work with us

Let’s see if this is the right fit.

Riversmith Media works with a small number of brands, authors, and founders at a time. This is intentional.

We’re not a production studio. We don’t take on volume. And we don’t execute ideas we don’t believe in. The work we do requires trust, commitment, and a shared willingness to be seen.

If that sounds like how you work too, we may be a good fit.

What Working Together Looks Like

How projects begin

Most projects start with a conversation—not a brief.

We talk about:

  • what you’re trying to say

  • why it matters

  • what’s getting in the way

  • and what success would actually look like

From there, we determine whether there’s a clear idea worth committing to—and whether we’re the right partner to carry it forward.


What We’re Best Suited For

Where we do our best work...

Riversmith Media is a fit for projects that need:

  • strong creative direction

  • clear positioning and point of view

  • advertising concepts that earn attention

  • print, editorial, or publication design with presence

  • books and publications designed to stand on their own (including Amazon KDP)

We’re especially well-suited for people who know their work could be stronger—but don’t want it watered down.


What We Don’t Do

What we don’t take on...

We don’t:

  • provide free proposals or speculative work

  • manage ongoing social media or content calendars

  • offer quick-turn, low-budget design

  • execute ideas that rely on consensus or committee approval

  • take on projects that require compromising our convictions

This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about protecting the work.


Experience & Pricing (without numbers)

A note on experience and investment

This is senior-level work.
Riversmith Media is not new, and our pricing reflects that.

Projects are scoped intentionally, priced accordingly, and built around mutual respect for time, experience, and process. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, we’re not the right studio.

If you’re looking for work that holds its ground—we might be for you.


Faith Line

One important note

We’re open to working with brands across many industries.
We’re not open to work that asks us to sacrifice our beliefs or faith.

Clarity here allows for better work on both sides.


Closing Invitation

If this feels aligned

You don’t need a perfect pitch.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you have a real project, a real question, or a real idea you’re ready to commit to, we’d love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Riversmith Media is the right fit?

If you’re looking for safe, incremental work, we’re probably not a good fit.
If you’re looking for clarity, conviction, and ideas that earn attention, we may be.

Most clients reach out because they feel their work could be stronger—but don’t want it watered down in the process.

Do you offer free proposals or speculative work?

No.

All projects begin with a paid engagement. This protects the work, the process, and everyone’s time—and leads to better outcomes for both sides.

What if I like your thinking, but I’m not sure I’ll like the final direction?

That’s exactly why projects begin with a paid discovery and direction phase.

Before any large investment, we clarify:

  • the idea

  • the creative direction

  • the tone and boundaries

  • and whether the work feels aligned

This allows both sides to move forward with confidence—or part ways respectfully before a full project begins.

What does the Creative Direction & Discovery phase look like?

Creative Direction & Discovery is a focused, collaborative engagement designed to create clarity before any major creative investment is made.

During this phase, we work together to:

  • explore your goals, constraints, and context

  • identify what truly matters—and what doesn’t

  • clarify the core idea and creative direction

  • surface opportunities, risks, and points of tension

  • outline what a full project could look like in scope, timeline, and investment

This isn’t about polishing a brief or jumping into execution.
It’s about experienced, directional thinking that helps you see your work more clearly.

If we move forward together, this work carries directly into the full project. If we don’t, you still leave with clarity, perspective, and ideas you can apply elsewhere.

Many clients find this phase valuable on its own.

Do you work with all industries?

We’re open to working across many industries.
We’re not open to work that requires compromising our beliefs or faith.

Clarity and boundaries here lead to better work for everyone.

What if I decide not to move forward after discovery?

That’s okay.

The goal of the discovery phase is alignment—not obligation. Many clients tell us the clarity alone was worth the investment.

What kind of budgets should I expect?

This is senior-level work, and pricing reflects that.

Projects are scoped intentionally and priced accordingly. We’re always transparent about investment before moving forward, so there are no surprises.

Is the discovery fee refundable?

No.
The value is in the thinking, experience, and clarity provided—not a promise of future work.

This keeps the process honest and intentional.

learn more

Creative Direction & Discovery

Most projects at Riversmith Media begin with a Creative Direction & Discovery phase.

This is a focused, one-time engagement designed to establish clarity—before any large creative investment is made.

Rather than jumping straight into execution, this phase allows us to:
  • explore the heart of the idea

  • define creative direction and boundaries

  • determine whether we’re the right long-term partner

It protects the work. And it protects both sides.


What This Phase Includes

During Creative Direction & Discovery, you can expect:
  • A structured conversation around goals, challenges, and context

  • Clear articulation of what matters—and what doesn’t

  • Direction on tone, positioning, and creative approach

  • Identification of opportunities, constraints, and risks

  • A high-level scope for what a full project could look like

This is not a brainstorm. It’s experienced, directional thinking meant to create momentum.

The Investment

Creative Direction & Discovery is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $1,250.

If we decide to move forward together, this work carries into the full project.
If we don’t, you still leave with clarity and direction you can use.

Many clients tell us this phase alone was worth the investment.

A Note on Expectations

This phase is about alignment, not obligation.

There’s no pressure to move forward.
There’s no expectation that discovery leads to a full engagement.

The goal is to make sure the work—and the partnership—are right before committing further.

start the conversation

If this feels like the right next step, we invite you to reach out.

You don’t need everything figured out—just a real project or question worth exploring. We review every inquiry personally and will recommend whether Creative Direction & Discovery makes sense for your next step.

Start a Conversation