client expectations

a clear brief

This is the most essential thing I need from you to get started. Designers need something more than "I need a new logo to look beautiful and amazing". There is no ACTUAL instruction there.

Be clear with what you need and the goal of the project. For example, instead of saying "I need a new website to refresh our online store", try grounding your brief with the goal you want to achieve: "I'm looking to enhance and optimize our e-commerce site with user-centric design to make the customer experience easier. We have rebranded and need to bring the new identity to our website, and are looking to improve conversion rates from 10% to 20%”.

visual references

I wish I was a mind reader, but, unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to do that yet. So instead we have to use the next best thing: visuals.

Along with a clear description of what you're looking for, I also need a visual library of inspo. This can be anything from a photo you took of a design you like, an Instagram photo, or my favorite: a Pinterest mood board.

Ideally, try to aim for a minimum of 15 visuals. The more visuals you give, the better I can design according to your vision.

communication

This usually goes without saying, but communication is key to a great collaboration. To keep to the project timeline, active and daily communication.

Please see your proposal for the dates of feedback and revisions.

For rush projects, feedback should be "rushed" as well. This is just to be sure that the project can be completed in 'rush' time.

ClickUp should be our main point of contact, and email as a last resort or for urgent messages!

After 7 days of no communication, fees and full payment regardless of project completion may apply.

boundaries

'Treat others how you would like to be treated' is a simple motto I carry with me in business.

When you work with Aracelly Designs, your privacy is absolutely respected and protected. I value your time, energy, and ideas. If at times you feel I'm being defensive to your feedback, please understand I never take feedback personally (after years of art school, I'm bulletproof) and I am professionally thinking of the best interest of the brand through design.

Anything beyond the scope of work can be discussed through a new proposal. While I would love to assist you more with any design needs, I do not work beyond the scope of work.

check your perfectionism

Attention to detail is absolutely important. I understand that. However, I caution my clients to be careful with being a perfectionist. I do not tolerate micromanaging of designs. If you ever find yourself requesting an excess amount of subjective comments like 'make this smaller' 'make this larger' 'change this font' 'add more space here' within a single round of feedback, please try to take a step back and assess the most important areas you'd like revised. Think more 'big ideas' rather than 'dissecting.

actionable feedback

When providing feedback, provide feedback that allows me to understand what changes you would like. Designers need more than 'I don't like this' to create better work! Take a look at this post

Most people I've met don't really know the site yet, so one of my favorite things to introduce to new clients is my incredible project manager: ClickUp.

ClickUp is the most versatile, 'one-app-for-everything’ app. It's super easy to learn and adaptable to its user. Love trello? Cool, you can set up your tasks to look similar to Trello. Love Asana? Great, keep it in list view for the Asana feel. Basecamp fan? The chat and comment features are incredibly similar without having to clog your inbox with email notifications.

ClickUp is super important as it will be our main source of communication, content sharing, and project status updates.

For the ClickUp Newbie:

Don't worry. You really don't have that much to do! Most of the ClickUp work is handled by me. All I need from you is to know how to comment, upload attachments, and keep up with your notifications.

How to use ClickUp:

1. Accept your invitation. This will be sent to your email and ask you to create an account. (It's totally free btw)

2. Log in and download the app. If you like using your phone over your desktop for business, ClickUp keeps it real simple with their mobile app.

3. Access your project.

   • Your project is created as a single list with your brand name.

   • Select the list and you'll see our project broken down further into items that will help us work more efficiently.

   • Each task will have a description with the information specific to that task. For example, ‘contract’, ‘brand guidelines’, and ‘content library’ etc as resource items that we’ll add necessary information to. You’ll be tagged in the items that require your attention and content before our project begins.

   • To stay organized, let's make sure to comment and communicate in the corresponding task. For example, if we're going to discuss 'Web design' and 'Social Graphics', comment feedback for 'Web design' in its own task, and comment feedback for 'Social Graphics' in its own task. For any general communication, maybe about scheduling a meeting or any availability updates, feel free to use the #Chat channel in the LIst header tabs!

   • Requesting new work: Please utilize the Design Request Form in the header tabs and fill all applicable fields when you need to request new work!

   • Adding attachments: It's super easy. Simply select the files or images you need and drag them underneath the ClickUp description area. You will see it turn blue with a plus sign to add attachments. You can also attach files to comments if you're looking to write a message with the attachment as well. To do this simply drag the files into the comment area, type your message and send.

   • Adding links: Sometimes adding links to Pinterest boards, social media accounts, websites, or anything is extremely helpful. To do this drop the link into the description underneath the 'Content Library' section.

   • Downloading attachments: This is SUPER important since you'll need to download your project deliverables at the end of our partnership. Simply hover over the attachments and click the download icon on each image or click the 'download all' button in the attachments area.

   • Tasks assigned to you: If there is a step that requires you, it will be assigned to you with a due date and tagged ‘ready for client review’

   • No need to worry about changing statuses or completing tasks. I will update accordingly based on the status of the task. (If you want to, go ahead!)

That's basically it! Told you. Super easy.

(Note: I love ClickUp! But their email notifications can be quite excessive. Check your settings to turn on/off the notifications that you need to make sure you keep up with the project. If you prefer only mobile notifications, then turn off email. Whatever you choose, please ensure the notifications will keep you on pace.)