The structure of a project is really tied to how organized a client is at the start. For a print piece, it is helpful if a client has already decided on the content, size of the piece, a rough idea of design, what photos or artwork they either have in their possession, are willing to purchase, or need Wavepaint Design to provide. When all this thinking has occurred before contracting Wavepaint Design to layout the piece, the process is smooth, efficient and can reduce the design budget significantly.

However, for a project where the client needs the website up yesterday, but has no content, photos or outline, the structure of the project is less efficient, and prone to run over budget. Sometimes this way of working cannot be helped, but the costs incurred from changing the direction mid-project due to an oversight can be painful for clients.

Here is a quick list to help a client organize their thoughts on a project:

• What is the primary objective of this project?
• Who is my audience and have I considered them specifically in creating the content?
• What type of look does this project need in order to fulfill it's purpose?
• Is my timeframe realistic to accomplish my goal? If not, can it be broken out into phases?
• Have I gathered all my content, reviewed it thoroughly, and prepared it in an easy to understand format so that when I provide the designer with the information, it will take the least amount of time possible for her to do the job well?
• Do I have design references (clippings or websites) to show what look I have in mind for my project?

This is just a beginning of course. And though this review of one's project is not required, it is helpful to clarify the objective and to save money.

Timesheets are posted online with a web address unique for every client. This way the client has 24 hour access to the timesheet and does not need to rely on email alone to see a project's status. Links to a test web site, layout proof or illustration sketch are given when possible so that the client may also use the timesheet to see proofs throughout the process.