PAGE 1 DISA IN everything you need to know about your upcoming project CREATIVE STUDIO
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Thank you for trusting me with your marketing needs and goals, I cannot wait to bring your vision to life. I understand that marketing is a vital part of your business but that it can also take attention away from your clients. My goal is to alleviate the stress and pressure around your marketing plan and create and execute an efficient and seamless process to help reach your marketing goals, however large or small. This guide is designed to answer your questions around our process-- questions like “What is the timeline for this project? How do I give helpful feedback? Can I add collateral pieces?” And many more. I encourage consistent and thorough communication throughout the process; please reach out with any questions.
GERDA KAUKS OWNER + CREATIVE GERDA@GDISAIN.COMDIRECTOR2062357646 welcome
The discovery process begins with an initial brainstorming session--either in person or over the phone. During this session, we identify your desires, needs and goals, talk you through our process and decide if we will be a good fit. Following the initial conversation, you will be invited to our client portal and email you instructions to help get you started on your “homework.” Once your work is completed, we create a marketing strategy in which we outline your unique voice, target audience, goals, design inspiration, and any other additional elements that are specific to your project. This is where the magic happens! After the discovery phase is approved, we use the markting strategy as a reference to start working on your concept/project development. Some projects require multiple concepts. Our process is to choose the strongest option and present it via an in-depth concept presentation that includes branding elements, print layouts, website templates and other visuals to enhance your project. We then work with you to revise the concept until it is exactly what you want. Next, we fill in the details of your project based on the concept choices. Once your project is nearing completion, we figure out a launch date together and begin developing a launch strategy. We will also package all of the files and file types you will need and deliver them in an organized Dropbox folder for you to download and use at your convenience. We would also be delighted to create a detailed Brand Standards Manual (for an additional fee; inquire for details). When finished, you will have a thorough and effective marketing product and process that will help reinforce your brand as well as attract new clientele. Your marketing project consists of three stages: discovery, creation, and implementation
DISCOVER CREATE IMPLEMENT 1 2 3
the design process
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payments
After you have received and approved your project quote, I reserve a marketing project time slot. This allows me to focus on a timeline and build momentum. 50% non-refundable deposit is required before the start of the project. The remaining 50% of your payment is due at project completion and must be paid in full before final digital files are delivered. For your convenience, all payments can be easily made through online payment portal. A late fee of $100 will be charged every 7 days past the scheduled due date .
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The One-Concept approach is the method we use to present design concepts to our clients. It highlights the strongest concept in a thorough and refined way. During the concept phase, I explore dozens of potential designs, narrowing it down to one that best represents your unique personality and business goals.
one-concept approach
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elements across various media. I have found that this method helps both parties approach your marketing project from a holistic, big picture point of view. I have had fantastic success using the One-Concept approach and truly believe it’s the best way to develop a brand with intention and clarity.
I find that presenting one option (that can be edited and revised) helps reduce confusion and subjectivity. The concept presentation not only includes your marketing project, but will also explain our reasoning behind the design choices, as well as multiple mock-ups and examples of the design
BUSINESS STRATEGY EXPLORATION (5-7 business days) BUSINESS STRATEGY REVISIONS (1-3 business days) CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT (10-15 business days) CONCEPT PRESENTATION CONCEPT REVISIONS 1-2 weeks depending on the scope of the revisions PROJECT DESIGN (3-7 business days) FINAL FILES (5 business days) project timeline
Depending on the scope of the project, available content, and communication process, some projects may take less or longer than others. What if my project is taking longer than the timeline questionsays?
Some projects may be turned around in less than 5-7 days depending on simplicity of the task
One tricky thing about design is that sometimes the perfect design solution comes quickly, but other times it’s a longer process. I never want to rush the development but will do my best to be as efficient as possible. I will not present concepts (or any portion of the project) until I am confident that they are an amazing fit for the client, even if it takes a little bit of extra work and time. It will be worth the wait, I promise. Keeping the above in mind, if any portion of the process is taking longer than expected, I will notify you and work out a new deadline. Please reach out at any time for project updates.
communication
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Most client communication will take place via email. You can reach out to me Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am-5pm. I value my clients’ and my own time, and so typically aren’t checking emails in the evenings or on weekends. During the process, it may be necessary to have a phone call or videochat; I will schedule those as necessary.
EMAIL gerda@gdisain.com
OFFICE HOURS M-F 9-5
Because I scheduled my projects around estimated timelines, I kindly ask that you provide feedback within 3 business days. However, I know life can happen and it may take longer to respond. In that case, please notify us as soon as possible so I can adjust the timeline accordingly.
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ASK QUESTIONS BE HONEST (BUT NICE)
KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND DESIGN IS A COLLABORATION
It’s no secret that the feedback stage isn’t exactly the most fun part of your design project. Honest feedback is important, but sometimes sharing your thoughts can seem daunting. Here are a few tips to help streamline and inform the feedback process .
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LESS HELPFUL FEEDBACK
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KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND
DESIGN IS A
“I don’t like the typeface.”
HELPFUL FEEDBACK
LESS HELPFUL FEEDBACK
“I think that the typeface may be too fun and quirky for our older, professional audience. A more sophisticated font may appeal more to our demographic. What do you think?”
“I am concerned that there is not enough contrast between the logo and the background and that it may be hard for our clients to read. Is there a way to fix that?”
When considering the design, try to look at it from your client’s eyes. Does it get your message across? What might they think about the font choice? Photography? The color palette? Yes, your preferences are also important as this is a reflection of you as much as your business, but do your best to look at it as if you were the client. Let us know if something isn’t working and provide insight into why.
Whether you were impressed by my portfolio or valued my expertise, you choose me for a reason. It is important that you value my knowledge, and collaboratively ask for my feedback and trust my insight. Inevitably, there will be revisions and changes. If you notice a problem or are concerned about certain elements, I want to know! Please email me anytime or send a to-do list of edits; I will always respect your feedback.
HELPFUL FEEDBACK
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“Make the logo thicker and larger.”
TWOCOLLABORATION
ASK QUESTIONS
There are usually two reasons clients don’t ask questions: fear of feeling silly or fear of being annoying. As your designer, it’s my job to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with the choices being made. Asking questions creates dialogue and open communication and shows that you value my opinion. It also allows me to explain our decision-making process, which often leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of the work.
HELPFUL FEEDBACK
LESS HELPFUL FEEDBACK
“I don’t like the terracotta color you used.”
“It’s important that the color palette is strong. I love the sage color you used! We aren’t quite sure about the terracotta color, what were your thoughts behind choosing that color?“
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LESS HELPFUL FEEDBACK
HELPFUL FEEDBACK
FOURNICE)
“This is just missing the mark for me.”
It’s very important to me that you love your project. If there are missing elements or aspects that aren’t working for you, that’s perfectly okay -- just let me know while there’s still time to fix it. While providing feedback, please keep in mind that the creative process is highly personal. I pour my heart and soul into each project, and as scary as it can be to ask questions or give feedback, I feel equally as vulnerable presenting my work for your opinion. So please, be honest (and kind) by all means.
“The color palette is perfect and we love that floral illustration. The logo is beautiful, but I am not sure if it is the best fit for the client we would like to attract. Could we set up a call about revisions?” BE HONEST (BUT
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design
PAGE 11 PRIMARY CUSTOMALTERNATELOGOLOGOLOGO-MARKCOLORPALETTEWEBSITEACCESS PRINT-READYFONT(S) FILES WEB-READY FILES PROJECT FILE BRAND STANDARDS MANUAL* * Additional charge if requested
At the end of our time together, you can expect the following deliverables. All elements will be sent in an applicable format (Adobe Creative Suite file, design eps, JPG CMYK, PNG, JPG RGB files).
deliverables
PAGE 12 services As your business develops, you may want to add-on additional elements to further elevate your brand. If there is something you need that you don’t see, let me know and I can provide a custom quote. BUSINESS CARD DESIGN FLYER/POSTERBROCHURESBRANDING DESIGN LOOKBOOK MULTI-SIGLE-PAGEPRESENTATIONSE-NEWSLETTERDESIGNWEBSITESPAGEWEBSITES $900 $1,500 $1,000 $700 $1,200 $800 $1,300 $800 $2,000 STARTING ATSERVICES SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES
PAGE 13 • Branding • Print (postcards, flyers, brochures) • Posters • Storybooks • Offering memorandums • Listing presentations • Magazine ads • Invitations • Personal + corporate brochures • Brand standards manual • Aerial markups • Site & floor plans DESIGN • Design • Re-designs • Website management • Single property websites • Personal websites • Business websites • E-commerce • IDX/MLS Feed • E-newsletters • Virtual staging • Blogging • Editorial • Copywriting • Storytelling • Creative writing • Proofreading • Photography • Illustration • Squarespace • WordPress • InDesign • Photoshop • Illustrator • Typeform • ActivePipe • Mailchimp • Constant Contact • Salesforce • BitLy • Issuu graphic DESIGN website PROJECTS other + PROGRAMS design CREATIVE TOOLS
PAGE 14 100+ NATIONWIDE CLIENTS GERDA KAUKS OWNER + CREATIVE GERDA@GDISAIN.COMDIRECTOR2062357646 gdisain.com
