How to Prepare for a Branding or Design Project
If you’re getting ready to start a branding or design project, there are a few things you can do to set yourself (and your designer!) up for success. The more we can organize up front, the smoother the process feels — and the more confident you’ll be in every decision along the way.
Here’s what I recommend gathering and thinking through before we dive in.
1. Know Your Goals
Before we start talking colors and fonts, think about why you’re doing this project.
Are you rebranding to better reflect your growth?
Launching a new business?
Refreshing an outdated logo or website?
Even just a few bullet points about your goals helps me make creative choices that actually serve your business — not just look nice.
2. Gather Inspiration
You don’t have to have everything figured out — but visuals are a great place to start. Create a Pinterest board or a quick folder with logos, color palettes, websites, or even packaging that speaks to you. We’ll use these as references to find the right creative direction.
Tip: If something “feels right” but you can’t explain why, save it anyway. I can usually spot the common threads for you.
3. Collect Existing Materials
If you already have a logo, photography, copy, or any brand assets (like packaging or marketing materials), go ahead and upload them to a Google Drive folder.
I always establish a Google Drive folder that will become our project hub — where we’ll keep:
Logos and brand photography
Fonts and color references
Website copy or bios
Any important files, documents, or ideas
If you don’t have everything yet, no worries! We’ll build it together as we go.
4. Organize Your Logins
If we’re working on a website or digital assets, I’ll eventually need access to things like your domain, hosting, or email accounts. Gathering those logins now saves us a ton of back-and-forth later.
Common examples: Squarespace, Shopify, Wix, Google Workspace, or social media accounts.
5. Clarify Your Audience
Who are we trying to connect with? Your target audience doesn’t have to be rigid or overly specific, but a general idea helps shape your messaging and design decisions.
Who are your current or dream customers? (Do you have competitors?)
What problems do you solve for them?
What do you want them to feel when they interact with your brand?
6. Be Ready to Collaborate
Every design project is a partnership. I’ll bring strategy, structure, and design expertise — but your insight into your business is what makes the outcome unique. Come ready to share feedback, ask questions, and brainstorm together.
I will meet you where you are and make the vision come alive.
7. Set Expectations for Timing & Communication
Branding projects move smoothly when we’re both clear about how and when we’ll communicate. I typically reply to emails within 1–2 business days, and standard turnaround time for revisions is 7–10 business days (though I often get back faster).
Let me know what communication style works best for you — whether that’s detailed emails, shared notes, or quick check-ins.
A little prep goes a long way.
By gathering your ideas, inspiration, and assets ahead of time, you’ll make space for the creative part to flow naturally — and that’s when the magic really happens.
When in doubt, don’t stress — I’ll guide you through every step and help you stay organized along the way.
