You want to work with me. I want to work with you. Now what?
This is an overview of what a typical project looks like when we work together. Of course, it will be tailored to your needs, so it may be more or less in-depth and may include more (or fewer) elements. It all depends on what you need.
0
Estimate of costs and initial consultation.
2 — 3 days
We’ll have a quick chat about what you’re looking for, and I’ll provide you with an itemized estimate that details what I’ll do and how much it will cost. Unless something about your scope changes significantly, the price I provide at this point will be what I charge you, no hidden costs and no work performed out of estimate without your explicit permission and a conversation.
There is no fee at this point. If you want an idea of potential costs, please visit the relevant services page.
1
First things first. We need to talk about what your project needs.
2 days — 1 week
We’ll have at least one really long conversation about exactly what it is you want to do and what it will take to get that done. I’ll send you some in-depth questions to fill out that will help identify your specific needs and we’ll talk some more. If you need them, I’ll help you make a mission and a vision statement to really fine-tune your long-term goals.
Before major work begins, I ask for a 50% deposit, for our mutual peace of mind.
2
Now we know what you need, so I start working.
2 — 6 weeks + depending on scope
If we’re doing branding, then I get to work on this first and we begin our dialogue. I provide you with digital proofs (“comps”) of my ideas, and you give me brutally honest feedback. We go back and forth until it’s perfect and you love every part of it, no exceptions.
If we’re building a website, I’ll begin designing the static proofs for the website once the branding is done (assuming you needed branding, of course). As before, I’ll show you some ideas, and you’ll tell me what you think. I won’t show you the whole site, but I’ll show you enough so that there won’t be any surprises down the road. Once you’re 100% happy, we’ll call the design approved.
3
Development/deployment.
2 — 3 weeks
Now I start the real work. If it’s a website we’re making together, I’ll put up a “beta” version of the site, either on my servers or yours if you prefer, once I’ve completed the bulk of the code, and we’ll proof and test it together while you get the remaining content nailed down. If it’s a graphics project we’re working on, I’ll send proofs for final approval before production-ready art.
Generally by this point I’ll ask for the remaining 50% of the balance owed once the “beta” goes live or after final art is approved.
4
Final steps.
4 days — 1 week
If you’re building a website, we’ll now move it to the production environment and make it available to the public. It should be 100% done, but if you find any little bugs or quirks (which is not uncommon) I’ll fix them as they arise. Once your site is live and running, should anything I’ve built break, I’ll fix it, no questions asked.
If we’re working on a graphic project, this is the stage where I provide the production ready artwork. That’s probably the end of the road for this project, as no ongoing support will be needed, but I’m always here if you do need me.
So, that’s the general idea of what it’s like to work with me on an average project.
I’ve handled jobs with scope ranging from tiny to nearly 7 months, so it’s safe to say there’s some room for change in the above process, but this gives you an idea. If you have questions, or want to get started, please contact me now!