A close and honest relationship with the client enables the design process to develop and flourish.

To achieve a good working relationship and to ensure a smooth project development, it's important to formulate an open and communicative approach. A successful web or print campaign rests not only on aesthetics but on careful analysis on the client's requirements as well as project objectives.

It is also important that the client feels that they have had input into the creative process, it's an education for everyone and the success of a project can partly be gauged by the sense of ownership and pride they feel towards it.

There are a number of phases which form my approach in providing the best web or print solution.

1. Understanding

Getting to know the client is the first part of the process and involves finding out:

• What the organisation does
• Who their customers are
• Who are their competitors
• How they see design improving their business - what are their expectations?

2. Analysis

A successful web or print campaign rests not only on aesthetics but on careful analysis on client's requirements as well a project's objectives.

• What are the marketing objectives for the project?
• Who are the audience and what are their expectations?
• What is the message they wish to communicate?
• What is the competitive landscape?
• What are the basic requirements?
• Are there any special requirements?
• Timescales and deadlines

3. Conceptualisation

Based on the analysis phase the creative process begins.

• Supply concept artwork of website homepage and subpage or print project. This is called the 'look and feel' stage.
• For print, paper samples will be provided if necessary
• Compile a sitemap for the web project and refine any functionality requirements

4. Implementation

The construction of the website or print project begins here

Print

• PDF artwork is supplied as the design progresses
• Final composition is constructed
• Illustrations/Images are purchased or created
• Photo retouching as necessary
• Spell and grammar checking

Web

• Webpages are constructed with all text and images
• Navigational elements are constructed
• Usability and accessibility issues are implemented
• 'Bells and whistles' are implemented such as Flash animation
• Database or E-Commerce functionality is developed
• Testing usability and functionality
• Spell and grammar checking

5. Deployment

Once both types of projects have been approved and have satisfactorily met requirements they are ready to be published.

Print

• Artwork is checked and double checked
• Files are sent to the print
• Proofs are delivered
• Sign off by client
• Print is started with resulting artwork sent to client

Web

• Final testing
• Search engine submission
• Any additional marketing support initiated
• Site launch!