Design is about more than making things pretty.It takes a lot of work to help take your vision to the next level. My process for every project is simple: I listen, create, and deliver.
Listen
Listening involves understanding your needs to their fullest. This begins with a request from you and continues with a chat, phone call, or an in-person meeting (Skype or Facetime can also be arranged) to discuss the exact project requirements. This is where you need to talk (and keep talking!) about what you really want, and I can answer any questions you might have.
A word about budget: it helps to be upfront with what you're expecting to spend on a project. This gives me a clear understanding of exactly how big the scope of the project is, and how much detail it requires. There may be exceptions - for instance, if this is your first time hiring a designer or this is your first time working on this type of project. It's important to note that the majority* of my work is done in-house. This not-only means that there are less 'middle-men' to pay, but that I understand you - and your project - better, making me more efficient.
*Larger projects will require a third-party programmer. In this instance, I'll work closely with specialists to ensure they know just as much about the project as I do.
Create
This is where I take what we spoke about and make it work. The process depends on the type of project it is:
Web Design and Development - Begins with rough sketches and Information Architecture (IA) design, then wireframes that show where all the elements will be on each page of your site. I then design your website's interface (UI). Once you're happy with your design, your site is developed using the latest ideas in standards compliance and the Content Management System (CMS) that makes most sense.
Print Design - Some web designers do print design, and some print designers do web design. Some even specialize in one of the two. I started out in print design, proving myself early on by working tirelessly on brochures, posters, catalogs and more. Once I discovered my passion for multimedia design, I knew that the next step was to combine all things digital with my love for the printed word. I dove into HTML & CSS (and occasionally, PHP and jQuery) and never looked back.
Branding and Identity - In our media-heavy marketplace, every business needs a logo - but how can you expect it to sing if it doesn't have a voice? Branding helps your identity (logo) into the world. I can supply you with complete identity sets including business cards, letterhead, stationery, branded products and more.
- Want to incorporate Social Media, Advertising, Email Marketing, SEO, SEM and more into the mix? I can help by developing creative, well-executed campaigns strategies that will deliver much more than simple ROI.
Deliver
Once your project is complete, I'll send it out to make its little way into the world. For some, the process may end there - but it doesn't for me. I believe that a piece is only what you make of it, and I'm happy to give you the personal guidance you need to continue making it work. The type of guidance really depends on the nature of your project and your business. For a website, it might mean training on using and maintaining the content management system, hints and tips on lead conversion or SEO techniques. For print jobs or marketing, this might mean a follow-up to make sure your pieces arrived on-time from the printer or any issues with tracking responses.