BEFORE THE FIRST DIRECTION
A clear brief leaves room for better work.
An editorial project-intake guide: the useful context, the practical limits and the decisions that need an owner. It helps prospective clients begin a specific conversation.
THE USEFUL DETAILS
A little context goes a long way.
CONTEXT
What has changed?
Explain the situation that makes the project necessary now. A new audience, a changed offer or an unclear experience is more useful context than a list of visual preferences.
Bring relevant research and existing material. Separate what you know from what the project still needs to learn.
OUTCOME
What should become clearer?
Describe the audience and the change the work should support. The brief can name a useful outcome without pretending a design project can guarantee a business result.
Identify the people who will review and approve the work, and how their feedback will be gathered.
FRAMEWORK
What is the practical shape?
Share the timing, indicative budget, existing commitments and production dependencies. Be clear about what is fixed and where there is room to explore.
The actual proposal should define deliverables, review rounds, rights, fees and responsibilities before work starts.
A CLEAR NEXT STEP
From the first question to what happens next.
01
Gather the current material
Collect the existing identity, content, product information and relevant audience insight.
02
Write a short context note
Explain the problem, the audience and why the project matters now.
03
Name the decision makers
Choose an owner who can organize feedback and confirm decisions.
04
Agree the next conversation
Use the brief to discuss fit and scope before committing to a production plan.
Before you begin.
How complete should the brief be?
Enough to explain the context, audience and constraints. An initial conversation can identify the questions that still need work.
Can inspiration references be included?
Yes. Explain what you find useful in a reference rather than asking for another creator’s work to be copied.
Does submitting the form start a project?
No. An inquiry starts a conversation. A real engagement needs the studio’s actual agreement and terms.