process & design project timeline
since every studio is different, i put together a general chart of project phases so you know exactly what to expect when you’re working with me. each project has its specifics, which we can develop together as the case may be. for the most part, there’s some preliminary fit-finding to make sure we’ll be a great team, a proposal of a clear path from your challenges to an actionable strategy, a lot of work, and then the exciting day when you get to see all these ideas in action and show them to everyone you know.
first contact
each job starts with an initial sit-down between potential client and designer where we talk about where you’re at, what you’re trying to do, what you’ve been trying to do to get there, what’s not working, and where you want to be with the completion of this project. of course, i want to know how i can help, but i also want to get to know you and how you work. fit-finding is about making sure we’ll work together well.
proposal & project estimate
based on our conversation, i’ll draft a proposal of the solution that will work best with your business and budget for perusal and acceptance. my proposals include a recap of the objectives and preferred solutions discussed, a detail of all the phases of work involved, a general production schedule, cost & payment terms, and a list of the final deliverables you can expect.
letter of agreement & project deposit
once the client accepts the proposal, the designer will furnish a letter of agreement outlining procedure and job expectations for signature by both parties. the payment terms in the proposal always include a deposit amount to get the project started, so your deposit invoice will accompany the letter of agreement. with papers signed and deposits paid, we get to work.
kick-off meeting
once we actually get going, an initial project kick-off is in order, to recap direction and more finely-hone courses of action. the idea here is to discuss project specifics and take all the guesswork out of concept development, thus eliminating subsequent revisions as well.
concept development
when possible, projects are split into concept development vs. execution. the idea is to establish the look & feel of the final product on one sample portion, refine it to client approval, and then apply that style to the remainder of the pieces. the number of concepts presented will be detailed in the proposal, and once we review them, the client selects the preferred option and we refine to final approval through 2 rounds of revisions.
project execution
as a secondary component after concept development, the execution phase of a job takes the approved styles established during concept development and applies them to remaining portions of the project. once the layouts have been built out, complete proofs are circulated for proofreading, revisions and final approval.
final art preparation
upon final client sign-off, final layout files are prepared for the appropriate output process and sent off to the printer or uploaded to your web server and tested for browser compatibility and prepared for final launch.
printing & delivery, or site launch
for print projects, if the client has their own print vendor, they may take the final files at the print phase and deliver them to the vendor of their choice. if the client chooses to hire the designer for print procurement, print estimates will be submitted for client selection, and the designer will follow the job through the shop, including quality control, press check management and local delivery when possible. the client may also opt to arrange for an independent shipper or pick up the job personally. for site launches, we pick the day and go live.
