Our Process

• How does this work?
• How much will this cost?
• How long will this take?
• Getting started

If you have other questions or want to chat about this further, call or email us.

How does this work?

While each project has its own quirks and special needs, there is a general pattern to the process. Below is a brief overview of the process for an average project. Note: This is a generalization of our process, but your project will likely follow a variation of this.

1. Conversation & Negotiation

First comes some simple conversation. You’ll let us know what you’re looking for and if it’s something we can help you with, we’ll follow the conversation with an estimate for the project. If that all works out nicely, next come the questions about what you do, what you stand for, what you represent in the marketplace, what your goals and requirements are for this project. This determines the creative direction for the project. Once the creative direction and project requirements are agreed upon by all parties, we’ll build and share a production schedule and get to work.

2. Initial Design

In this stage we will explore several initial concepts. We hand-pick the best of the best (no less than three) and present them to you with our recommendations. We discuss together the strengths and weaknesses, measuring always against your needs and goals for the project, and the agreed-to creative direction.

3. Design Refinement

In this next stage we refine the strongest concept, bringing it closer in-line with those same needs and goals. This refinement stage usually consists of at least two rounds of revision.

4. Production

In this final stage we produce the end product. If it’s a web site, the functional product is developed and made available to the public. If it’s a brochure, we prepare materials for the printer, who then prepares the physical pieces for you. If it’s an identity, we produce your digital logo files, coordinate printing of stationery materials, etc.

How much will this cost?

This is a common question with no good answer. We'll say, "it depends." Not very satisfying, I know. Once we know what you’re looking for, we’ll assemble an estimate specific to your project. We do not bill hourly, but instead estimate a flat fee for the entire project. This is good news for you. You don’t want to pay more for the extra hours of a slow, inefficient worker, do you? Please note: we certainly have no slow, inefficient workers at Chalkbox.

How much time will this take?

Here it is again... “It depends.” The schedule for a project depends on its type and complexity, our shop’s availability, and various other factors. The time needed for a 40-page website will be different than a simple brochure or an indentity package. Timing will also depend on your availability for meetings and your quick follow-up on the estimate or with other content and information. Early in the process we will build a production schedule so you’ll know when to expect completion.

Getting started

As we mentioned above, the first step is some simple conversation. We need to know what you’re looking for so please give us a call or send us an email. We can chat on the phone or meet you in person, get to know each other, and find out what we can do for you.