Questions to Get You Started

Before we start any design work, it's good to be clear about our goals. The following questions (and requests) will help you clarify your needs, and will help me better understand your project.

Your Motivation and Needs:

  • You're seeking services from a professional designer. What motivates you to take this step?
  • Are you on the brink of something new? Are you launching, growing, changing direction?
    What's coming up next for you in your business? What's over the horizon?
  • Do you have an existing brand/look/site? If so, how do you hope your NEW brand/look/site will be different from your old one?
  • Is there a specific deadline you're trying to meet?

Your Business/Idea:

  • What do you do? What's your main "title"?
  • What is the name of your business?
  • What is your elevator pitch?
  • What is your tagline?
  • Who is your primary audience? (Age, gender, profession, income, location, etc?)
  • What do your customers want to achieve? What are their aspirations and goals? 
  • What are their personalities like? How do they think?
  • What pains and/or problems do they experience that would make them seek out your business?
  • What services/products do you offer to solve their problems?
  • What are the main benefits you provide?
  • What makes you better, different, or more compelling that your competitors?
  • Do you use any unique approaches or processes?
  • What education, training, skills or practical experience do you have that qualifies you to offer these products or services?

Your Design Preferences:

  • What is the personality of YOUR business? How do you want to come across?
  • If you were envisioning the look you want to capture, what comes to mind? (Specific images?
    A certain feeling?)
  • Do you have any examples you love as inspiration? What draws you to these designs?
  • Are there any specific visual metaphors that resonate with you about your work and business?
  • What style artwork do you like best? (Here's some guidance to search for stock artwork.)
  • What colors are you drawn to?
  • Is there anything you know that you really DO NOT like?

Before We Begin, You Should Provide:

  • Final written text for your project, wherever possible.
  • Any existing art to be included, such as your logo, photos, artwork, etc.