Creative Workflow Process
Standardized Client Onboarding Framework
This framework ensures every client starts with clear expectations, centralized communication, and documented decisions—setting up the entire project for success.
Standardize
Client Onboarding
Centralize
Communication
Clarify
Scope & Direction
Streamline
Team Handoffs
Full Walkthrough
Watch this complete walkthrough to understand how the onboarding process works end-to-end.
7-Step Onboarding Flow
1
Payment Confirmation & Channel Setup
- Receive Finance/Stripe confirmation of first payment
- Create private Slack channel:
#client-[clientname] - Send welcome message with channel purpose & communication guidelines
2
Onboarding Form Submission
- Send client Onboarding Form link (Google Form/Typeform)
- Form captures: business goals, creative direction, website details, brand guidelines, timeline, deliverables
- Set deadline: 3-5 business days
3
Client Bible Creation
- Consolidate all form responses into a Client Bible document
- Organize by sections: Overview, Creative Direction, Website Specs, Timeline, Deliverables
- Share in Slack for team reference
4
Kickoff Call Scheduling
- Send calendar link to schedule 60-min kickoff call
- Include: PM, lead designer/strategist, client stakeholders
- Record call & save notes
5
Kickoff Call Execution
- Review onboarding form responses
- Clarify any unclear information
- Align on expectations, timeline, and next steps
- Document action items & decisions
6
Project Infrastructure Setup
- Create Google Drive folder structure (Assets, Drafts, Deliverables, Reference)
- Set up Asana/Project Management project with tasks & timeline
- Create Hubstaff project for time tracking
- Upload kickoff call recording & notes to Google Drive
7
Ongoing Communication
- Daily/weekly updates in Slack channel
- Weekly status meetings (if needed)
- Maintain single source of truth across all tools
Deliverables & Timeline
| Deliverable | Timeline | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Slack channel & welcome | Day 1 | PM |
| Onboarding form sent | Day 1 | PM |
| Form completed by client | Day 3-5 | Client |
| Client Bible created | Day 5 | PM |
| Kickoff call scheduled | Day 6 | PM |
| Kickoff call executed | Day 7-10 | PM + Team |
| Project infrastructure live | Day 10 | PM |
| Creative work begins | Day 11+ | Creative Team |
Quick Reference Checklist
Payment confirmed → Create Slack channel
Send onboarding form → Set 5-day deadline
Form submitted → Create Client Bible
Client Bible done → Schedule kickoff call
Kickoff completed → Set up Drive, Asana, Hubstaff
All systems live → Begin creative work