Culture fit is part of the brief

[Invented] Before we take on a project we ask ourselves one question that isn't on any proposal template: would we enjoy being on a call with these people every week for three months?

[Invented] It sounds soft. It's the most practical filter we have. A client who treats the team with respect gets better work out of us, faster, with fewer rounds. A client who doesn't gets exactly what the contract says and not a pixel more.

[Invented] We've said no to money because the first call felt off. Nobody was rude. We just couldn't picture ourselves doing our best work for them, and that picture matters.

[Invented] The same goes the other way. We want founders to interview us too. Ask who you'll actually be working with. Ask how we handle disagreement. If our answers don't sit right, walk.

[Invented] A good fit won't show up in a portfolio or a rate card. You find it in the first thirty minutes of talking.