THE DESIGN PROCESS: SIMPLE STEPS TO A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
This information is meant to clarify the process for customers with little or no prior experience working with designers.

INITIAL CONTACT
Make contact and describe your company and what you need designed. For example, "I am the owner of a record company planning on releasing a compilation of all the songs from my recently signed bands. I will need a full color 4 panel cover and tray, as well as promotional postcards. I can send you a letterhead with my company's logo, and will have my assistant supply you with the text for the ad by sending you an e-mail. Please give me a price quote" No commitment on your part is needed at this stage. See the tips for requesting a free estimate on the "rates and terms" section of this site.

RECIEVE ESTIMATE
After a short time period, you will receive an estimate for the project. You may request a quick "ballpark" estimate, but before work can be started, there will need to be approval of a "contractual" estimate. Still no commitment is needed from you at this stage.

AUTHORIZE PROJECT
If you approve of the estimate and fully understand the terms, you may authorize the project. The contract will consist of a detailed estimate for the project as well as the terms related to it, such as copyright information and agreed upon completion date. The contract will state that a percentage of the payment for the project will be due before any work begins. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the estimate or contract terms, you will be under no obligation to continue.

SUPPLY TEXT
Good grammar and proper spelling are critical for maintaining a professional image. For projects with a lot of type, please consider consulting with a proof reader before submitting text.

REVIEW DESIGN IDEAS
You will then receive images (through e-mail, postal service, or fax) depicting "roughs" of the initial design idea, or a detailed description of the planned image. In most cases, multiple design "roughs" or ideas will be supplied for you to choose from. You will then decide to give approval to begin work on final stages of design, or to request revisions of the idea or design.

PROJECT DELIVERY
Final art will be supplied on CD-ROM or sent via e-mail to you, printer, CD duplicator, or location of your choice once remainder of payment is received. No art will be released until payment has been received in full. No credit is extended (except in special cases), and online payment through credit card is offered.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSACTION
1. Good communication is essential. E-mail is the preferred method for contact in most cases, but please be willing to communicate through telephone if needed. It is possible to work solely through delivery services, but for most communication, e-mail is by far the most efficient method.
2. It is very important to supply all content (such as photos and logos) as soon as possible. Always allow more time than needed for last minute revisions or unexpected circumstances.
3. There should be only one person with the authority to give the estimate and final project approval. If it is necessary to have input from multiple people (for example, a decision made among several band members), there should be one person that represents the whole, and serves as the point of contact. When multiple people are expressing differing opinions about a design project to the designer, forward movement becomes extremely difficult.