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Working together

What happens after you hire a designer?

A clear process helps turn an idea into a defined project, useful feedback, and finished design files.

Working together design example from Jacquitta McManus’s portfolio

Start with a shared understanding

The first step is to describe what you need, who it is for, and what you hope it will achieve. Share your timeline, budget range, existing materials, and any production requirements. Questions at this stage help uncover decisions that could affect the work later.

Define the scope

A proposal should make the work understandable: what is being designed, which materials you will supply, what the deliverables are, and how revisions will be handled. Review those details before moving forward. If something is unclear, this is the time to discuss it.

Gather the content

Approved text, usable images, and relevant brand materials give the design a solid foundation. If content is still being developed, identify what is missing and when it will be ready. A schedule should reflect those dependencies.

Review the design against the brief

Look at how the design serves the project’s audience and purpose. Does the hierarchy guide the reader? Is the tone right? Is important information easy to find? Consolidate feedback so the next revision has a clear direction.

Proof and prepare for handoff

Review names, contact details, copy, image credits, and other essential information before approving the final version. Confirm the file formats and production specifications with your designer. The final handoff should match the agreed scope.

Let’s talk about your project.

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