The Ultimate Checklist

Do you get nervous about arranging calls/meetings with potential clients because you don’t know what to say?

I used to be the same until I formulated a list of questions I needed to ask.

Here’s a really simple breakdown of the checklist that I take to every client consultation to ensure I’ve got all the information I need to either send a proposal or decline the project.

1. The Project

“Can you please give me an outline of the project/commission.”

You need a general idea of what the project is and what they expect from you. This is a chance to check that this project also fits within your wheelhouse of skills and interests.

For example: There’s no point taking on a commission to do a website design if you have no idea how to put one together.

2. The Deadline

“When do you need this work completed by?”

Can you fit this work into your schedule? If a client is coming requesting a quick turn around on a project some artists/designers do charge ‘rush fees’.

Rush fees are an increased rate to cover for possible late nights or weekends you may have to work in order to complete the commission in time.

3. The Budget

 “Do you already have a budget set aside for this project?”

Everyone has a budget, even if they say that they don’t know how much they want to spend, they always have a number.

If they’re being reluctant to give you a price give them a price bracket and gauge their reaction.

For example: “I know you’ve said that you’ve not really got a budget, but from the information you’ve told me I can give you a rough estimate of £500 ‑ £1,000. *Pause to hear/see their reaction* How do those numbers feel? Are we still within budget at the £1,000 end?”

The best skill you can learn for this is just to listen and ask lots of questions.

Top Tip: If the client bites your hand off for your prices then you may be charging too little, you should feel a little resistance when proposing a budget.

It’s vital to ask about budget early on in this inquiry as there’s no point having meetings and sending proposals for the work if they can’t afford to hire you. You’re wasting their time and yours.

4. Additional Info

“I can see that we’re aligned on budget and what the project is. I would love to ask you some additional information just so I can send you an accurate quote.”

• Specification

What size, how many, what material

• Who Is It For

This is helpful to know who the work is for in case you need to use any specific materials to suit peoples needs. Who it’s for could also effect how long it will take.

• Early Concepts

You can ask your client if they already have an idea of what they want it to look like when it’s finished. This will also help you to figure out the complexity of the design which will impact how long it will take.

Checklist Complete 

Now the checklist is done and I’ve got all the information I need I would go ahead to write up all these notes on a nice looking A4 document and send them along with a quote of how much the project will cost.

I would be quick to do this, normally sent within 24 hours of the call.