Project kickoff information + questionnaires

So it sounds like we’re thinking of working together – that’s awesome news! An informed client is a happy client, in my experience, so here’s the general flow of my process. Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line with questions that aren’t covered here.

STEP 1: initial call

We’ve probably already done this, but this is where I get to know you and what you’re up to, and you learn a bit about my background in design and how I work.

step 2A: branding Questionnaire

This is the part where I find out what you love, what you hate, what’s cliché and overdone in your industry (which I may be just getting to know), and what you’ve envisioned and dreamed up for your brand, whether I’m designing your brand from the ground up, or some component of an already-existing brand. Your investment of time and thought in this section really pays dividends further on in the process!

Name

First Name

Last Name

Business Name

Email Address

What does your business or product do? Give me the elevator pitch.

Who are your main competitors (direct or indirect)? What do you like about their presence? What do you dislike?

What feels cliché and overdone in your industry?

What sets you apart from your competitors?

Briefly describe your ideal customer and what they're looking for from you.

Is there a unique story behind your business or business name?

Free association time: what words come to mind when you envision your brand?

Please share a few brands whose identity inspires you (in any industry). What do you love about them?

What color(s) are you drawn to?

What color(s) do you just hate?

What's your timeline / deadline for this project?

step 2B: website questionnaire (if applicable)

We probably talked about this on our call, but I create Squarespace and Shopify-based websites.

Why Squarespace? A few reasons – first, they prioritize design at every turn, with beautiful template options and baked-in design best practices. Basically, if you can’t do it in Squarespace, you shouldn’t really be doing it. Second, it allows me to create a gorgeous website, then hand the keys over for you to manage its day-to-day operation, blog, etc. (though I can stay on and manage it if you prefer). Third, and best of all, it is a stable but ever-evolving, up-to-date platform with rock star customer service. Bonus, I’m a member of Squarespace’s professional organization, and as such, my clients receive 20% off their first year.

If your ecommerce site requires more robust functionality, Shopify is the absolute best in the game. But we can talk that over later. Sound good?

Let’s learn more about your website needs.

What is your site's URL? Have you purchased it yet?

What is the primary purpose of your website?

What is the mission of your business? What sets you apart from your competition?

Please share a few websites that you love. What do you love about them?

What feels cliché and overdone in the typical website within your industry?

If you're redesigning an existing site, what isn't working about your current site? What is working?

Please list the pages that you'd like to include in your website (home, about us, etc.).

What is your site description (a short piece of text that describe your site's content)? This is an important part of your site's SEO, so be sure to include all relevant search keywords for your business.

Will you be providing images, or will I be searching for stock images and/or illustrations?

Will you be providing copy, or are you planning on working with a writer?

Will you need me to edit your photos/imagery?

yes

maybe

Will you need me to edit your copy?

yes

maybe

Is there any special functionality that you envision needing on your site (e-commerce, booking, email collection, forms, etc.)?

What's your timeline / deadline for this project?

Is there anything else that you'd like me to know?

step 3: estimate + contract

Once I have your responses to the above questionnaire(s), I’ll create an estimate that covers the scope of work that we’ve discussed, and also describes the order that I’ll work on it and the overall timeline.

If that all looks good, I’ll send a contract that summarizes everything we’ve discussed along with all of the nitty gritty details. Once that’s signed, we’re off to the races.

step 4: design direction(s)

Whether I’m creating a brand mark or a website (or both), I’ll start by generating design direction options including but not limited to rough logo sketches, color palettes, typefaces, site templates, photography and illustration styles. Your prompt and clear feedback on these design direction goes a long toward making sure the final design implementation flows smoothly.

step 5: design implementation + finishing touches

Once we’re solidly on an aesthetic path that everyone feels great about, I’ll proceed with additional rounds of finished design. You’ll continue to give clear and prompt feedback so we can move forward within our agreed-upon timeline. When those rounds conclude and everyone is happy with the finished design, I’ll submit final artwork or we’ll go live with your website, depending upon the project type.