Before You Book Your Designer…
Hiring a designer is an exciting step, but before you jump in, let’s make sure you’re really ready to get the most from the process.
I’ve seen it all: the clients who come prepared and fly through the process with ease… and the ones who stall because they didn’t lay the groundwork. It’s not about perfection but a little prep can save a lot of stress, delays, and budget creep.
A good designer can guide you through brand strategy, visuals, and your digital presence but we can’t do the foundational thinking for you. That part has to come from you. If these pieces aren’t in place, we risk stalling or building a brand that looks nice but doesn’t do the deep work it’s meant to.
So here’s what I recommend you have in place before we start designing your brand or website
1. Your Name & Domain Locked In
If you’re launching something new or going through a rebrand, make sure you’ve locked in your business name and your domain name before we start.
I can absolutely help with the naming process through name exercises, researching, availability, checking alignment, and supporting your decision. But the truth is, a wobbly name can put the whole project on pause. It affects your logo, visuals, copywriting, domain, socials - everything.
And once you’re set on a name, buy the domain immediately. Don’t assume it’ll be there later - I’ve seen projects lose momentum because someone else snapped it up at the last minute.
✅ Action: Finalise your name. Then grab the domain (and close variations) before we begin. If you’re still unsure, let’s chat and build space into your timeline for naming support. I’d also recommend buying .com and .co.uk
2. Solid Brand Foundations
Before we jump into visuals, we need clarity beneath the surface. What are you building? Who is it for? Why now?
You don’t need a 50-page business plan - but you do need strong brand foundations. That means understanding:
✔️What you’re offering
✔️Who it’s truly for
✔️Why it matters
✔️What sets you apart
✔️How you want people to feel when they experience your brand
If you’re unclear, that’s okay - part of my role is to help you explore and define these things. I guide you through the process, ask the right questions, research your industry, and then bring it all together in a brand strategy bible you can use long after launch.
But if these things haven’t even been considered, we’ll end up designing something that looks good… but doesn’t land or last.
✅ Action: Take 15 minutes and brain-dump what you know about your business, your people, and your purpose. I’ll help refine and elevate it but we need something to start from.
3. A Sense of Your Audience
Who are you trying to reach? What do they care about? What tone, visuals, or references will help them feel seen?
You don’t need a full brand strategy - that’s my job to help you uncover. But bringing a few notes or examples helps us move fast and design with heart.
✅ Action: Think of 1–3 dream clients. What do they need? How do you want them to feel when they land on your website?
4. The Headspace to Be Involved
Design isn’t something you outsource and disappear from, it’s a collaboration. And it works best when you have the energy and space to show up, give feedback, and stay in flow.
If you’re in a season of chaos (hello summer holidays, life transitions, or newborn fog), it might be better to book now for a future slot instead of squeezing it in during a hectic season.
✅ Action: Look at your next 6 weeks. If they’re packed, let’s plan ahead for September.
5. Don’t Outsource Your Vision to AI
AI tools can absolutely help clarify ideas when you’re in a fog - we all use them. But your vision, mission, and purpose need to come from you. This work is about depth, alignment, and meaning - not generic prompts or templated values.
If you’re not clear yet, that’s okay. I can help you get there. But we can’t build a brand that feels real if you haven’t connected to what you truly stand for.
✅ Action: Before we start, spend 15–30 minutes journaling on: Why does this business exist? Who is it for? What do I want people to feel when they come into contact with it?
Bonus: A Designer You Trust
Chemistry matters. Process matters. If you’re just after quick visuals, I’m probably not your person - but if you want someone who gets your vision, supports you like a partner, and helps you build something with depth? Then I’d love to talk.
When these foundations aren’t in place, things stall. Projects drag. You lose momentum.
Let’s not build that way.
🎯 Ready to Build Something Real?
If you’re here to create a brand that’s thoughtful, strategic, and beautifully aligned - let’s talk. I’m currently booking for September 2025, and there are only 2 slots available.
We won’t just make things look good. We’ll build from the inside out - with meaning, momentum, and space to breathe.
👉 Enquire here – let’s get you booked in
