For Custom Web Designs

This is a general overview of how a design project should go.  Remember, all design projects are different, and this might not be exactly how your design will go.

The total project time takes an average of 3-8 weeks (depending on project type).  Your availability plays a key role in how long your design takes too.  If you will be away, unavailable, or need to reschedule you must let me know.  I may have other clients waiting for me to finish your project so I can start on theirs.  There may also be a waiting list for you to start your custom design.  Your order on that waiting list is on a first come, first serve basis.


Before any project is started

• You must fill out a custom design estimate form for me to get more information about what you need in a custom design.  This applies to a custom template for compatible hosts, static web site, informational site, WordPress site or any other CMS.

• You will be sent a contract via email to read, sign and mail back to me.  (instructions will be sent on what to do with the contract).

• Once I receive that contract and payment has been made, your design work can begin.

• You can expect an invoice to be sent to make a payment on my website via PayPal or you can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Discover.  Your down payment to start any custom design will be 25% of the total package.  You may also pay in full.  I am very flexible with payment plans and those can be arranged before the design starts.  Remember, you MUST have returned the contract and have made a payment before the design work can begin.

The Design Phase

• Once I receive your contract, and all the legal stuff is out of the way, I will send you a VERY detailed questionnaire to fill out.  This gives me more insight into your design style, tastes, color choices and more.

• You will receive drafts during this process to give you ideas of what your site will look like.  You will receive drafts based on the answers you gave me in the questionnaire and other design ideas you tell me will be taken into consideration.  10 drafts are allowed in your package price, after that additional fees apply.  Once you have received your first draft, I will then bill for another 25% of the total decided for your project.  The remaining balance will be due before any installation of your site and project files are sent to you.  (again, different payment plans can always be arranged).

• You have a few options for viewing your drafts, just ask and you can let me know what is the most convenient for you.

• You will be in control of what your site will look like.  I will however, let you know if I don't think a design will work, be accessible, load too slowly, or if color combinations don't work.  You will also get a telephone consultation to talk about your design and needs for your site (USA only).  Extra work on your site beyond the scope of the original design contract will result in additional fees.

Development

• Once you've approved the design phase of the project, I will write the code for your site and/or install any CMS scripts necessary to run on your server.
  

• You must have a domain name and hosting set up before or during the development phase.

Quality Assurance

• Your site is tested in up to 40 different browsers to assure compatibility.  Other Quality factors checked are site download speed, functionality, and more.  Please be aware that not all coding is compatible with ALL browsers.  What might work in IE7 might not work in IE5.  Please talk to me if you have any concerns about a specific browser types and compatibility issues.

Going Live

• Once you've approved your design, made any final payments and signed off on the project, I will install everything.  Once your site is live, I need you to inspect your site and make sure everything is the way you want it and there are no glitches.  Any technical questions will be answered.  I will then make any minor adjustments that are needed (if any).  This is when you need to get to know your website and learn how to maintain it.  You will be given appropriate tutorials and resources for the CMS you're using.  
  

What's Expected of You (the Client)
The length of time that your design takes is dependent on these things and can vary from client to client.

• Are you being as precise as possible with your design ideas?  Telling me you want a site to look pretty or whimsical is not being specific.  You must have a good idea of what you want.  Sketch it out on paper, send me a long descriptive email, send me pictures, etc.  The more I know about your ideas, the easier it will be to complete your project. 

• Are you available?  Going weeks or many days without responding to a draft or questions from me can set your completion date back that amount of time.

• If you want a lot of changes that takes time.  I work Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.  I do as much work in those hours that I can.   If there's an emergency, I can schedule Saturday work. 
  

• Approval - Not getting your approval on a final draft sets the completion date back.

• Images/Photos/Content - Have you sent me all images, photos or content you want added to your site?  That can set the completion date back if those items are not received.

For Premade Templates and any other option available to order on this site

Please read the instructions, terms and directions that are on each product page.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about a custom design, premade template or any other product or service available.