All you need to know about Discovery Calls

A discovery call is a short, informal conversation at the very start of a design project. It’s not a pitch, and it’s not a commitment. It’s a way to work out whether we’re a good fit and to bring a bit of clarity to your idea.

Most discovery calls last around 15 minutes. We’ll talk about what you’re hoping to create, where you’re feeling stuck, and what success would look like for you. You don’t need to know the “right” terms or have everything worked out as that’s part of what the call is for.

What do I need to bring?

It’s helpful to have an idea of what you’d like me to do and any questions that aren’t already answered in this website.

What else will we cover?

It’s good to discuss the budget and timeline, as this is a key part of determining if we’ll be a good fit for each other. I can also share the process for the design service that you’re interested in.

What we don’t do on a discovery call

It is not an interview. I won’t be interviewing you or vice versa; it’s an informal conversation about aims and goals. We’ll get into the design details, such as the number of pages, at a later stage when we’re working together.

It’s a chance to learn about what you’re trying to accomplish.

Is the discovery call before or after the brief?

It sits before the formal brief.

You might arrive with some thoughts, but the discovery call helps shape those into something more solid. Think of it as the conversation that leads to the brief.

After the call:

• Any gaps or uncertainties become clearer

• We can identify what’s included in the project (and what isn’t)

• Additional needs such as copyediting, image sourcing, or proofreading, can be discussed early

If we decide to move forward, I’ll then invite you to send over a formal brief that leads to the proposal, so we’re both clear on scope, timelines, and responsibilities. Don’t worry too much about the brief; it’s a form already created with prompts, so you’re not looking at a blank screen.

I’d like to get more help on the discovery call

Then you need a consultation, which you can book online. This is a 1-on-1 virtual design review which will provide expert feedback, strategic design advice and in some cases, minor edits you can make immediately. You could use this hour to get practical advice for brand direction, colour palettes, advice on fonts, layout, book covers or website design.

Why the discovery call matters

A good call saves time, energy, and the risk of misunderstandings later. It helps avoid scope creep, ensures the project is realistic, and makes sure the design process feels calm rather than overwhelming.

Most importantly, it creates space to ask questions (on all sides) before any work begins.

Case study: A client booked a call to talk about designing a new brochure, as sales were down. During the call, we concluded that the branding was inconsistent and the audience was not engaging, so that became the project. I suggested a paid audit of the publication and branding to identify how to make it more user-friendly, and a report to help them decide on next steps.

If you’re considering a design project and aren’t sure where to start, the discovery call is a great place to start.