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What to Prepare Before a First Consultation
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When a client reaches out for the first time, the conversation often starts with a few questions about process, timing, and materials. Having a clear idea of what to bring to that initial meeting can save time and help both sides understand the scope of the work. This post covers the basic items that make a first consultation productive.
Reference materials and source documents
Bring any existing sketches, photographs, or printed samples that relate to the project. For editorial work, a draft layout or a sample of the text helps establish the page structure early. For botanical illustration, a pressed specimen or a detailed photograph of the plant is useful. For typography restoration, a scan or photograph of the original type sample is essential.
Project timeline and budget expectations
Even a rough idea of the deadline and the available budget helps the studio plan the workflow. If the project has a fixed date — a publication launch, an exhibition, or a print run — mention it during the consultation. This allows the team to assess feasibility and suggest alternatives if needed.
Technical specifications and output format
Knowing the final use of the work determines many decisions from the start. Will the result be printed on textured linen paper, displayed on a screen, or reproduced in a digital catalogue? Each medium requires a different approach to colour, resolution, and file format. Mentioning these details early avoids rework later.
The consultation itself is a conversation, not a form. The goal is to understand the project's core requirements and to see if the studio's approach matches the client's expectations. After the meeting, the studio will send a summary of the discussion and a proposal for the next steps.