versions formatted for social posts, signage, email banners, etc. 
  3. Brand Guidelines
    • Develop a comprehensive document detailing design specifications (e.g., font usage, color palette, logo placement, etc.).
    • Ensure all branding elements are WCAG & ADA compliant and meet accessibility best practices for web and print.
  4. Community Engagement
    • Collaborate with the Project Manager and Committee on community engagement processes.
    • Incorporate community insights into the design process.
  5. Implementation Considerations
    • Consider that the brand will be integrated across municipal departments and communications channels.
    • Deliver templates for letterhead, business cards, pamphlets, PowerPoint decks, website banners, social media, and other collateral. 

 

 

V. Deliverables

  • All source files
  • Final logo and seal in multiple formats
  • Comprehensive brand guidelines document.
  • Engagement summary detailing how community input shaped the design

 

 

VI. Budget

  • The expected budget for this project is $10,000.

 

 

VII. Proposal Requirements

  1. Contact Information
    • Name, business name, address, phone, email, and website (if applicable).
  2. Introduction
    • A brief statement demonstrating understanding of the project goals.
    • If applying as a firm, an overview of your organization, including size, location, core capabilities and overarching design/creative philosophy.
  3. Approach and Methodology
    • A detailed description of your approach to completing the scope of work.
  4. Experience
    • Examples of relevant branding work, particularly for municipalities or small towns.
    • 2-3 references from past clients.
  5. Timeline
    • Proposed project schedule with key milestones that align with the provided timeline.
  6. Budget
    • Proposed total cost of the project.

 

 

VIII. Selection Criteria

  1. Experience and Qualifications  
    • Proven success with similar branding projects for municipalities or communities experiencing cultural or demographic transitions.
  2. Creativity and Vision  
    • Alignment with Belchertown’s historical and future-oriented identity.
  3. Community Engagement 
    • Thoughtfulness and inclusion in the engagement process.
  4. Budget and Timeline 
    • Feasibility and adherence to project parameters.

 

 

IX. Submission Information
Deadline: January 24, 2025 at 5pm EST. 

Proposals should be submitted as one PDF via email to team@artsequitygroup.com with “Branding Belchertown | Graphic Design Proposal” in the subject line.

Please submit questions to Danielle Amodeo at danielle@artsequitygroup.com by Monday, Friday, January 17, 2024 at 5pm EST.