the design process: roles of designer and client

Flourish Design Studio takes pride in offering affordable, professional, unique designs for each of its clients. To ensure efficiency and project success, Flourish Design follows and enforces the following policies:

The client and designer will meet to create a full and accurate record of each design project. The client meeting can occur in person, over e-mail, or over the phone.
The client will review project pricing estimates and policies prior to hiring Flourish Design Studio.
The designer will provide an customized estimate to the client within 5 business days, if requested.
The designer will provide designed materials in a timely manner. Reasonable expectations from project start date (the date that design begins) for designs projects are as follows:
- Logo design/company branding project: 3-6 weeks
- One page layout or equivalent: 7 working days
- Web design graphics: 7-14 working days
- Website development: 4 weeks- content must be received by client in advance for timely launch date
* If these estimated times do not meet your needs, please see information below regarding RUSH WORK.
The client will provide a 50% deposit (or pre-determined deposit amount) of the estimated cost of the project. (The balance shall be paid in full upon completion of the project.)
The client will provide ALL materials needed to complete the design. This includes any photos, materials, proofread copy or anything else necessary to complete the design project. The client is responsible for accuracy and completeness, and any copy submitted will be suitable for design "as-is"
The designer will maintain accurate records of hours for each project (if project is to be billed hourly).
Upon receipt of the deposit and all necessary information and material, the designer will schedule the design project in the next available time slot.
The designer will provide sketches or digital ‘roughs’ for the client within agreed-upon time frame.
The client will provide necessary information for any changes to be needed in a timely manner so that the project can remain on schedule. Delayed client feedback can delay project timeline.
The designer will provide necessary changes (within reason) until the design is complete.
The client will appoint a sole representative to provide information and approval for a project. Please note that projects guided by groups often require additional time to suit all aesthetic tastes.
The client will provide written or digital approval for the final design BEFORE production and commercial file prep can be completed. Please do not assume that project files sent during the design process are suitable for professional printing!
The designer will present the finished product to the client in the ordered format (printed, digital, etc.) upon completion of the project.
The designer will return all materials provided by the client at client request.
Upon client approval of the finished design, any further changes will be billed as additional services.
RUSH WORK will be billed at 200% of the designer’s hourly rate or estimated design package fee, and shall be paid in advance of the project’s commencement.
The designer's automobile travel will be charged at a rate of $.55 per mile beyond the 30-mile radius from the Flourish Design Studio office. The client will be billed on their invoice.
The designer will bill reimbursable expenses at cost plus a surcharge of 15%. The client will be billed on their invoice.
All payments are due at time of delivery. Payments made by the client may be in the form of check, cash, or credit card. Late payments shall accrue a 3% charge per month.
The designer shall provide professional references upon request.