Before kickoff
Nothing creative starts until these are done. They protect you if the deal changes.
- Contract is signed by both parties
- Deposit or first payment is received
- Scope, deliverables, and revision limit are confirmed in writing
Creator BusinessPDFFree
Client Onboarding Checklist
The first week of a brand deal sets the tone for the whole project. This checklist makes sure the contract, brief, assets, and timeline are all locked before you create anything — so the project runs smoothly and you look like a pro.
What you get
- A pre-kickoff checklist so no deal starts before the paperwork is signed
- A brief-and-assets section so you have everything you need to begin
- A communication-setup section that prevents mid-project chaos
- A branded, print-ready PDF you can run for every new client
How to use this template
- 1
Gate the kickoff. Don't start creative work until the pre-kickoff items are checked. A signed contract and deposit protect you before you invest time.
- 2
Collect the brief. Gather the brand's brief, guidelines, and assets in one place. Chasing logos mid-edit is how deadlines slip.
- 3
Set the rhythm. Agree on the single communication channel, the review cadence, and who has final approval before any draft goes out.
- 4
Confirm the timeline. Walk the client through the milestone dates and get explicit agreement, so revision rounds don't quietly push your delivery date.
What's inside
Here's a preview. Unlock the free download to get all 4 sections (3 more below).
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Frequently asked questions
What should a creator do before starting a brand deal?
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Confirm the contract is signed and any deposit received, collect the brief and brand assets, agree on a single communication channel and approval process, and lock the timeline. Doing this before any creative work prevents the most common mid-project disputes.
Why send a kickoff recap email?
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A short recap summarizing scope, deliverables, dates, and next steps creates a written record both sides agreed to. It dramatically reduces 'I thought that was included' arguments later in the project.