If you have just started working with me, congratulations, and I am so happy to have you on board! If you are still considering working with me, I am glad you are here. This post will help you understand the process and what I need from you to get started.

Graphic Design

  1. Goals & Target Audience: The first thing I need is to understand your needs and goals. What graphics do you need? What will the graphics be used for? What sizes do you need? Who are you trying to reach with the graphics (target audience)? I will send you a questionnaire that you will need to fill out so that I know the scope of the work needed. I will also send out an estimate and contract that will need to be approved before work begins. Sometimes larger projects (ie. logos, etc) may require a deposit ahead of time. You will be notified in your estimate if a deposit is needed for your project.
  2. Content: Depending on what you need, I will need to gather copy and images (including your logo if you have one). If you need help developing content or gathering images, just let me know.
  3. Design: I will take your content and design your graphic(s). The first step will be 2-4 concepts that I will send to you for approval. You will choose 1-2 of those concepts for me to develop further. (If you do not like any of the concepts that I send, I will design a further 2-4 concepts to choose from. However, no more than 10 concepts will be provided).
  4. Review: I will send you the completed design(s) for proof and approval. You will review the design and send me any edits if they are needed. Two revisions are included. Further revisions after those two will be billed hourly.
  5. Delivery: Once everything is proofed and approved, I will send you all your files. Most designs will include a PSD or AI, a JPG, and a PNG. If other file types are needed, just let me know and I will be happy to include that in your file package. Once you have everything, final payment is due.

Web Design

  1. Consultation & Estimate: Before I start any work, I will need to have a questionnaire filled out and have a consultation with you. After that, I will send you a detailed estimate. Once the estimate is approved, I will send a contract, and request a deposit. Normally the deposit is not more than 25% of the cost of the project. Once I have the contract and deposit, I will get started.
  2. Goals & Site Map: The first step is always to identify your the goals you have for your website and who your target audience is. We will also identify what pages you wish to have and create a site map based on this.
  3. Platforms & Web Hosting: I use quite a few platforms to make sharing work easier. Dropbox and Google Drive are my two favorites for sharing large files. I can create a shared folder with you and anything you need to send me can be put in that folder (and sub-folders). We will also need to explore domain and hosting providers if you haven’t already done so. I can help you through this process if needed. I will need all passwords for your hosting provider, and occasionally other 3rd party providers (that I will ask for if needed).
  4. Content: We will need to get content developed and images compiled at this stage. I need images and copy. If you already have content written and have images ready, you will put all of that in your shared folder so that I can get started getting all of your content into the site. If you need your website written professionally, let me know and I can refer you to a copywriter. I can also help you gather images from either stock websites, legally free to use photo websites, or from a photographer. Please remember to proof your copy before I begin development. Once your site is developed, there are two revisions included. However, after two revisions, any further edits will be billed hourly.
  5. Development & Testing: At this stage, I will take your content and develop the site. If anything is needed during this phase, I will reach out to you. Once I have everything placed, I will test all links and forms, and make sure that everything is functioning correctly. I will also test your site for responsiveness so that it looks great on mobile devices as well.
  6. Review: Once I have everything developed I will send you links to preview your pages. At this stage, I will just need you to look over the design and proof the content. If you see anything that needs to be changed or edited, let me know and I will take care of it.
  7. Launch: Yay! At this stage your site is designed, proofed, and complete. Everything looks great and is functioning perfectly! I will have all of your passwords and content packaged and emailed to you. Share your site with the world!
  8. Payment: Once your site is launched, a final invoice will be sent and due.
  9. Maintenance: If you purchased a maintenance package, I will continue to keep your site updated and publish content as you need it to me. If you need me to keep your website maintained, let me know and we can work out a plan for you. Maintenance includes keeping WordPress, plugins, and themes updated, as well as publishing content for you as needed. Contact me if you need to add a maintenance plan added.

I can’t wait to work with you! If you are ready to get started, send me a quick note letting me know what you are looking for.