FAQ
About Motherland
What does it actually mean that you’re a “holistic and strategic” design agency?
We don’t just design how things look, we define how they work. That means aligning brand, business goals, sustainability, and consumer behavior into one integrated process. “Holistic” isn’t a vibe; it’s how we prevent expensive disconnects between strategy, design, and execution.
Where are you based, and do you work internationally?
Our team is based in Sweden, and yes, around 50% of our work is international. We currently work with clients in 25 countries and have brands live across 168 markets. We collaborate across time zones and supply chains without friction.
What kinds of clients do you work with?
We work with everything from multinational FMCG giants to niche food producers, and just about everything in between. Our experience spans industries: we’ve helped build brands for companies that manufacture car washes as well as those that produce rum.
What makes you different from other design agencies?
We embed strategy into every phase of design, backed by real data, regulatory know-how, and a production-ready mindset. We're a small team, which makes us fast, flexible, and able to tailor every project to what the client actually needs, not just what looks good in a portfolio. No ego-driven design here: if it doesn’t work in-market, it doesn’t work. Simple as that.
What expertise do you have in-house?
Brand strategy and design, packaging design, communication, sustainability analysis, market insight, production coordination, employer branding, final art and data analysis. Our team runs full-spectrum design.
What services do you offer?
We offer end-to-end brand and design services, always tailored to the client’s needs. Our work spans strategy, design, communication, production, and beyond.
- Strategic Services
- Brand strategy & positioning
- Brand audits
- Competitive analysis
- Insight research
- Customer journey mapping & frameworking
- Value proposition development
- Trend & scenario analysis
- Opportunity mapping
- Portfolio analysis
- Innovation strategy
- Brand architecture
- Business design
- Workshops
- Creative & Design Services
- Visual identity & brand identity
- Rebranding
- Packaging design
- Holistic packaging audits
- Experience design
- Design Lifetime Management™
- Brand naming
- Brand guidelines
- Brand communications
- Connected brand experiences
- Brand asset management
- Production & Implementation
- Production support & management
- Material and supplier selection
- BI/AI analysis
- Sustainability consulting
- Organisational & Internal Engagement
- Employee insight research
- Internal communication strategy
- Leadership engagement
- Organisational development
- Engagement concepts
- Measurement & assessment
Our process & services
What does your design process look like?
We usually start with an initial meeting to identify the real challenges, not just what’s on the surface. From there, the process depends entirely on what needs solving. Sometimes it begins with a focused workshop, followed by a design and production phase, and ends with final deliverables. Often, that’s just the beginning, many projects evolve into long-term collaborations where we continue refining, adapting, and scaling over time. No cookie-cutter models, we build the process around your needs.
What are “Design Lifetime Management™” and “Shelf-to-Screen”?
Design Lifetime Management™ is our model for ensuring your design evolves with shifts in market, regulation, and tech, without needing a full rebrand every 2 years. Shelf-to-Screen means we design simultaneously for physical and digital presence. Ensuring packaging, e-com, and media feel unified.
Do you handle strategy, design, and production in-house?
Yes. We run end-to-end, from early-stage strategy to final production files and printer handoff.
Can you improve or redesign something we already have?
Absolutely. We often work with existing assets, optimizing design for shelf impact, compliance, or sustainability goals.
How do you use data in your design process?
Through BI tools, consumer behavior data, and post-launch impact tracking. We don’t guess, we test.
Do you conduct market or consumer analysis?
Yes. We integrate market research, competitor audits, and trend analysis to inform design decisions.
Do you offer workshops or discovery phases before projects?
Yes, we often run workshops to define scope, align teams, and assess feasibility before committing to full execution.
Do you work on both large and small projects?
Yes, as long as the challenge is clear and there’s potential for impact.
Can you create localized versions?
Yes, including language adaptation, market-specific claims, and compliance labeling.
Do you work with both print and digital assets?
Yes, and we ensure consistency across all touchpoints, from packaging to e-commerce to social.
Do you offer training or lectures?
Yes, we offer tailored workshops and training sessions based on your needs. Whether it's brand strategy, design thinking or sustainability, we customize the format and content to match your team, context, and goals.
Sustainability & compliance
Can you support sustainability strategy, especially in packaging?
Yes, from choosing low-impact materials to helping you meet upcoming PPWR requirements. We’ve supported carbon assessments and recyclability improvements for major brands.
Are you aligned with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?
Yes. We’ve helped clients prepare for the new requirements, including material tracking, labeling, and reporting standards.
Can you help choose materials and suppliers?
Yes. We assess material impact, sourcing risk, and compatibility with local infrastructure.
Do you run innovation projects with RISE or other partners?
Yes, we’ve co-developed testing protocols, and future-forward packaging concepts.
Working with us
How do we start working together?
A quick intro call. From there, we typically start with a scoping workshop.
Do we need a finished brief before reaching out?
Nope. We can help shape the brief if you're still defining the challenge.
Can you work with our existing suppliers, printers, or agencies?
Yes. We regularly integrate with external teams.
Do you manage quotes and production?
Yes. We can coordinate suppliers, get production quotes, and manage rollout if needed.
What do you need to provide a quote?
Your timeline, goals, markets, and an idea of deliverables. A rough outline is fine, we’ll help define the rest.
How do you charge, fixed, hourly, or packages?
Depends on the project. Strategy and design phases are often fixed-price; iterative or production work may be hourly. We’re transparent from day one.
What affects the cost of a design project?
Scope, complexity, number of deliverables, rounds of iteration, data needs, and rollout markets.
How do we get started?
Reach out via email, we’ll set up a call to align on goals and needs.
How do you work with different types of clients?
Because no two teams are built the same, so we don’t force a one-size process. Some clients have in-house teams. Some have multiple agencies. Some don’t even have a marketing lead yet.
We adapt to your setup, whether that means integrating with what exists, filling gaps, or building from scratch.
Impact & results
How do you measure the impact of design?
We track changes in sales, brand perception, packaging efficiency, and user behavior, depending on your KPIs.
What impact have your solutions had on sales or positioning?
For example, one rebrand led to +22% shelf conversion. We measure everything we can.
What formats do we receive?
You’ll get print-ready files, digital assets, and implementation guidelines. Formats tailored to your requirements.
Casework & credentials
Can we see examples of your work?
Yes, we share relevant case studies once we understand your sector and goals. No beauty portfolios without context.
Have you won any awards?
Yes, including Pentawards, Svenska Designpriset & Packnorth Award.
Internship & collaboration
Do you take interns or collaborate with design schools?
Sometimes! We collaborate with select schools and take on interns when the timing’s right. If you're interested, just drop us a quick intro and a link to your portfolio.