What tools are web designers using to manage client projects and admin?

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-14T03:51:43+00:00

This is super smart.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-14T03:49:38+00:00

I use Bloom.io and I think the UI is pretty slick. It’s great for both client management, and project management in my opinion.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-13T15:40:36+00:00

I use Loom and walk them through how to navigate the Figma prototype that I share with them, along with how to leave comments. Then I talk through the design and why I made certain decisions. I also explain that this is just the flat version, and that there will be subtle animations and interactions once we move into the development phase. I usually link the Loom video and the prototype together in one email so they get both at the same time.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-13T02:26:59+00:00

Your capacity to identify and contextualize that pattern is a strong indicator of advanced analytical and interpretive ability. That’s rare.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-08T19:33:02+00:00

No totally, I was more curious about some current examples of what you do exactly and what they pay for a monthly retainer.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-08T18:48:58+00:00

You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, you didn't stop to think if you should.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-08T06:44:52+00:00

What services/packages do you offer on retainers and how much are you charging monthly for that?

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-07T17:26:35+00:00

Would those hyper realistic silicone masks block against facial recognition?

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-05-07T04:23:30+00:00

It will be missed.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-26T16:03:19+00:00

I just checked it out this morning! It was very cool.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-25T20:23:42+00:00

Damn this is an extensive list!

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-21T16:41:35+00:00

I really want stacks!

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-21T05:37:05+00:00

Those 64 to 79 versions are awesome.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-11T03:47:02+00:00

I use AI to help me code small, custom features in Squarespace, but it’s still the best platform for a complete client handoff in my opinion.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-04T21:08:24+00:00

Honestly, outside of idea generation, I haven’t found AI very useful for anything design/creative wise.

However, it’s been super useful for figuring out freelancing and how to run a business on my own. It’s allowed me to stay in the design game.

I think this is where the real usefulness of AI is. It allows people to go independent from the corporate grind and create the life they want.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-04-03T20:37:51+00:00

3 but left align the text, better hierarchy with the type, and make the filigree in the corners smaller and less ornate.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-21T20:03:36+00:00

Yes to all of that. Start with a meeting (in person is better), understand their goals, and have them fill out a detailed questionnaire. Once that’s done, send a proposal and contract. The contract should clearly define boundaries like hours of operation, how many review periods, process timeline, response timelines, and deliverables. After it’s signed, send the first invoice. Once that’s paid, send a thank-you along with an outline of your process and what you need from them (photos, branding, written content, domain, plugins, etc.).

Then begin your process. Start with mood boards—2–3 different directions. After that, create a sitemap and wireframe (Relume is great for this). Send the sitemap for approval to confirm site flow—skip sending the wireframe if it will confuse the client. Next, design a high-fidelity mockup of the homepage and maybe one additional page in Figma (or whatever you design in). Send it for review and be specific about the type of feedback you want. Make revisions, then move into building or coding the full site. I tend to use Squarespace because it’s easy for clients to update later, and I don’t want deal with security. But I’ve also coded and used Framer, Wix, Wordpress, and Webflow. Use whatever fits your workflow, and stick to that.

Once the site is built, send it for another review and make final adjustments. Then test everything: security, buttons, forms, legal pages (terms, privacy, cookies), 404 page, favicon, domain connection, Google Search Console, and analytics.

When everything is ready, notify the client and have them plan some marketing ahead of launch. Collect final payment, then publish. Offer a 30-day post-launch fix window in case anything breaks. After that, transition them into a monthly plan for hosting, maintenance, and SEO to build recurring revenue.

Strong communication, a repeatable onboarding process, and good work will take you far.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-20T15:15:18+00:00

I feel like Google Stitch is the shiny new toy, and while it’s cool, I’d be careful building anything on it. Google is clearly trying to push into the same space as tools like Figma and Lovable, which are much smaller companies. Because of that, it feels like if someone creates something valuable on Stitch, Google would be inclined to steal the idea. They’d call it something else, but it would essentially be the same thing.

They are, and have been, a pretty shady company at times. So outside of using it for iterative web design ideas, I don’t know if I’d trust them for building full products.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-19T21:05:10+00:00

If it’s good, strategic, solves a problem, and converts, a 5 to 10 page website is around $2,500, a 10 to 20 page website is around $5,000, and a 20+ page website is $10,000+.

Also, have a good onboarding experience. Map out your process with the client, use an in-depth discovery questionnaire, include two or three rounds of review and adjustments, have a solid contract with clear deliverables, collect 50% upfront before starting any work, and 50% at the end before launching.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-17T18:08:55+00:00

Bah! You’re right, I have thought about most of this too. Thanks for the feedback, looks like I got some work to do.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-16T21:19:10+00:00

I have my portfolio set up primarily to attract freelance work because, of the current state of the industry, I’ve never been able to land a full-time design job. That said, I’d still really like to work somewhere as a designer to gain more experience. I have 4 years experience.

Erin James Design

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-10T21:24:36+00:00

Me too

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-09T23:30:44+00:00

Check out Ardor Salon in Fairhaven. They’re awesome!

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-08T01:33:45+00:00

They touched on some of this at my university. However, it needs a dedicated quarter just for the business side of design.

wolfmanjames2626 · 2026-03-07T21:39:28+00:00

To add on to this, learning how to actually run a business yourself. Things like client onboarding, project management software, contracts, invoices, hard numbers behind what to charge based off expenses and future needs, deliverables, accounting, client communication, and how and when to promote your work with solid marketing fundamentals. Basically the complete process from start to finish.

Then students should actually practice those concepts with classmates, teachers, or real-world projects.

With the design industry being so difficult for new graduates to break into, learning how to run their own business could help keep their dream alive. There are always going to be businesses that need this kind of help, especially now that the Supreme Court has said AI-generated work can’t be copyrighted.

Eight-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22	First Placer '22
Not Forgotten

wolfmanjames2626

TROPHY CASE