Next, we will meet with you for a more detailed discussion of project details. If you are in the general San Diego, CA area, this discussion will usually be in person. If you are out of the area, the discussion is usually via a scheduled phone call.

General Topics for the discussion are:
 • Overall Project Goals
 • Deadline for Project Completion
 • Target Demographics
 • Specific Project Needs
 • Technology Questions and Specifications
 • Supplied Assets
 • Project Budget

Basically, anything we might need to know to accurately understand the project is on the table. At the end of this discussion, we'll walk away with a clear understanding of what needs done, when it needs done by, and the most appropriate technologies to use in creating it. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how we plan to approach the project, and more importantly, a date when we will be contacting you with a detailed project bid and timeline.

On (or usually before) the date specified at our second discussion, we will contact you to set up a time to go over the Preliminary Timeline and Bid. This meeting can be conducted in person (if you are in the San Diego area), or via phone.

At the discussion, we will present and go over in detail the Timeline and Bid. If the meeting is in person, we will bring one paper copy of the bid, but if you need more, we request that they be distributed via email (saves paper).

The Preliminary Timeline will contain:

• Start and Completion Dates
• Milestone Dates, as well as a detailed description of the work completed at each milestone
• All required feedback dates (Dates we need to hear from you by to keep the project on schedule)
• A list of needed assets, and the dates they are needed.

The Preliminary Bid will contain:

• Itemized Costs, broken down by technology, and topic
• Terms of Payment, and any Fees
• Payment Schedule
• And of course, the Total cost.

At the end of this discussion or by any mutually agreed time (usually within a week, depending on your deadline), you can let us know whether you accept, reject, or would like to make changes to the bid.

If you accept: We'll start working on the next step.
If you reject: We'll respect your choice, and wish you the best of luck in the future.
If you would like to make changes: We'll discuss the proposed changes, and if necessary, go back to #3.

After you've accepted our preliminary bid, we'll drill down on specifics, and create a detailed Specification.

For web/multimedia projects, this will include creating a final site map and defining functionality in detail.  For projects that include print components, the specification will detail the number of pages, paper type, specific colors used, number of colors, and any other special considerations (embossing, foil-stamping, die cuts, etc. ).

The specifications will lined up with a revised timeline, including finalized figures for all the items in step 4, and a Final Timeline created.

This is the final step before actual construction of the project begins. This meeting can be either in person, or via telephone. We will present the Specification and Timeline to you, and go over each section in detail. After going over the specification, you should be able to visualize how your ideas will work, and come together over time. You will also recieve our final bid. Acceptance of this bid will commit you to the project for its duration.

The Final Bid will contain finalized figures, as well as a contract for the project. (To view a sample contract, click here) The contract can be signed either on paper, or via fax, at your preference.

If you accept: You have committed to the project, and we've started work.
If you reject: We'll respect your choice, and wish you the best of luck in the future.
If you would like to make changes: We'll discuss the proposed changes, and if necessary, go back to #5.

A Note on Payment: Please see our billing page for more detail, but in general, a payment is due at this point. Normally, payments are made at each milestone, or in the case of small projects, at the start (this step) and completion.

Working closely with your ideas for visual layout, we'll create three compositions demonstrating possible design and look & feel for the project.

For web or multimedia projects, these generally include up to three home page concepts, plus three sample interior page concepts.

Compositions for print projects generally include up to three cover concepts plus three one sample interior page concepts. For logo or branding design, three initial designs will be created.

At this meeting (usually done via phone, so comps are visible on your computer), we will present the sample comps, as well as a detailed description of how any interactivity will function.

At this point, you'll give us your comments on the designs, and indicate which composition you'd like the final design to follow.

Now, it's your turn to tell us what you think. At this step, you will be presented with the completed project.

You will be asked to review the entire project, in detail, for any changes that need to be made. Your response needs to fall within the time listed on the timeline.

After receiving your response, we will review the changes and compare them to the Detailed Project Specifications we presented you in Step 6.

Please note: Any changes that were not part of the original design specifications will be billed as a change order, subject to additional costs. If there are any additional charges, we will notify you, and get your written approval before continuing.

We will then begin making the necessary changes to the project.

After making the changes you requested, we'll present you with the finished and shining project.

If it looks good: We finish up with the next step.

If you still see things you want to change: we'll continue making the changes, until it's to your satisfaction (all changes are still subject to the items in Step 8)

The ultimate goal of every project: Not only that it's done on-time, on-budget (as you'd expect from us), but that you LOVE it.

At this point, your project is ready to go live, or to press. Per the contract agreement, this can include transferring your files to web server, creating a master CD for duplication, or transferring the files to a vendor for printing. After that, you'll make the final payment, we'll wish you the best of luck, and look forward to working with you in the future!