It’s about the process as much as it’s about the product.
We have a process that we like to think is unique and
smart and helpful for our clients. It’s quite simple. We like it
that way because as we’ve
found over the years, simple is intelligent and leaves us room to have
some fun. Which is why we’re all here, isn’t it? The process:
1 } kick-off meeting
Likely, we’ve already spent some introductory time discussing the scope
of your project and deliverables. Next we’re due to have a meeting
at your offices or ours (or the nice lunch spot down the street, our treat)
to get better acquainted, understand all things about you and your company,
and determine how this project will take shape over the next few months.
We’ll
review this proposal, make any adjustments needed based on changes to the
scope of the project or budget for the project. Then, we’ll take what
we’ve learned
and work out the best strategy for getting it all done.
We’ll outline a specific time line and work out the best method to
exchange ideas, copy, comps and proofs. We’ll identify key players
and determine the most efficient way for us to communicate with you during
the entire project. Many of our clients are located in different time zones
and we’ve developed
several methods for keeping connected during
the project.
2 } gone fishin’
We’ll go away with all of the information learned in the kick-off meeting
and come up with some creative ideas for your project. For us, this process
includes brainstorming, sketching (using pen & paper!),
discussing first drafts and getting our best concepts into comp format to
present to you. During this time we might contact you with questions/concerns.
We’d like you to be a part of our process so that we can design not
only the best product, but also the best product for you. During this time
we’ll also set up your very own project management
web site where you can view online the progress of your project. What can
you do? Anticipate some great design. This step t ypically takes between
two and six weeks depending on the project.
3 } griddle’s hot!
We’ll present concepts for your project. We’ll explain why we
made the choices we made and why we think the options we present are the
right options for you. Rest easy, we’ve
culled over 20 - 30 variations of the designs we present and the ones you
see are, in our opinion, the best. Your materials will be mocked up to a
close facsimile of what
the final product will look like down to the letter. Then you’ll tell
us what you think.
You’ll likely have changes. Everyone does. And that’s part of the process. We allow for changes in our time lines and know that often, our ideas spark your thinking. Our goal is to end up with a product that meets your goals in a way that makes you happy.
4 } back to the fishin’ hole
The process opens up here and we work with our clients as a team with weekly
meetings,
many emails and phone conversations. You’ve chosen the direction you’d
like to take and we’re back to the drawing board f leshing it out.
You’re
getting us copy (or approving copy we’ve written), we’re taking
photos, it’s
the “roll up our sleeves, get down to making the great concept you
approved become realit y” phase.
If all is well, we’ll present again, get final approval from you and
start production. If you want more revisions, it’s back to the fishin’ hole
again.
5 } fry ‘em up
This is the final production phase, after you’ve signed off on all
aspects of the project. And this is the time we start working with our printers
or other vendors to get the best price for printing or producing your project.
We’ll work with you to determine a budget and stick to it. We’ll
prepare electronic files for the printers and attend a press check to make
sure they look great when printed. For electronic media, we’ll
do thorough QA and testing until go live. Depending on our work agreement,
you’ll
receive necessary master copies of all of your materials on CD-ROM.
