Each project starts out with this simple question. Why do you need a brochure, or web site, logo, etc.? That simple question is the key to building a successful project and the beginning of what the legal eagles like to call "discovery."

Phase One: Discovery
The discovery process defines the project goals, budget, audience(s), competitive positions, legal issues and so on. It also helps me determine my client's expectations. Without asking the right questions, design erodes to nothing more than decoration. Decoration’s nice … in your house and on your office walls. I think everybody should own a Billy Bass. But decoration isn't the best for your marketing materials. You can do better.

I like to ask a lot of questions to gain an understanding of your company, your products and services, your competition and overall marekting environment. After this discovery session, I look at your competitors' materials to see what they're up to and to start getting ideas of how we can gain an advantage.

From the information gathered, often a proposal is drafted that reflects my understanding of the project, budget and schedules. Sometimes just an estimate will do the trick. Either way, I really try to make everything as clear as possible so there aren't any surprises. Maybe it's just me, but I don't like surprises … especially if they cost money I hadn't planned on spending. I believe my clients are the same when it comes to their budgets.

During the proposal or estimate development, I pull a team together from a group of writers, photographers, printers, and other key disciplines that are just right for your project. I am very fortunate to have a great group of extremely talented people to work with. We bounce ideas off each other, get different points-of-view and tap a broad base of experience to glean the best of the best for you.