reflections of being a client

In addition to being a project coordinator in a marketing department, I have had the opportunity to be both a client, and a designer over the years. The things that I have learned are:


Internal processes will ease some stress and impress your client:

• Meeting Notes--as the designer, take notes and write them up afterwards to document what the client's wishes/expectations/needs are.
• Project Information Sheet--a quick overview of the client contact information, the business, general description of the project. I like to add ad specs, and corporate colours/fonts so that they're handy. Check out these resources from Smashing Magazine:
  http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/11/26/web-design-questionnaires-project-sheets-and-work-sheets/
• Detailed Project Questionnaire--ask questions... lots of questions. Start a document of questions that you ask. Here's a link to a list which is a great stepping stone for developing your questions if you're designing a logo for a client: http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2009/07/20-questions-to-ask-clients-prior-to-designing-a-logo/
• Develop a Project Outline/Project Contract. In this, you can outline the scope of the project, functionality, cost, deadlines, when client-supplied materials are due, payment schedules and terms, and copyright details. http://speckyboy.com/2010/08/12/5-free-to-use-freelance-design-contract-templates/