Starting a new project can be overwhelming, especially if it’s one in a long line of many. We know that a lot of our clients fall into this category. So, our team works hard to lighten the load.

But what does this mean? To start, we don’t just “take your order” and start designing. Instead, we act as your partner right from the beginning to get to know you and your business.

Before our creative team gets to work, we’ve already begun communicating with you to gather insights, answer questions, and take care of any lingering details.

It’s in this “pre-project” mode where our team sets the stage for successful projects.

Starting off on the right foot

We believe in proactive communication to catch and address any issues before they become big headaches. And your input is integral to the entire process. The discussions that happen between you and our team are essential to making sure the project goes smoothly.

Here’s how we actively make that happen from the first conversation.

Take the uncertainty out of proposals
When we present a proposal, the deliverables listed in it are based on what we’ve heard from you, the specifications required, and the internal resources needed to complete the final design.

If there is anything we need to revisit, we’ll work with you to include or remove deliverables that make sense for the project. Our goal is to help you make sure you’re fully informed and confident in the scope of work.

Offer suggestions when things change
If your priorities shift or you need to adjust the project scope, we’ll discuss different options our team can provide you with. Depending on your needs, it could involve recommending a phased approach, alternative deliverables, or adjusting timelines, among other things.

Asking questions to understand your goals
As mentioned earlier, we take client partnerships seriously. We want to know what your goals are, the challenges you’re facing, and what success truly looks like for your business.

By asking thoughtful questions and listening to your answers, we can create an environment to exchange ideas, leading to a stronger, more collaborative relationship.

Following up on the details
Sometimes, we’ll have to do additional research or speak with an outside vendor (e.g., illustrators, videographers, etc.) to give you a more precise answer.

For instance, there might be a question about whether a print vendor can produce a specific die-cut or technique. Getting a response could take a few days, but the wait is worth it, so we have the answers needed to keep moving forward.

From the time you reach out to when it’s time to officially kick off the project, the conversations we have with you will help you feel prepared and supported.

Working through common pre-project issues

In our world, projects don’t happen in isolation. They’re collaborative. With that said, there are bumps that can happen, affecting when or how we can begin a design project. This is why it’s so important to discuss issues as they come up.

Let’s look at a couple of scenarios we’ve encountered with clients that impacted a project before it began and how we handled them.

Scenario 01: “Can we wait until we hire a marketing manager first?”
Of course! Once there’s a signed contract, we’ll identify prep work that can take place while you’re searching for your new hire. Some of this (light) homework may include gathering content or picking out inspirational reference imagery. Once you’ve found your ideal person, our team can jump right into the kick-off and discovery.

Scenario 02: “Can we push this project out?”
Yes! It’s not uncommon for clients to briefly pause things before starting a project to regroup internally. When this happens, we’ll first set a date to check in with you and revise the schedule or reallocate resources.

When you have questions or concerns that could potentially impact the project’s progression, we’re here to give you solutions. Because like we said, this is a collaborative effort.

Laying the foundation early

Getting to that final design can be an exciting experience or incredibly frustrating. To prevent the latter from happening, it’s important for us to communicate openly and proactively with you right from the start.

Those early, pre-project discussions are the ones that set expectations, making sure you and our team are aligned on each deliverable. By listening to your concerns and addressing them thoughtfully and honestly, we believe it’s the path to earning your trust.

And more importantly, keeping it.