“So, what happens next?”

This is the question I get the most after I book a free discovery call with a client. And it is such a comprehensive question, I figured this could be a great resource to fill everyone in on my creative process.

For the sake of detail, I’m going to specifically go into steps I use for my branding clients.

STEP 1 – ONBOARD

Once I book a client, I automatically send them a few things:

1. Contract – protection for everyone!

2. Invoice – for most jobs I split up invoices, half paid up front as a deposit, and the other half paid once we have an approved final.

3. Welcome Packet – this is where the timeline lives, how the client can best reach me, and any questions I have for the client to fill out before we get started.

4. Branding Questionnaire – this ‘homework’ is a 3 page document packed with detailed questions for me to not only get to know the client, but also their wants, needs, feelings, pain points, etc so I can make sure that everything I design for them aligns with their specific needs and goals.

STEP 2 – DESIGN

Once I get the contract signed, invoice paid, and brand questionnaire back it’s time for the fun part: design! It’s also the most time-consuming part of the process. I do some research, make mood boards, sketch, and design 2-3 different versions based on the answers the client provided in their questionnaire. Once the proposal is put together, we all hop on a Zoom and I present my pitch. I prefer the client to sit on the proposal for at least a couple days and marinate. Show it to a couple people (not a huge crowd, that will cause confusion) who really know you and ask ‘what looks most like me?’

STEP 3 – REFINE

Here’s where the magic happens! There are usually some edits provided by the client to make it even more ‘them’. This is when the collaboration kicks into high gear and ends up produces something truly unique and checks all the clients boxes. I provide 2 free revisions for each client so we can stick to the timeline and take advantage of each round of edits.

STEP 4 – DELIVER

Once we have a final pick I send the final invoice and get to work on packaging everything up. I send a folder full of all the different logos, sub marks, and badges in all of the different colors. Branding guidelines which provides the breakdown of the colors, typography, and how to (and how not to) use the logo in the wild. I also include the brand strategy taken directly from the questionnaire to reiterate how to better market themselves. This is also when I order the business cards and/or other collateral that was included in the beginning of the project.

Well. That’s it! Seems pretty simple broken down into four digestible steps, right? I hope this helped you better get to know what I do and what the experience of working with me would be like. Ready to get started yourself? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time!