Tingalls Graphic Design can be described as a "boutique design firm" without a "one-size-fits-all approach." Started as a freelance business in 1999, Tara Ingalls was drawn to the idea and mission of providing high-end, professional graphic design services to start-ups, small businesses, and nonprofits. Now, with 23 years of experience, she describes Tingalls' goal as helping smaller businesses that may not have the budget to work with the larger agencies.
Tara felt like she had a knack for this niche. Being a start-up herself, she was able to understand their pain points a bit better. Tara began by offering logo and print sales collateral. Over the years, she has added website design, digital marketing, tradeshow planning and design, direct mail, and more. Tara loves that one day she could be working on a logo design for doggie daycare and speaking at a Chamber event the next.
With the onset and rising popularity of digital advertising platforms, marketing has become an umbrella of endless options. It can be very daunting for a business, especially a smaller one, to know which direction to go. Tingalls can step in to offer a variety of services depending on the specific needs of the business. One of the more popular services is the Creative Logo Design package. First, they begin by gathering as much information on the client as they can. After reviewing the materials, the entire team performs a 30–45-minute sketch brainstorm, which results in dozens of concepts that they then present to their clients. Aside from this package, clients may also use additional services as they see fit. Everything can be added a la carte to help them reach their corporate goals.
One way that Tingalls connects with the community is their Giving Tree Program. This program offers pro bono graphic and website design services in the form of grants for local nonprofits. To qualify, organizations must be registered as a 501c3. Design grants can range between $250 and $2,500 and can be put towards any services, such as logo design, brochures, banners, website design, social media, or more. To date, Tingalls has donated over $120,000 back to the community!
This fall, Tingalls plans to offer consulting, which will include one-on-one and small group coaching services to nonprofits and small businesses who want to "do it themselves" but need guidance on where to start. Tara is scheduled to speak at the Verona Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Development Series on "How to Identify How You're Unique in Your Industry." She will also be speaking at the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison's Digital Marketing and Social Media Conference.
Tara is most proud of the company culture at Tingalls and how it has evolved over the last few years. Her personal core values - compassion, transparency, honesty, and connection - drove the agenda of daily staff meetings via Zoom during a time when there was a lot of uncertainty with the pandemic. Since returning to the office, Tara has noticed that relationships among associates are much more collaborative and supportive, resulting in a better product for their clients.