• Client Review

    When we are presenting our comprehensive layout to the person who has final approval authority we will ask you for your input. You should be satisfied with everything that will go into the final product, including typography, photography, copywriting, paper and colors. Copywriting takes on particular importance because proofreading responsibility rests with you, the client, unless other arrangements have been made. In today's electronic world, desktop publishing allows copy to go directly from word processing to set type. Correcting copy during the word processing stage, rather than later, saves time, money and headaches. Our contract allows for two revisions but not author's alterations. Since the approval process may involve more than one client representative, expect changes at each decision-making point. It is important, however, that your key contact person keeps track of and agrees to all changes before we make them. Then, the production stage begins.

• Production

    After the client signs off on the design concept and acknowledges the continuation of the project with a second deposit, we start print production. During print production, you might be asked to review and approve preliminary proofs. This proofing process ensures accuracy and keeps things on budget and on schedule.

• Printing / Delivery

    Your material gets printed and it is delivered to you.

• The Creative Brief

    This is a written description of what the project is all about - its purpose, target audience, proposed content, format schedule, etc. Typically the client provides a brief at the start of the project.

• Things to consider

    Both designers and clients should prepare and read briefs very carefully. Designers are likely to find clues to the graphic tone and concept direction that the client seeks, and clients may discover that the designers construed information differently than intended. Be sure to clarify any points of confusion now. It will save everyone time and headaches later on.

• The Estimate / Pricing

    After the consultation and gathering all available data, we will determine how much the project is worth. Every design is unique to business or individual needs. Various aspects play a role in setting the price. Our pricing is estimated on time spent in design and concept development, availability of photographs, other artwork or copy, as well as complexity, exposure, exclusive rights transfer, target, final output, time frame, and mostly budget.

    The estimate/proposal will be presented to you in writing. We advise our clients to carefully reviewing the proposal and to address any concerns. If necessary we will make revisions to the estimate. If all is agreed upon, the signature and initial deposit of 50% will get us started on the project.

    Once you have received and signed the estimate, both parties are held by it within a 10% range. You have the obligation to pay and we to deliver. Any unforeseen cost increases need to be in writing and approved by you.

• Revisions vs. Author's Alterations

    Revisions

    Once we have conceptualized your project, we will prepare a presentation that shows the general direction and format for the project. At this point you have the chance to voice any concerns and may ask for a revision or addition of an element. As long as the requested changes are within the creative brief are they relatively easy and inexpensive.

    Author's Alterations (AAs)

    Any changes that are requested AFTER the approval of the design or layout are considered Author's Alterations (AAs) and are billable. AAs can be expensive to you and increase the difficulty of completing the project within the time scheduled.

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