The Onboarding Process: What to Expect and Why It Matters

A pile of books with flower vases in pastel colors
A pile of books with flower vases in pastel colors
A pile of books with flower vases in pastel colors

So you’ve booked the project (yay! 🎉), signed the contract, and paid your deposit—now what?

Welcome to onboarding—aka the part where we get everything aligned so the design process can flow smoothly.
This stage sets the tone for the whole project, and yes—it’s just as important as the design itself.

Let me walk you through what onboarding looks like when we work together, and why I’ve designed it to make your life easier from day one.

First—Why Onboarding Even Matters

If you’ve ever worked with a freelancer who ghosted you after you paid… or received a random design draft with zero explanation… you already know why onboarding is a big deal.

Onboarding creates:

✅ Clear communication
✅ Defined roles and responsibilities
✅ A realistic timeline (with breathing room)
✅ A sense of trust and partnership—not just “transaction”

In short: this is where the magic starts.

What Happens in My Onboarding Process

Here’s what you can expect right after we lock in your project:

1. You Get a Confirmation Email

You'll get a confirmation via email that your project has been booked, as well as access to your Client Portal and a link to book our Strategy Call

2. Strategy call

I'll ask a million questions about your brand, your business, your past experiences, what do you think you need and why, who's your audience, what do they expect of you, what do you expect of me, etc. Also I'll ask you for your brand files (logo, brand guidelines, etc), content (if we’re designing a site and you’re providing the copy) and we'll go over a moodboard to define the creative direction of the project.

This gives me what I need to make informed, strategic design decisions—not just wing it.

4. You Get a Timeline + Project Dashboard

I’ll break down your project into phases, set expectations for feedback and delivery, and make sure you know exactly when things are happening.

My Goal With Onboarding? Confidence + Clarity

I want you to feel like:

  • You know what’s happening and when

  • You’re supported, not overwhelmed

  • You can focus on running your business while I handle the creative side

When onboarding is done right, everything else just flows smoother—from feedback to revisions to final delivery.

Final Thoughts: Onboarding Is the Foundation of a Great Project

I know you’re excited to jump straight into design—but trust me, taking time to align upfront saves so much time (and stress) later.

My onboarding process exists to protect your investment, your energy, and your vision. Because we’re not just building a brand or a website—we’re building a whole experience.

Ready to work together? You already know the onboarding’s going to be good. 😌

Connect with

Jane Doe

Related Resources

Woman in her office on her laptop deciding on a VIP Design day

Design Day

VIP Day vs. Traditional Design Projects: Which One Fits Your Business Best?

Not sure if you need a VIP Design Day or a full project? Here's how to choose the right format based on your timeline, goals, and level of creative clarity.

Read more

Woman in her office on her laptop deciding on a VIP Design day

Design Day

VIP Day vs. Traditional Design Projects: Which One Fits Your Business Best?

Not sure if you need a VIP Design Day or a full project? Here's how to choose the right format based on your timeline, goals, and level of creative clarity.

Read more

Woman in her office on her laptop deciding on a VIP Design day

Design Day

VIP Day vs. Traditional Design Projects: Which One Fits Your Business Best?

Not sure if you need a VIP Design Day or a full project? Here's how to choose the right format based on your timeline, goals, and level of creative clarity.

Read more

2 women talking in a bright office

Design Day

5 Signs You’re Ready for a VIP Design Day

Wondering if a VIP Design Day is right for you? Here are 5 clear signs you're ready to book a focused day of high-impact, high-level design support.

Read more

2 women talking in a bright office

Design Day

5 Signs You’re Ready for a VIP Design Day

Wondering if a VIP Design Day is right for you? Here are 5 clear signs you're ready to book a focused day of high-impact, high-level design support.

Read more

2 women talking in a bright office

Design Day

5 Signs You’re Ready for a VIP Design Day

Wondering if a VIP Design Day is right for you? Here are 5 clear signs you're ready to book a focused day of high-impact, high-level design support.

Read more

A woman holding a checklist in a bright colorful space

Design Day

How Much Can You Really Get Done in a VIP Day?

Wondering what can actually get done in a design VIP Day? Here’s what’s possible when we plan ahead, prioritize, and work with clear creative direction.

Read more

A woman holding a checklist in a bright colorful space

Design Day

How Much Can You Really Get Done in a VIP Day?

Wondering what can actually get done in a design VIP Day? Here’s what’s possible when we plan ahead, prioritize, and work with clear creative direction.

Read more

A woman holding a checklist in a bright colorful space

Design Day

How Much Can You Really Get Done in a VIP Day?

Wondering what can actually get done in a design VIP Day? Here’s what’s possible when we plan ahead, prioritize, and work with clear creative direction.

Read more

Sign up to stay updated!

I promise, no spam, just a monthy update on tools, events and maybe just a smidge of life.

Copyright Rara Design Studio 2025

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Copyright Rara Design Studio 2025

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Copyright Rara Design Studio 2025

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy