Eye-catching editorial design for sustainable brands
Some things, such as editorial design, defy the digital age. A magazine, a cookery book or a brand publication to leaf through transforms knowledge, recipes and a brand’s ethos into something you’ll want to hold in your hands. We design editorial works that bring your brand to life.
Our promise
Editorial Design: Eight reasons why we are the right partner
Creating stories rather than pages
We design editorial content to build suspense, rather than as a random sequence of pages. The narrative It determines the structure and rhythm; the – layout and scope follow suit to ensure the perfect reading experience.
Design with a distinctive style
The result is a visual language that makes your brand instantly recognisable. Your colours, typography, imagery, pictograms and illustrations all work together to create a look that clearly stands out from run-of-the-mill templates.
Authentic images rather than stock photos
The focus is on your own brand imagery or the images our photographers take for you, because only these can truly tell your story. We can also incorporate stock images that blend in seamlessly and do not detract from your brand’s character.
Clean files. Smooth processes.
Your files will be logically organised and consistently structured right from the start. This standard is the result of many years’ experience in the agency sector and ensures that your data can go straight to print or online without any delays.
Extensive experience in editorial design
You can rely on our expertise in staff magazines, study guides and comprehensive product catalogues. We know what really matters when it comes to structure, information hierarchy and readability.
Be consistent with your brand voice
Your tone of voice is just as important as your design. Upon request, texts can be revised or rewritten to ensure consistency in both content and language, with – supported by copywriters specialising in sustainability or AI-assisted optimisation.
Support right through to printing
From the initial idea through to the print-ready PDF – and, if required, right through to printing – your project is managed entirely in-house. This ensures quality and allows you to benefit from our sustainable Network partners benefit.
Planned corrections and proofreading
A clear round of revisions is firmly scheduled after each project phase. Proofreading can be added as an optional extra. This ensures transparency throughout the process and reduces risks in the final implementation.
Our understanding
Editorial design is more than just layout
A Magazine, Cookery book, Workbook, White paper, Staff magazine or Sustainability Report is not just any printed product. It is a editorial branding work with its own structure, style and visual language. Unlike a website, it will opened, leafed through and kept – rather than just being scrolled past for a few seconds. That’s exactly why good Editorial Design More than just an attractive layout: it needs a clear narrative, a well-thought-out flow and a design that brings the content to life.
We develop editorial projects for Hotels, Coaches and sustainable companies, from the editorial concept, through image selection and layout, to the print-ready or digital PDF file. The result is not an off-the-shelf template, but a work that looks, sounds and feels just like your brand itself, whether Customer magazine, in-house publication or Sustainability Report.
Customer feedback
What our customers say
„Many perspectives, one distinctive style: Katrin’s work has brought together the individual contributions of the professors to create a cohesive whole. We were particularly impressed by her organisation of the 7-day photo shoot. The images perfectly capture how we at – want to be perceived, and that is precisely what resonates with our target audience.“
Head of Marketing | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
"I had recipes, photos and stories –, but no coherent concept. With 2bu’s help, this has turned into a cookbook with a clear structure, a well-thought-out design and its own distinctive style. Today, I’m holding a book in my hands that I’m truly proud of and that people enjoy leafing through.“
Private chef
„Katrin designed and produced our staff magazine. With great dedication, she brought together content from the various departments, organised it effectively and, by contributing creative ideas, developed it into a high-quality publication.“
Head of Marketing | Breuninger
Diagnosis & Approach
What holds editorial work back and what gives it direction
Unfortunately, this happens quite often
There is no clear brand strategy, before the design work begins. Whilst this makes the publication look attractive, it does not tell a unified story.
Illustrations, pictograms and design elements do not follow a consistent style. This creates an inconsistent impression.
Texts, images and content are available, but there is no common thread. As a result, the content’s potential is lost.
The choice of materials and production methods is often not decided until the very end. Sustainability often falls by the wayside in this context.
Here’s how we’ll sort it out
Strategy before design. First, we establish a clear framework to ensure that every page consistently reflects your brand.
A visual style that is instantly recognisable. We develop illustrations, pictograms and graphic elements as part of your brand identity.
Content comes together to form a complete work. We organise everything into a publication with a clear flow and genuine suspense.
Sustainability doesn’t stop at design. Together, we carefully select the paper and finishing options, and are committed to resource-efficient production.
Creative process
Perfect for every target group Concept, templates & guidelines
Every 2bu project begins with a targeted analysis and a viable concept. What happens next is up to you: you can take charge of the implementation yourself, develop it further in collaboration with us, or provide your in-house team with templates and guidelines.
That’s why our process doesn’t end at the same point for everyone. You get off the train exactly where you’ve reached your destination and receive all the documents you need for the next step. Depending on the scope of the project, the process takes about three to six weeks.
Research: Discover & Define
Every project begins with a targeted analysis. Together, we clarify requirements, content and preferences, review existing design elements and identify areas for improvement. If, for example, there is a lack of a coherent illustrative or visual style, we develop initial recommendations – – always within the context of the project, without prejudging the full branding.
Concept: Design
Based on the analysis, we develop a a viable concept and translate it into initial layouts. All ideas are brought together in a professional presentation, providing a clear basis for decision-making regarding the next steps. Once approved, the creative direction is finalised and the project can be taken forward independently.
Templates: Develop
For companies that are implementing the project in collaboration with us, we develop professional templates as a reliable working basis. They establish consistent standards, speed up implementation and ensure that content can be designed efficiently and in line with the brand.
Guideline: Document
For companies with in-house teams or a rotating roster of service providers, we develop a practice-oriented guideline. It defines design grids, look and feel, dos and don’ts, as well as all relevant guidelines for use. This creates a reliable system that ensures consistent brand communication, even in the long term.
Packages & services
Choose the right performance model
Guided Start (S) For sole traders and small businesses looking for a professional framework to use as a basis for their own implementation. Trusted Lead (M) for small and medium-sized enterprises that would like to develop and implement their project in collaboration with us. Bespoke Project (L) for companies with an in-house marketing or design team that also benefits from templates, systems and comprehensive guidelines.
Included in all packages:
1 online meeting and 1 round of revisions per project phase
Unless otherwise agreed, no open working files will be provided. 2bu design is entitled to use the project for reference purposes.
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
Add-ons
Book your add-ons for this project here
All our Add-ons are clearly priced at – so that you know right from the start what you can plan for. In the Proposal meeting We’ll give you honest advice on which package price and which additional modules make sense for your project.
A caring approach to your project
Your – project is waiting to become a reality, and we’re really looking forward to bringing it to life with you. Booking one of our – packages is really straightforward; prices exclude text and images, so you can stay flexible.
1500 €/25, 2250 €/50, 3000 €/from 100 pages, plus VAT.
Set of pictograms
Whether for ingredients, wayfinding or infographics, at – we design bespoke pictograms that blend seamlessly into your brand identity. You’ll receive professionally prepared files in the standard formats (EPS, PDF, PNG, SVG and JPG).
600 €/10, 900 €/20, 1200 €/40 items plus VAT.
Illustrations charged at cost
Illustrations give your brand personality. Based on the defined design direction, we develop bespoke illustrations that bring your story to life and make your brand truly distinctive. You’ll receive professionally prepared files (EPS, PDF, PNG, SVG and JPG).
60 €/simple, 120 €/medium, 240 €/complex plus VAT.
Stylish additions made from reclaimed timber
Stock images that don’t look like stock images – it’s all down to the choice. Drawing on our professional brand expertise, we source and licence images that suit your brand, ensuring it remains authentic. Illustrations and pictograms are also an option. The package prices include the licence.
600 €/10, 900 €/20, 1200 €/40 items plus VAT.
Photography services from the network
Some projects require their own images. Working alongside experienced photographers from our sustainable network, we create authentic – images of everything from products and staff to corporate environments.
Professional image retouching
We optimise your images, from subtle corrections to complex adjustments. Every retouch is carried out by experts, using technical expertise and, where desired, supported by AI tools. The aim is to achieve a natural, high-quality look that blends seamlessly with your brand identity.
60 €/simple, 120 €/medium, 240 €/complex plus VAT.
Copywriters with expertise in sustainability
Our copywriters specialise in sustainable brands. They develop new copy or optimise existing content, using AI where requested. A clearly defined tone of voice is essential for achieving compelling results.
80 €/Standard page plus VAT.
Thorough proofreading for EN/DE
If you want to be sure, then rely on our professional proofreading service, billed in accordance with industry practice on a standard-page basis (approx. 250 words or 1,500 characters, including spaces). That way, no one will stumble across any typos.
10 €/Standard page plus VAT.
Print support, including coordination
From choosing the paper to approving the print, we oversee the entire printing process. Working alongside your print supplier or a partner from our sustainable network, we ensure a high-quality result – which can also be vegan and resource-efficient if you wish.
15 % Commission plus VAT.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions on this topic
The FAQs provide guidance, explain procedures and help you to assess measures realistically and plan your next steps sensibly. If you still have any questions, simply arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation. This is a straightforward way to sort out all the details – transparently, in a structured manner and on an equal footing.
Who is this project suitable for?
The project is aimed at Hoteliers, which is a Coffee Table Book would like to develop, at Coaches and other experts who publish their content in a high-quality publication wish to pool, as well as to Company, which is a Sustainability Report or a similar publication wish to realise. The aim is always to create a work that not only informs, but also serves as a symbol and can be used in the long term.
It is helpful to draw on existing material such as texts, images, data or content you have already gathered – in short, everything that is already part of your story. Building on this, a structured body of work takes shape, presenting this content in a clear, publishable form.
What will be used to carry out the project?
Implementation takes place entirely in Adobe InDesign – – from concept and layouts right through to templates and the final design. We do not use Canva or similar tools, but rely on professional layout systems designed for both print and digital use. The aim is to create a consistent, well-structured system that can be reused flexibly.
In addition, depending on the package, the following apply: Templates and Guidelines, which clearly structure and simplify the use of the design. If required, the guidelines can also be integrated into a CMS Divi be prepared. In exceptional cases, we produce the concept presentation in PowerPoint, if they are required for internal coordination.
Who will be able to work with it in the future?
The results are structured in such a way that they can be used in different ways depending on the package. Sole proprietor They will receive a clearly structured template in PDF format, which they can adapt using tools such as Canva. Medium-sized enterprises They usually carry out the implementation with us using the templates. Growing start-ups and Companies with a marketing or design department They use professional tools such as Adobe InDesign anyway.
The Concept as well as the Guideline are referred to as PDF handed over, as was the final editorial project. Only the Templates are referred to as open InDesign files provided to enable flexible further processing.
What additional costs are incurred?
All those produced as part of the project Pictograms, illustrations and images –, whether off-the-shelf or custom-made, – are supplied with extensive rights of use provided. This allows you to use the content flexibly, for example on your website, on social media, for PR, in campaigns or for partnerships.
There are no time-limited or channel-specific restrictions, meaning that long-term use is possible as part of your communication strategy – – – without any ongoing additional costs arising from individual licensing models. We simply reserve the right to terminate the agreed Project as a reference to use in our internal communications.
What do I need to have in place before the project starts?
Existing resources are helpful Texts, recipes or images. Other key design considerations are also important: a desired Illustration or pictogram style, the Font hierarchy and Colour selection.
Ideally, you should also have a clear idea of the desired Tone of Voice with. We’ll work out all the rest together with you. Of course, we’d also be happy to take care of the Strategy and the Design before the project starts. That’s when you’ll have the greatest influence, as we only provide a brief introduction at most during the individual projects.
Initial consultation
Editorial design for impactful publications
The focus is on your Editorial Project, your content and the current status. We’ll establish which materials are already available and which design and structural foundations can be developed from them as a starting point for the process that follows.
In a non-binding and Free initial consultation we check together whether we share this aspiration. You grab a coffee, we consciously take our time. The call is for sorting out thoughts, sharing ideas openly and filtering out what really matters for your project. Calmly. Honestly. Without pressure to make decisions.
It quickly becomes clear whether it fits – strategically, creatively and humanely.
If yes: great. If not: also good. Clarity is always a benefit.
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