Are you ready to get started? Here is my client guide for next steps about my process and how I work together with you to ensure smooth project execution!
I am so glad that you've decided to do business with me! There are a million options out there for freelance graphic designers and artists. I love doing what I can to help people achieve their goals while getting to do what I enjoy the most! I'm very excited!
To begin, I will assume we have already made our introductions and you have brought your basic project idea to me. What follows is a more broad discussion of what you need followed by a quote from me. We will negotiate the quote as needed until both of us are satisfied with the ratio of project complexity to monetary exchange.
Once you have approved your quote, we will discuss next steps...
Communication Channels
Scope of Work
Client Responsibilities
Contract & Agreement
Preferred File Formats and Deliverables
Communication Channels
For ease of *recordkeeping I prefer to communicate by e-mail. I do love to schedule calls with clients to discuss things in a more timely and efficient manner, however I will always take notes during our calls and reiterate our agenda through an email. This ensures we are always on the same page and have a written trail of our goals.
*If changes to a project ever need to be discussed, they must be finalized in a written format.
Scope of Work
After you approve the quote, we will more thoroughly discuss the entire scope of work. This includes a detailed description of each part of the project. A timeline for deliverables. As well as a timeline for revisions or additional work. I will include the full project deliverables in the contract.
Client Responsibilities
During this time, we'll discuss the responsibilities of the client. This could include providing copy, graphic assets, links or any materials needed by me to complete your project on time. There may be instances where I require your feedback before moving forward, if this feedback from you is delayed, I take no responsibility on the timeline for project deliverables.
Contract & Agreement
All of this will also be included in a contract and agreement that will be signed by both myself and the client. I like for everything to be tied up in a pretty bow, so signing a contract keeps us both protected and held accountable. Along with the scope of work, other things will be included:
Project Timeline
A detailed timeline with milestones and deadlines, so we both know what to expect at each stage of the project.
Payment Terms and Conditions
Intellectual Property & Usage Rights
Revision and Edit Period
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement
Cancellation and Termination Policy
Once the contract is approved and signed by us both, I'll begin work as determined by the project timeline!
Preferred Files Formats
I will always provide final file formats through email. I have never had to provide files in any other method. Depending on the project, you will receive your files in a .JPEG, .PNG, .SVG, and/or .PDF. If it's a project that will be printed, I will make sure you receive a print file containing a bleed and crop marks as well as one without. If you require additional file formats, please discuss this with me. I do not share raw files with clients (.ai, .psd, .ind, etc.).
A Few Things For You To Consider
Before getting started, or while you are still on the hunt for your freelance artist, there are a few things you should consider that will help speed along the process.
What exactly do you need? Website Design, Logo Design, etc.
What do you have already that you can provide the designer to help them understand your brand? Pictures, a website, a business card?
If you are starting from the ground up, what specific colors do you have in mind? Brand name, fonts, titles, contact information, website URL? If you can do some research and hunt for inspirational material, that's great! Find some examples that speak to you for reference.
When do you need your project completed by?
What is your budget?
Is there anything else you might need done after this project? For example, you've agreed to get your logo made, do you also need business cards? Perhaps a letterhead?
Do you have copy written or an idea of the copy you will need? It's no problem to ask for help writing copy, but coming up short when it's time to provide is the number one reason projects get pushed back. The sooner you can provide copy the faster your project will come to life.
Thank you,
I know this might be a lot to take in! But trust when I say I take these additional steps for both of our security. I don't like to skip steps and with our busy lives having a thorough contract with everything laid out in an organized way has been so extremely helpful!
If you have any questions, you know where to reach me!