Our Process
At the beginning of a project, we take the time to get to know the client and want to clearly understand their communication need/s (through conversation or possibly a follow-up Red questionnaire about their design objectives/current brand/competitors). We want to understand the client’s vision, aesthetic preferences and hopes for the design—always bearing in mind the target audience (and how best to reach them).
On my proposals, I state roughly 2-4 rounds of revisions (includes design modifications and author alterations). We tend to allow for several additional rounds of revisions (assuming they are small at this point). I always let the client know if they are getting close to incurring extra charges if more time/work is needed that goes beyond the scope of work as defined by the proposal. Before any extra fees are applied to the job, this is discussed directly with client before moving forward (so no surprises!).
After format has been determined, to jumpstart the project, we like to work on the face of the piece to establish “the look”. We request that clients provide all the content necessary for each phase of the design (for the face a publication, we are asking for the content for the cover— client provides needed logos, images and language). Please be sure that all the content has been edited/proofed and finalized by all stake holders. Or if it is a rush project, we can use appropriate dummy text and image placeholders. To make the design work, we request delivery of all content at once— all pieces of the jigsaw puzzle — to keep the design process moving smoothly and efficiently. We take the client-provided pieces to brainstorm different design solutions. We will present various designs for you to pick and choose as pdfs. We will go back and forth (listening to the client’s feedback and then creating updated sketches) to refine the look. We request 1-2 working days to get modifications back to the client for the next round of review.
The body of the piece will be a natural extension of the refined/finalized look. For a publication, creating spread designs is the next step. We will present several design options. Based on client feedback, Red will refine design (usually 2-4 rounds of revisions) to complete this phase.
After the style and layout has been determined by this process, we are ready to produce the needed final piece.Again, include 2-3 round of revisions. I encourage client to review all content as thoroughly as possible before they deliver final copy for the design to begin. Once I have created the first draft, I ask client to take all the time they need (schedule permitted, of course) to have all the stake holders to review and make comments. One point of contact should collect and collate all the edits as comments directly on the pdf (therefore we can copy and paste any additions and not add spelling error/concerns to piece). We expect first round of revisions to be a big one; but as continue with the process; we funnel to a final completed product).