Design Workflow

Stage 1

• Enquiry
• Research
• Brief
• Estimation of cost & production
• Conception work
• Concept Presentation

 Stage 2

• Application of concept
• Final Artwork

Stage 3

• Proof Printing

Enquiry and Related Research

• Web
• Contacts
• Previous Work
• Pros & Cons

Brief

• Part 1: Sit, Look, Listen to what the client(s) want
• Part 2: Take notes in verbal brief, this helps you to remember everything and form an 'estimated cost'

Estimate of Costs

• Rough estimate of cost and email client based on the brief so far
• List what needs doing and then break down into separate costs. Always follow up estimate with client(s). This will save time, focuses the clients attention and produces a formal estimation
• Both you and the client should clearly understand both costs and requirements of the proposed project
• Create a branded proposal
• Consider creating a Adobe InDesign document based on 'ballpark' email. This can help you keep time and looks very professional
• At the end of each part and process of the project give a total cost for that section to show how the budget is spent. Keep each element seperate (e.g. Web design and web development are different sections)
  Consider...
• A section for your terms of payment
• A section for any project start-up costs (any software, services, or materials you don't have and need)
• A section for a deposit... a contentious point but worth considering

Production Schedule
Time management (offline monthly template). Time management is the key to everything (move on to the next step in time and finish the project itself in time).

Once estimate of costs and production schedule is completed, create a 150dpi PDF document and email it to the client. This will give both you and the client a detailed outline of the project and make you look professional.

Concept Work

• How many concepts? Based on the budget, bigger budget with lots of time will need more concepts than a project with a small budget and time period
• Application of concept - Use on letterhead, business card, website, vehicle, etc.

Print specification & quotation

• How it's supplied
• Format
• Printing
• Delievering
• Billing

Artwork Stages

• First stage artwork
• First stage amendments
• Final artwork approval

Reproduction, colour proofing and proof  approval, 'Show & Tell'

Press Pass

Designer goes to the printers and looks at the items(s) being printed, check quantity and quality.

• Pros - Check quality. Being in right place at the right time if something goes wrong and rectify it. Dealing with the press minder
• Cons - Time consuming, very early starts and very late finishes, hanging around for hours, dealing with printers

Delivering Invoice is the BEST part of the process!

Job Bag

• Copies of emails (dated) (to and from)
• Desk diary (calls, emails, letters, work done, etc.)
• Proof
• Samples