one man writes
one man designs
one man blogs

no, this isn't really me

a typical project

One key thing to remember is that no two sites are the same, and no two projects have the same scope and requirements. However I usually work the same way, regardless of the project, with the bulk of the work falling into the following four stages. For smaller projects, some stages may be merged, I don't like paperwork either.

1. Concept Discussions

The inital, and most important, stage of the project. We'll discuss sites you like, what you want your site to achieve, and any long terms plans. We'll discuss layout and brand ideas, and towards the end I'll produce a wireframe1 of the design for you. Before we can progress to the next stage we'll need to agree a price and complete some paperwork.

Pricing: If agreement is reached, 25% of the total price is required for work to continue.

2. Design and layout work

Once we have agreed the scope of the project, and if you are happy that it will meet your requirements, and that the price is agreeable, I'll start work designing templates for the pages in your site, sending you mockups2 of the suggested design for final agreement. Further minor revisions of the design may be required.

Note: No code will be handed over at this stage.

3. Building the site

If you are happy with the templates your site will be built. Depending on the size of your site (number of pages) this stage can be completed fairly quickly. Final tweaks may be required to the design but these will not be anything major.

4. Handover and publishing

The site is built, and an agreed final payment date has been set. The ownership of the design and the accompanying website files are handed over to you. A quick round of final paperwork and feedback and we're done.
Pricing: The outstanding 75% is required within thirty days of receipt of work.

There are a myriad of other little jobs that take place but that's a fairly high-level overview. You'll also receive at least weekly updates on progress (depending on the length of the project, obviously).


1 wireframe: a simple layout diagram, with sample content, to show you how the finished site will be structured. 2 mockup: a preview of the final design, including graphics, and with all agreed elements in place.