"You supply the ingredients, I'll make sure it's cooked to perfection!"
I appreciate that it's a big decision to move to a new designer. Will you like the way I work? Will you like what I produce? Will we get on? All I can tell you is that I've yet to come across a dissatisfied client. Also, I always tell new clients that I'm happy to produce just one edition of your publication before you make a full commitment to continue with me. Yes, you'll have to pay the going rate for that issue but we'll both be aware that it is a potential one-off and if you're not impressed you'll be free to go elsewhere... no hard feelings. If you do decide to proceed, this is how it will work...
1. INTRODUCTION We'll have a chat to discuss the requirements for your magazine. If you can show me previous issues I can then give you a per-page price for producing future issues. Alternatively, if you're coming to me because it's a new publication, or you require a design refresh, we can discuss your likes and dislikes and how best to work within your budget.
2. DESIGN If you'd like me to continue with the same design style that's fine, I can mimic the layout of your magazine exactly so the readers won't notice the difference. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a new style, I'll create some new design ideas and present them for your consideration.
3. ARTWORK Now we get down to producing the actual magazine. This is how it works, issue by issue...
a) You'll supply the content to me: the text as Word documents and the photos as JPEGs. You can use a file transfer service such as WeTransfer to send it all via email. You'll include a page of 'editors notes' that will indicate the order you would like the articles to appear in, where any adverts (if applicable) or regular features should appear, and anything else you think I should know.
b) Using your content, I'll start laying out the magazine and begin creating the artwork. If I have any queries at this stage I will contact you.
c) Within five working days I will send the first draft of the artwork to you via email in a PDF format. You will proof read the artwork and email me back a list of amendments and any layout suggestions (you will not be able to edit the artwork yourself).
d) I will then carry out the amendments and layout changes and issue a second draft for your consideration. We will repeat this process a third and final time at which point the artwork should be ready to publish.
4. PUBLISHING Once the artwork is signed off by yourself I will create a high resolution version and supply it either to you directly or to your designated printing/publishing company.
5. PAYMENT You don't pay anything in advance. Once the magazine has been completed I will send you an invoice via email for the previously agreed amount. You will have 14 days to pay.
6. FEEDBACK An optional part of the process, but one that can be quite useful: How was the last issue received by the readers? What did they like and dislike? An ongoing dialogue, especially with the first few issues, will help improve the magazine both in style and content.
7. THE NEXT ISSUE When the content for the next issue is ready, we'll start the process again from number 3 above.
