Frequently Asked Questions
If we don’t answer your question below, please email hi@familyaffairs.studio or schedule a free consultation below.We dive into the nitty-gritty of your operations, untangle the knots in your workflows, and build systems and processes that actually work for you – not against you. Whether you're drowning in spreadsheets or your team's spending more time figuring out how to work than actually working, we're here to turn that chaos into a well-oiled machine.
We get it – budgets can be tight, especially in the creative world. That's why we offer a range of services and pricing tiers. From our quick Strategy Sprints to our more comprehensive packages, we've got something for organizations of all sizes and budgets. We're big believers in the "teach a person to fish" philosophy. Our goal is to set you up with systems and knowledge that'll keep paying off long after our engagement ends. Let's chat about your needs and budget – we're pretty good at finding solutions.
Our process starts with deep listening – we want to understand not just what you do, but how you do it and why. We'll get our hands dirty learning your processes, chatting with your team, and really getting under the hood of your organization. Only then do we start designing. And we don't just drop a system in your lap and peace out. We work closely with you to implement, test, and refine until it's humming along smoothly. It's a collaborative process all the way.
We've tried implementing new systems before, but they never stick. How is this different?
Ah, the graveyard of abandoned systems – we've seen it many times. The difference with us is twofold. First, we design systems that actually make sense for how you as a creative person work, not how some software developer thinks you should work. Second, we put a big emphasis on training and adoption. We'll work with your team to make sure everyone's not just able to use the new systems, but excited to use them. And we stick around for support and tweaks as needed.
How long does a typical engagement with Family Affairs Studio last?
It really depends on what you need. Our Strategy Sprints can be as short as a few hours, while a full Operational System Design could take a few months. But here's the thing – we're not about creating dependency. We want to set you up for success and give you the tools to keep evolving on your own. That said, many of our clients do choose to keep us on retainer for ongoing support and optimization. We're flexible and can tailor our engagement to what makes sense for you.
Do we need to pause our operations while you're implementing new systems?
Nope! We'll work in the background without disrupting your day-to-day operations. Our goal is to enhance your work, not halt it. We'll design a phased implementation plan that allows for a smooth transition. Think of it less like a demolition and rebuild, and more like a renovation where you can still live in the house. There might be a bit of dust here and there, but we'll make sure you can keep the lights on and the show running.
We're not very tech-savvy. Will we be able to maintain the systems you put in place?
We design our systems to be user-friendly and intuitive, even for the most technologically challenged among us. Plus, we provide thorough training and documentation. And remember, we're always just a phone call or email away if you need a refresher or run into a snag.
What makes Family Affairs Studio different from other consultants?
Well, for starters, we actually understand the creative world – we're not suits pretending to "get" your artsy vibe. We're all working artists who have been in the trenches of creative organizations, so we know the unique challenges you face. We're also not about cookie-cutter solutions or just throwing fancy software at problems. We're problem solvers, creative thinkers, and genuinely passionate about helping organizations like yours thrive. Plus, we're pretty fun to work with (if we do say so ourselves). We believe that improving your operations shouldn't feel like a root canal – it can (and should) be an energizing, inspiring process.
Can you help us with grant writing or fundraising?
While grant writing is not one of our core services, a number of partners within our network are stellar grant writers who have won many awards and we’d be happy to connect you. We also have materials and resources we can share to help you write and win grants to work with us. Shoot us an email at hi@familyaffairs.studio and request a Studio Overview Fundraising Kit.
Although we don't directly write grants or run fundraising campaigns, we can certainly set you up for success in these areas. We can help streamline your grant management process, set up systems to track and report on outcomes (which funders love), and optimize your donor management. Think of us as setting the stage for your fundraising performance – we make sure the lighting is perfect, the sound is crystal clear, and you've got all your lines down pat. The actual performance? That's all you, superstar.
Ah, the graveyard of abandoned systems – we've seen it many times. The difference with us is twofold. First, we design systems that actually make sense for how you as a creative person work, not how some software developer thinks you should work. Second, we put a big emphasis on training and adoption. We'll work with your team to make sure everyone's not just able to use the new systems, but excited to use them. And we stick around for support and tweaks as needed.
It really depends on what you need. Our Strategy Sprints can be as short as a few hours, while a full Operational System Design could take a few months. But here's the thing – we're not about creating dependency. We want to set you up for success and give you the tools to keep evolving on your own. That said, many of our clients do choose to keep us on retainer for ongoing support and optimization. We're flexible and can tailor our engagement to what makes sense for you.
Nope! We'll work in the background without disrupting your day-to-day operations. Our goal is to enhance your work, not halt it. We'll design a phased implementation plan that allows for a smooth transition. Think of it less like a demolition and rebuild, and more like a renovation where you can still live in the house. There might be a bit of dust here and there, but we'll make sure you can keep the lights on and the show running.
We design our systems to be user-friendly and intuitive, even for the most technologically challenged among us. Plus, we provide thorough training and documentation. And remember, we're always just a phone call or email away if you need a refresher or run into a snag.
Well, for starters, we actually understand the creative world – we're not suits pretending to "get" your artsy vibe. We're all working artists who have been in the trenches of creative organizations, so we know the unique challenges you face. We're also not about cookie-cutter solutions or just throwing fancy software at problems. We're problem solvers, creative thinkers, and genuinely passionate about helping organizations like yours thrive. Plus, we're pretty fun to work with (if we do say so ourselves). We believe that improving your operations shouldn't feel like a root canal – it can (and should) be an energizing, inspiring process.
While grant writing is not one of our core services, a number of partners within our network are stellar grant writers who have won many awards and we’d be happy to connect you. We also have materials and resources we can share to help you write and win grants to work with us. Shoot us an email at hi@familyaffairs.studio and request a Studio Overview Fundraising Kit.
Although we don't directly write grants or run fundraising campaigns, we can certainly set you up for success in these areas. We can help streamline your grant management process, set up systems to track and report on outcomes (which funders love), and optimize your donor management. Think of us as setting the stage for your fundraising performance – we make sure the lighting is perfect, the sound is crystal clear, and you've got all your lines down pat. The actual performance? That's all you, superstar.