Our Process: FOCAL9™

The customer approaches Creative by Clark with their “definition” of the problem or project as an RFP, Design Brief, or basic query that might initiate a request for a Statement of Work.  Creative by Clark answers the client with a brief overview of the project as we interpret it based on best available information.  We regard the “define” phase as a client’s perception of the problem and need.

Creative by Clark gets to know the client and their business.  Depending upon the nature of the project, we delve into different levels of Discovery, including internal research, external research, and interviews.

We provide appropriate analysis and report based upon the defined problem or project to solve or produce along with our Discovery findings.  At this stage, we meet, in person (or virtually), to review with the client.  The depth of the review depends upon the complexity of the project.  We do not proceed to the next phase until we are certain we have addressed all issues and questions that surface as a result of our Discover phase.  Authorization to proceed is required.

Let the fun begin.  By now, we clearly understand our client’s marketing strategy and business.  We can begin the formal creative process to produce something tangible — a rough wireframe, site plan, and/or a design concept/composite.  If applicable for the project, when a design is an issue, we normally provide more than one rough concept. Sometimes the differences are subtle, but we engage our client in full discussion for response and observation. 

We seek approval and secure a sign-off.  However, if we cannot provide a satisfactory concept to the client through three iterations (each as described above), then we provide our client with an option to continue for a maximum of two more rounds.  If no favorable solution is realized, the project halts, and the client pays only for our efforts through the Discovery Phase (3).  The client retains the discovery materials as a key deliverable however does not get to keep or use any other design layouts or unapproved draft work.   Due to our thorough Discovery process, the client should not require a repeat of this process with subsequent consultants.  We certainly do not want this to occur, as we risk losing a competitive edge when any part of our methodology is revealed to a competitor. 

Any rejected or unused design concepts presented to any client remain the copyrighted property of Creative by Clark other than copyrighted or trademarked client components are used within a design, such as an existing logo. Original concepts are not client property until accepted and fully paid, at which time full copyright transfer occurs.  This is a standard operating procedure and policy supported by The Graphic Artists Guild.  Until a transfer of copyright does occur, all creative and technical developments are the property of Creative by Clark.

With a sign-off in hand for the project of whatever nature, we proceed to develop and test, if applicable (i.e., websites or presentations).  We present a more developed, detailed version than in Phase 4, but it may require more work or client input before the final rendering/draft.  We receive an informal approval to proceed.

We further refine from Phase 5.  Work from Phase 6 is presented to the client and is accepted or refused.  If accepted, the project is polished or refined to a final form. If refused, a total of three rounds and two optional rounds, as in Phase 4, exist to finalize.

We seek approval for the finished project.  If a website, it will still require one extra round of testing on the host server with a schedule for the final launch.  If collateral, it will still require press printing.  And so on.  Again, a sign-off is required at this point.

Whatever steps are necessary to finalize the project – website launch, file generation, printing, etc.  Sign-off is required.

At this point, there is little more to approve aside from the quality of performance for a website once launched or the quality of press documents from a printer.  We support any necessary tweaks.  Sign-off occurs, and the final invoice is paid.  We support according to the terms specified in our contract for the respective project.  On websites, we provide complimentary maintenance for thirty days following launch, and then it is expected to begin an annual maintenance care plan. We ask our clients to provide an evaluation, and we engender the spirit of continuous improvement and strive to build a long-term partnership.