My Template On Writing A Proposal
So last week we covered how to nurture a potential ‘lead’ to becoming a ‘client’… In that blog I mentioned about sending a quote and project outline/proposal after you’ve had that call or meeting to discuss the work. I see proposals as a way to set out, ‘what is the project or work’. It’s going to check that we’re both on the same page and set specific expectations and deliverables. Not all work requires a proposal so do bare that in mind.
I don’t get why I need a ‘Proposal’?
I see a proposal as, “this is what I’m proposing to do”. Totally makes sense right! So why do we need one?
1. It outlines to your potential client that you understand what it is that they’re looking for.
2. Demonstrates a level of capability and knowledge in what it is that you do.
3. Sets clear expectations so that yourself and the client knows what is being delivered.
As I mentioned earlier, not all work requires a proposal, in those cases a straight forward quote will do the trick! Check out a few examples to give you a clearer idea:
You probably don’t need a proposal if..
❌ You sell your art directly or indirectly to your customers
❌ You take commissions that have a clear deliverable and not much room for interpretation
❌ You freelance your creative skills
You might need a proposal if..
✔️ You work collaboratively on projects
✔️ You are the leader/decision maker on the project
✔️ The project has a timeline longer than a few days
✔️ The client may be considering other people to work on the project instead
✔️ The budget is typically over £500
Please break it down for me..
I got you, check out exactly what I write in mine.
Description
A couple of sentences framing what the project or work is.
Specification
What exactly is it that I’m proposing to deliver. Is it canvas paintings? If so, how many? What size? Using what materials? Get really specific.
Timeline
A brief outline into what the process will be like. Will I send them draft designs before completing the finished one? How long will each draft take? How long will the finished piece take? Make sure this matches with the clients’ deadline if they have one.
Pricing
So I include my quote with my proposal. It makes most sense to me but you can totally send it separately if that’s what you feel like. I am also quite transparent with my pricing. I break down labour costs, materials, delivery etc. However you can chose what works best for you.
Payment
Here I explain that it’s 50% deposit and the other 50% when the project is completed. Payment details will be sent on a separate invoice once the client has read the proposal and are happy to go ahead.
Additional
Do I need any information from them before I can start the work? Any specific measurements, file format requirements, logo assets and so on.
You’re a creative… make it visual!
This is so important! You may not realise it, but often your client is talking to a couple of people to gather quotes and figure out who they want to work with.
A proposal can be text heavy so make it visual! You are a creative after all.
Add relevant images, clients’ logo, your artwork to make this document stand out from the rest!
Honestly I’ve won work from spending a little extra time on making the design and page layout of my proposal more visually appealing. It does make a difference I promise.
Let’s create more thriving creatives!
Guiding emerging artists to have a financially sustainable practice.
