How we work
Three phases. One end-to-end partner.
We don't hand off after the strategy session. We don't disappear after the build ships. One engagement takes you from scoped problem to live system to ongoing outcomes -- with a single partner across all three phases.
Phase 01
Find out exactly what's possible -- before you commit to anything.
AUD $5,000–$15,000
1–2 weeks · Can stand alone
Ideal for
- --Businesses that aren't sure if AI is right for them
- --Teams that have heard the promise before and want proof before committing
- --Organisations that want a scoped plan they can take to other providers if they choose
Most AI projects fail because nobody defined success before they started. The Discovery Sprint fixes that.
We spend 1–2 weeks inside your business -- understanding your processes, your stack, and the specific problem you want solved. You don't have to proceed to Phase 2. Many clients run the Discovery Sprint and implement the plan themselves. That's fine -- the plan is yours.
What's included
Process audit
We map your current workflows and identify AI leverage points
Stack review
We assess your existing tech for integration feasibility
Problem scoping
We define one or more specific problems worth solving
Success metrics
We agree the exact outcomes we'll measure
Go/no-go recommendation
Honest advice -- including if we think AI isn't the right answer
Phase 2 proposal
Fixed-price, scoped proposal ready to proceed if you choose
Phase 02
Built for your stack. Owned by your team.
AUD $30,000–$120,000
4–6 weeks · Scope and pricing locked in at end of Phase 1
Human-architected. Agent-accelerated.
Strategic thinking from Craig and Darryn. Execution compressed by AI-native tooling.
We work inside your existing tech stack -- not a proprietary platform that requires ongoing fees. When it ships, your IT lead can read the code, your team knows how to use it, and you own the IP outright.
Change management isn't an upsell here. It's standard. 67% of mid-market AI projects fail because the team doesn't adopt the system. We build the adoption plan into the engagement from the start.
What's included
System build
Custom AI system designed to the Phase 1 specification
Stack integration
Built into your existing tools -- no new vendor dependencies
Testing & QA
Validated against the success metrics agreed in Phase 1
Change management
Structured adoption plan for your team -- included as standard
Team training
Hands-on sessions so your team owns the system, not just uses it
IP transfer
Full ownership of the system transfers to you on completion
Documentation
Plain-English system documentation for your team and IT
30-day post-launch support
We stay close for the first month to resolve any issues
Phase 03
We stay until the outcomes compound.
AUD $5,000–$15,000/month
Optional -- not every engagement continues to Phase 3
Most AI systems improve significantly in the first 3–6 months as they process real data and we refine the model. Phase 3 is for businesses that want ongoing optimisation and a strategic AI partner they can call.
You don't need Phase 3. Many clients run Phase 2, take ownership, and maintain the system internally. Phase 3 is for businesses that want ongoing optimisation and a strategic AI partner they can call.
What's included
Performance monitoring
Regular review of system output against Phase 1 success metrics
Continuous optimisation
Refinements to the model based on real-world performance data
Monthly reporting
Plain-English report: what the system did, what changed, what's next
Strategic advisory
Access to Craig and Darryn for ongoing AI decisions and expansion
Priority support
Direct line for issues -- not a ticketing queue
Why Creative Milk
Three things that make us different.
Not marketing claims. Structural differences in how we operate.
Published pricing
We're one of the only AI agencies in Australia that publishes what things cost. Professional services buyers make better decisions with real numbers. So do we.
Change management standard
67–80% of AI projects fail because the team doesn't adopt the system. Every engagement includes a structured adoption plan and hands-on team training. Not as an upsell. As a basic requirement.
You own everything
We don't build on proprietary platforms that keep you dependent on us. Your system runs on your stack. Your team gets trained to own it. IP transfers on completion.
Common questions
FAQs
Do we have to do all three phases?
No. Each phase stands alone. Most clients start with a Discovery Sprint, then proceed to Phase 2. Phase 3 is optional and many clients choose to maintain the system internally after Phase 2.
What affects the price range within each phase?
For the Discovery Sprint: the number of processes in scope and the complexity of your current tech stack. For Phase 2: the complexity of the system, the number of integrations, and the size of the team we're training. The Discovery Sprint locks in a fixed price for Phase 2 before you commit.
What if the system doesn't hit the success metrics?
We define the success metrics together in Phase 1. If the Phase 2 system doesn't hit them, we stay involved until it does. That's part of what the 95% outcome rate means -- we don't declare something done until it works.
Who will we work with?
Craig and Darryn directly. You won't be handed to a junior consultant or an offshore team. The two founders are accountable for every engagement.
Do you work with businesses outside Melbourne?
Yes. We work with businesses across Australia. Discovery Sprints and ongoing partnership calls are done remotely. For Phase 2 builds that require on-site work, we travel.
Not sure which phase you need? Start with a conversation.
Tell us what you're trying to solve. We'll tell you whether a Discovery Sprint makes sense, what it would cost, and what we'd expect to find. No commitment required.