PROJECT STEPS

1. Prepare for 1st client meeting
Review what you know about the client and write down an agenda to be discussed.

2. 1st client meeting
Listen carefully, take notes about the details of the project

3. Break project into phases
Review your notes - know your client’s target audience

4. Set up tentative production schedule

5. Contact sub-contractors
Copywriter, photographer, etc...

6. Get three print bids

7. Fill out production schedule
After talking to printers, use a calendar and work backwards from delivery date to client meeting. Give each member of the team and any sub-contractors a copy and attach one to each print bid.

8. When you get the quotes fill out a price estimate form and contract
Bring to second client meeting.

9. Begin concept development
The fun part. Review notes from client meeting.

10. The second client meeting
Write an agenda. Review price estimate, production schedule and concept ideas, sign contract.

11. Return to studio
Record your time as you work. Contact sub-contractors to tell them the project is on.

Confirm work and deadlines.

12. Design and layout
Headline and sample copy plus client logo. Thumbnails, 1/2 size roughs.

13. Third client meeting
Bring photocopied samples of layouts. Change order form and note colors and paper.

14. Prepare mechanicals
Choose type, photos, call printer to confirm press time.

15. Supervise photo shoot
Client may also want to come along.

16. Complete mechanicals
Print out dummy for client to review.

17. Meet with client to approve mechanical
Bring proofing approval checklist form. Client signs. Contact service bureau-job on its way

18. Make mechanical changes

19. Deliver mechanical to printer
To your rep only. Explain details of the job and provide a dummy.

20. Blueline approval
Both you and client check over this proof. Client initials it.

21. Press approval
You and your client, if he wants, are present to approve the job while it is being printed.

22. Project delivery
Make sure you get 20 - 30 for yourself.

23. Billing
Send final bill.

24. Thank your client
Send a hand-written note.