Working with an independent designer for the first time often prompts a few questions. Sometimes more than a few concerns, too. How successful will your needs be interpreted? How can it be done the most effectively and efficiently? How much will it cost?
The initial meeting
First, you’ll describe your communication needs in a sit-down meeting. Your needs are specific to your product or service and your industry. Therefore each client’s projects are treated on an individual basis. During the meeting, you’ll be asked questions about your company and its products or services, scheduling, budget, job specifications, your preferences, target audience, and objectives.
Typical questions could include:
Complete questionnaire in MS Word format.
Making recommendations
Based on the information you supplied, suggestions will be offered to help you create a design strategy that meets your marketing goals. A written proposal (when appropriate for the project) and an estimate will follow.
What do you need to supply?
Information. Samples of your product or your competitor’s product are helpful in discussing your goals. To spark additional discussion, you may be shown examples from Carol’s portfolio.
Who leads? Who follows?
It is your responsibility to lead a project and carolmdesign’s role to design and manage the design process. Don’t confuse leadership with involvement. As the client, you might want a great deal of involvement, or very little. If you provide leadership your participation can be whatever you want it to be. As the leader of the team, you are the deal-maker, the closer. Adapted from AIGA: A Client’s Guide to Design
The idea (concept)
After you have approved of the estimate, a rough layout will be created. This initial concept usually takes about two weeks, depending on the job’s complexity, and is shown in a meeting where you can discuss the idea with the designer and provide feedback directly to her. She will provide the reasoning behind the design and offer additional suggestions.
The refining process
There are always adjustments that need to be made to an initial concept. Each refinement to the design is based upon your comments and any additional guidelines that must be followed. The time required to refine a project is taken into consideration when submitting an estimate.
Producing the final product
carolmdesign works with established, reputable printers, ad specialists and website programmers to maintain the integrity of your project and stay within your budget. The project can be coordinated through completion, or final files can be provided to the client or client-approved vendors.
Developing long-term relationships
Carol works to understand your company, industry, and the challenges and opportunities that your company faces – a benefit to both you and carolmdesign.
Meeting your project's every need
Does your project necessitate copywriting, website programming, photography, illustration or print coordination? carolmdesign has built a network of trusted consultants to meet every project requirement.
Pricing
The costs of the project and terms are detailed in the estimate. In the event that additional costs will be incurred, carolmdesign will not charge an additional amount without your consent. When working with suppliers - printers, photographers, illustrators, website programmers and other outside talent - a coordination fee applies. The amount is based upon the time it takes to coordinate the project with the supplier and the cost of the service. carolmdesign pays the invoices of the supplier while awaiting payment from the client.
