Though many different types of clients approach Fifth Letter, each project tends to get distilled into a few simple questions: What do we need to say? Who do we need to say it to? How should we say it?
Working through this process can often be helped with the addition of an objective view of the challenge at hand. Such a partnership can exemplify the value of a design studio, planting the seeds that will bloom into a solution with the ability to surprise, engage, and inform.
- 1
Planning and Research
- When we sit down to meet with our client for the first time, we do more than listen. We analyze. We absorb. And we certainly ask questions. We want to understand how you currently see your company or organization, where you want to go next, and how you think our services are going to help you get there. If necessary, we’ll do additional research and even bring in outside assistance. Once everyone understands the path, we assemble the cornerstone of your project: the proposal.
- 2
Design and Development
- Once the proposal is agreed upon, we return to you with a round of initial concepts based upon client meetings and our additional research. Often these initial presentations include props to show the thickness or texture of a particular type of paper, the look and feel of a specific printing technique or interactive tool, or the emotions generated by a certain style of photography or illustration.
- After a direction is chosen, client guidance is integrated into the design, and the balance of the project is completed for a first round review. Depending on the complexity of the project, the refinements may take one client meeting or several. We then delve into any original content, partnering with copywriters, photographers, and illustrators as needed. You will have final review of the project. It will not enter production until you are happy.
- 3
Production and Delivery
- We work with a core group of partners (often referred to as “vendors”) to ensure we deliver the same level of quality and detail as originally promised. We will stretch your budget as far as it can go, providing a cost-effective solution that everyone can be proud of. And we will make sure it all delivers on time.
- 4
Analysis
- Once the brochure mails, the advertisement runs, the website goes live, or the logo is unveiled, our curiosity is piqued even more. Just as when we first sat down with our client, we ask more questions: How was the work received? Were the results better than expected? Worse? How about the collaborative process? Did everything run smoothly? If not, what would you improve? And, most importantly, if given the chance, would you do it all over again? Answering these questions allows us to modify our services and approach for each client as we continue our relationship.