Graphic Design Proposals Made Simple – Video Tutorial

By: Wes McDowell | October 6th, 2011 | 8 comments

Embed This Video:<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MXCFxH8jox8" frameborder="1" allowfullscreen></iframe><br/>Video By <a href="http://thedeependdesign.com">The Deep End Graphic Design</a></p> <p>

Part 1: The Graphic Design Proposal

Download my sample proposal here

When I was getting started as a graphic designer, there were two things that confused the hell out of me. I didn’t know how to handle them, and to be honest, I really didn’t even know the difference between them. I am of course talking about proposals and contracts. I would search online for resources, and everything I found only served to confuse me more. I couldn’t find any clear-cut examples to look to for guidance. Remembering my initial struggle, I am going to try to change that for new designers, by putting out this 4 part video series showing you exactly what you should include, and providing lots of examples along the way. I have even included a downloadable PDF of the proposal I use for The Deep End. I use it for Logo Design (Seattle & worldwide)” href=”http://thedeependdesign.com/logo-design-los-angeles/“>logo design clients, Web Design (Seattle websites & User Interface)” href=”http://thedeependdesign.com/web-design-los-angeles/“>web design clients, and everything in between, and it has worked extremely well for me so far.

In short, the proposal is your sales pitch to a prospective client. You will usually write a proposal after you have had your initial consultation with the client, where hopefully you have asked all the right questions, and done a little digging. In your graphic design proposal, you will demonstrate your knowledge about what the client’s needs are, and you will lay out an action plan for how you will address those needs. You will also give some background information on yourself or your company to make the client feel like you are the right choice for the project. You will include a project timeline, and a line item estimate or quote, so they know how much they should expect to pay you, and when.

A proposal is not a contract. In my next blog post, I will continue with Part 2 of the video series, which will cover contracts fully, so you can see the difference between the two. Stay tuned!