So, you’re finally doing it huh? You’re going all in and investing in a new brand or website! We’re so excited for you!
This is a massive investment – not only financially but mentally as well. This is the next big step to becoming the business owner you’ve always wanted to be and we don’t take that lightly around here.
While it’s really the designers job to ensure the project outcome is where it should be, it’s also up to you to do the homework beforehand.
Three facts remain true when it comes to keeping your project on board and wildly successful throughout the time you spend working with your designer.
1: Be available. No, not on holidays and weekends & late nights – don’t worry, we believe in breaks. What we mean by that is to make yourself available during the days Monday through Friday. Make sure that you’re answering your emails in a timely manner which would be at least 24 hours. Make sure that you show up on time to zoom calls and other scheduled meetings so that we can ensure your project stays on task and moves forward effortlessly.
2: Answer revisions in a timely manner. No one likes to wait on edits but keep in mind the longer it takes for the edits to be turned in, the longer it may take to get the revisions back to you and that’s not ideal. If you’re having issues deciding whether or not you like something specific, be open and honest about that and communicate to your designer that you really want to talk through certain aspects of the project. If you just aren’t feeling something, that’s OK.
You should feel completely comfortable emailing your designer and asking to hop on a call to maybe have them explain a specific aspect of the project so you can better understand what their thought process was when they designed it. That in itself may help you better understand whether you like it or not.
And, keep in mind that no one knows your business better than you. Sometimes it’s really helpful for both designer and client to hop on a quick zoom call and brainstorm together if you’re having a hard time coming up with edits or visualizing and/or explaining what is that you’d like to have.
3: Have what you need before the project begins. Most designers (if not all) should be sending you an extensive questionnaire well before the project ever begins. That questionnaire should ask you everything that you’ll ever need to tell your designer so that you can ensure you’re both on the same page when it comes to aesthetics and needs.
Ensure that you have every single questionnaire and every single document turned in well beforehand. If your designer didn’t ask for a Pinterest board, we still find it beneficial to create one for your own needs. We love asking our clients to create a board with everything they visualize for their branding including examples of logos, packaging, web designs, and even photo shoots they feel inspired by.
Seriously, even if your designer didn’t request a Pinterest board we always ask that you make one as a client. If nothing else, it helps you visualize what you’re wanting this brand to look like in the end.
4: Pay attention. Pay attention to documents you signed including contracts, invoices, questionnaires, and proposals. Make sure that you understand the deliverables and what you’ll be receiving well before the project begins so that you both are on the same regarding expectations and timelines.
