Hello / Services
Naming & Verbal IdentityA name with meaning.
A voice with character.
How would you like people to introduce you, and what should they remember? We find names and words that fit your idea and your business’s character, then shape a voice you can make your own.
When it makes sense
The right name starts with the right question.
Launching something new
A company, product or place needs a name that expresses its proposition, works for its audience and supports the direction of the business.
Reconsidering an existing name
A new audience, offer or market can call for a change. We assess the role of the current name before deciding whether renaming is appropriate.
Finding a consistent voice
Website copy, a short introduction and a campaign should sound like the same brand. We define a verbal direction that your team and collaborators can use.
What we deliver
From the idea to the words you use.
Naming brief & criteria
The brief is a shared outline of the project: your audience, your place in the market (positioning), languages, intended markets and practical requirements. These criteria give the selection a clear basis.
Name proposals & rationale
A selected set of name proposals with the idea behind each direction, intended pronunciation and examples of use. The number of proposals and revision rounds is agreed in advance.
Tagline & key messages
Where included, a short phrase that expresses the brand idea (a tagline), supported by messages that explain its offer and point of view.
Tone of voice
Tone of voice means how your brand speaks. We define its character through writing principles and examples for relevant situations.
Verbal identity guide
The approved name and agreed verbal elements, organised with practical examples for your team, designers, developers and copywriters.
Naming can be a standalone project or part of a wider branding programme. The proposal defines languages, markets, deliverables, screening and revision stages. Trademark clearance, registration and domain acquisition are separately defined specialist services; a naming proposal does not constitute legal clearance.
How we collaborate
Shared criteria. Clear direction.
Understand the business
We discuss what you offer, who you want to reach, the competitive context and the role the name needs to play.
Set the direction
We agree positioning, naming criteria and the desired verbal character before developing proposals.
Develop & evaluate
We present selected name directions with rationale and examples, then evaluate them against the agreed brief and consolidated feedback.
Prepare for use
We finalise the chosen direction and agreed verbal elements. Specialist checks and any registration are coordinated with the appointed advisers where required.
Naming in practice
Belle Époque: the name sets the scene.
For Belle Époque 20th Century Suites, a collection of 17 suites in a listed 1920s building in Athens, Hello Design developed the name, logo and corporate identity. The name and the “20th Century Suites” descriptor connect the character of the building with the experience of staying there.
Typography, the gold palette, print and signage carry the same direction into the visual identity. It is a concrete example of naming and design working together.
Identity presentation / mockup. Architectural design and construction: MAMAproject.
Before we begin
A few useful first answers.
Can we commission naming without a new visual identity?
Yes. We can define a standalone naming scope, including the strategic brief, proposals and agreed verbal elements. If a visual identity follows, the name and rationale provide a shared starting point.
Do you develop names in Greek and English?
The intended languages, audiences and markets are defined in the brief. We assess readability, pronunciation and associations in the agreed context rather than assuming that one name works everywhere.
Is trademark or domain availability guaranteed?
No. Creative naming, domain availability and legal trademark clearance are different checks. Their scope is agreed before the project, and legal clearance and registration require the appropriate specialist.
How are cost and timing determined?
They depend on the naming brief, languages, markets, extent of verbal identity and approval stages. Tell us about the business, what needs a name and your intended launch date so we can prepare a specific proposal.
Your next step
What needs a name?
Tell us what you’re preparing, who you want to reach and what you’d like the name to express. An idea that’s still taking shape is a useful place to start.
Before you begin, read our guide: How to choose a business name ↗
Let’s make the plan clear from the start.
Before we begin, we talk through what you need, how we’ll work together and what you’ll receive. Our proposal brings those decisions together so you know what your project includes and how we’ll move forward.
Final files & guidance
We explain which files and guidance you’ll receive and how to use them. The proposal lists the logo versions, print artwork, digital assets or website handover included, along with file formats and any editable source files.
Revisions & approvals
We agree when we’ll review the work together and how many rounds of changes are included. If a new need comes up, or an approved direction changes, we discuss the effect on the work, cost and schedule before going ahead.
What we’ll need from you
We let you know which copy, photographs, existing files or technical details will help. We also agree who brings feedback together, who gives final approval and when we’ll need the material.
Licences & ongoing support
We talk through any font, image or third-party licences and who handles production. The proposal also makes clear what support is included after handover. Website updates and new applications can be agreed separately.
A few thoughts for our first conversation.
A short brief to help you talk with your team about what you want to achieve, who you want to reach and what you need. Note what you know. You don’t need to have everything worked out, and the budget range is optional.
Download the fillable project brief (PDF, 1 page, 529 KB)Or prepare the short brief online ↗
Our proposal will explain the work, fees and schedule in detail.