Build a Creative Brief Form with Corcava

Stop chasing clients for project details. This guide shows how to build a branded creative brief form that captures everything you need upfront, streamlines onboarding, and starts projects right.

The Project Intake Problem

Every design project starts with 20 questions:

You: What's the project about?
Client: We need a logo

You: What's your company about?
Client: [Long explanation]

You: Who's your target audience?
Client: Everyone!

You: What's your budget?
Client: What do you charge?

You: When do you need this?
Client: ASAP

You: Do you have brand guidelines?
Client: What are those?

This back-and-forth takes:

• 3-5 emails per client
• 45-90 minutes of your time
• 3-7 days to collect everything
• Forgotten questions surface later
• Projects start incomplete

The solution: Creative Brief Form

Send once → Client fills out → You have everything → Project starts immediately.

What is a Creative Brief Form?

Definition

A creative brief form is a structured questionnaire that captures all essential project information before work begins.

Purpose:

• Understand client goals
• Define project scope
• Identify target audience
• Establish timeline and budget
• Gather brand assets
• Set expectations
• Create project foundation

Delivery Method: Online form clients complete (not a Word doc or PDF)

Benefits

For You (Designer):

✓ All info collected upfront
✓ No chasing clients for details
✓ Better project scoping
✓ Fewer misunderstandings
✓ Faster project starts
✓ Professional impression
✓ Automated project creation

For Client:

✓ Clear what you need from them
✓ Complete at their convenience
✓ Think through their needs
✓ One-time effort (not repeated emails)
✓ Professional process

Essential Creative Brief Questions

Section 1: Project Overview

Project Title

Field Type: Text Input
Question: "What should we call this project?"
Example: "Logo redesign for ABC Coffee"
Why: Internal project name for organization

Project Type

Field Type: Multiple Choice
Question: "What type of design project is this?"
Options:
- Logo Design
- Brand Identity
- Website Design
- Marketing Materials
- Packaging Design
- Social Media Graphics
- Other (please specify)

Why: Helps you route to right designer/process

Project Description

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Describe your project in detail. What do you need designed?"
Guidance: "Include as much detail as possible about what you envision."
Why: Core project understanding

Project Goals

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "What are you hoping to achieve with this design?"
Examples:
- "Attract younger demographic"
- "Look more professional"
- "Stand out from competitors"
Why: Understand success criteria

Section 2: Company/Brand Information

Company Name

Field Type: Text Input
Question: "What's your company/brand name?"
Required: Yes

Industry

Field Type: Dropdown
Question: "What industry are you in?"
Options: [List of industries]
Why: Informs design approach

Company Description

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Tell us about your company. What do you do? What makes you unique?"
Why: Context for design decisions

Brand Personality

Field Type: Multiple Choice (select multiple)
Question: "How would you describe your brand personality?"
Options:
- Professional
- Playful
- Modern
- Classic
- Bold
- Minimalist
- Elegant
- Rugged
- Friendly
- Luxury
Why: Design direction guidance

Existing Brand Assets

Field Type: File Upload
Question: "Upload any existing brand assets (logos, style guides, fonts, colors)"
Optional: Yes
Why: Understand existing brand

Section 3: Target Audience

Primary Audience

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Who is your primary target audience?"
Guidance: "Age range, income level, interests, behaviors, pain points"
Example: "Small business owners, 35-55, annual revenue $500K-2M, 
struggling with manual processes"
Why: Critical for effective design

Audience Perception Goal

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "How do you want your audience to perceive your brand?"
Examples:
- "Trustworthy and established"
- "Innovative and cutting-edge"
- "Affordable and accessible"
Why: Defines design approach

Section 4: Competition & Differentiation

Competitors

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Who are your main competitors?"
Guidance: "List 3-5 competitors and their websites if available"
Why: Understand competitive landscape

Differentiation

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "What makes you different from competitors?"
Why: Highlight unique value in design

Design Inspiration

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Share links to designs you like (competitors or other brands)"
Guidance: "What specifically do you like about each example?"
Why: Visual direction reference

Design Dislikes

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Share examples of designs you DON'T like"
Guidance: "What specifically don't you like?"
Why: Avoid wrong directions

Section 5: Project Specifics

Deliverables

Field Type: Checklist
Question: "What specific deliverables do you need?"
Options (varies by project type):

For Logo Project:
- [ ] Primary logo
- [ ] Logo variations (icon, text-only, etc.)
- [ ] Color palette
- [ ] Typography guidelines
- [ ] Social media profile images
- [ ] Business card design
- [ ] Other: _______

For Website Project:
- [ ] Homepage
- [ ] About page
- [ ] Services pages
- [ ] Blog
- [ ] Contact page
- [ ] E-commerce functionality
- [ ] Other: _______

Why: Define scope clearly

Content Responsibility

Field Type: Multiple Choice
Question: "Who will provide content (text, images, copy)?"
Options:
- We'll provide all content
- Designer will create content (additional cost)
- We'll collaborate on content
- Not sure yet

Why: Clarify responsibilities

Technical Requirements

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Any technical requirements or constraints we should know about?"
Examples:
- Must work with existing WordPress site
- Need to integrate with Shopify
- Must meet accessibility standards
- Specific file format requirements
Why: Avoid surprises later

Section 6: Timeline & Budget

Desired Launch Date

Field Type: Date Picker
Question: "When do you need this project completed?"
Follow-up: "Is this date flexible or fixed?"
Why: Timeline planning

Urgency

Field Type: Multiple Choice
Question: "How urgent is this project?"
Options:
- Flexible timeline
- Standard timeline
- Somewhat urgent
- Very urgent (rush fees may apply)
Why: Resource allocation

Budget Range

Field Type: Multiple Choice
Question: "What's your budget range for this project?"
Options:
- Under $2,000
- $2,000-5,000
- $5,000-10,000
- $10,000-20,000
- $20,000-50,000
- $50,000+
- Not sure / Need guidance

Why: Qualification and scope alignment

Section 7: Decision Making

Decision Maker

Field Type: Text Input
Question: "Who is the final decision maker for this project?"
Follow-up: "Is that you, or someone else?"
Why: Know who to involve in approvals

Stakeholders

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Who else needs to be involved in reviewing/approving designs?"
Guidance: "List names, roles, and email addresses"
Why: Approval workflow planning

Approval Process

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Describe your internal approval process"
Example: "Designer reviews, Marketing Director approves, CEO has final say"
Why: Understand review complexity

Section 8: Additional Information

Existing Challenges

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "What challenges are you facing with your current design/brand?"
Why: Understand pain points to solve

Success Metrics

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "How will you measure success of this project?"
Examples:
- "Increased conversion rate"
- "More professional perception"
- "Clearer brand differentiation"
Why: Define project goals

Additional Notes

Field Type: Long Text
Question: "Anything else we should know?"
Optional: Yes
Why: Catch-all for important info

How You Found Us

Field Type: Multiple Choice
Question: "How did you hear about us?"
Options:
- Google search
- Referral (who?)
- Social media
- Portfolio site
- Previous work together
- Other
Why: Marketing attribution

Building the Form in Corcava

Step 1: Access Form Builder

1. Log into Corcava dashboard
2. Navigate to Forms → Create New Form
3. Select Template: "Creative Brief" or start blank
4. Name: "Creative Brief - [Your Agency]"

Step 2: Configure Form Settings

General Settings:

Form Title: "Creative Brief - [Your Agency Name]"
Description: "Help us understand your project so we can 
deliver exactly what you need."

Thank You Message:
"Thanks for completing our creative brief! We'll review 
your responses and get back to you within 24 hours with 
next steps."

Redirect: Optional - redirect to calendar booking page

Branding:

- Upload your logo
- Set brand colors
- Choose typography
- Add custom CSS if needed
Result: Form matches your website/brand

Notifications:

Email notifications to:
- You (project manager)
- Design team lead
- Sales/account manager

Include: Full form responses + attached files

Step 3: Build Form Fields

Add sections and fields:

Section 1: Project Overview
├── Project Title (text, required)
├── Project Type (dropdown, required)
├── Project Description (long text, required)
└── Project Goals (long text, required)

Section 2: Company Information
├── Company Name (text, required)
├── Industry (dropdown, required)
├── Company Description (long text, required)
├── Brand Personality (multiple choice)
└── Existing Assets (file upload)

[Continue for all sections...]

Field Settings for Each:

- Field type (text, dropdown, date, file, etc.)
- Label and description
- Required vs optional
- Placeholder text
- Validation rules
- Conditional logic (if applicable)

Step 4: Set Up Automation

Automatic Actions When Form Submitted:

Action 1: Create Lead in CRM
- New contact record created
- Company name populated
- Tags: "New Creative Brief", [Project Type]
- Assigned to: [Team member]

Action 2: Create Project (optional)
- Project name from form
- Description from responses
- Budget range set
- Timeline/deadline added
- Status: "Pending Review"

Action 3: Send Internal Notification
- Email to project manager
- Slack notification to #new-projects
- Dashboard notification

Action 4: Schedule Follow-Up
- Task created: "Review creative brief"
- Due: Within 24 hours
- Assigned to: [Account manager]

Using Corcava's automation:

Forms connect directly to CRM and project management.

Step 5: Test Thoroughly

Before sharing with clients:

□ Fill out entire form as if you're a client
□ Check all required fields work
□ Verify file uploads function
□ Test on mobile device
□ Confirm notifications arrive
□ Check CRM/project creation automation
□ Verify thank you message displays
□ Test with multiple browsers

Fix any issues found

Sharing Your Creative Brief Form

When to Send

Perfect Times:

✓ After initial inquiry/contact
✓ When project seems like good fit
✓ Before proposal/estimate
✓ After qualifying call
✓ When client expresses interest

Email Template:

Subject: Next Step: Creative Brief for [Company Name]

Hi [Name],

Great chatting with you about your [project type] project! 
I'm excited to work together.

To provide you with an accurate proposal and timeline, 
I'd like to learn more about your specific needs and goals.

Please complete our creative brief form here:
[FORM LINK]

It takes about 10-15 minutes and will help ensure we 
design exactly what you're envisioning.

Once I receive your responses, I'll put together a detailed 
proposal with pricing, timeline, and next steps.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions while 
filling it out!

Looking forward to bringing your vision to life.

Best,
[Your Name]

Form Link Options

Option 1: Direct Link

Share unique URL: https://forms.youragency.com/creative-brief
Simple, works for anyone

Option 2: Embedded on Website

Add to "Start a Project" page
Clients fill out directly on your site
Seamless experience

Option 3: Email Link

Send personalized email with form link
Include context
Track who completed

After Form Submission

Review Process

Within 24 Hours:

1. Review Responses
   - Read thoroughly
   - Note questions or concerns
   - Identify scope gaps
   - Check for red flags

2. Assess Fit
   - Is this project right for you?
   - Can you meet timeline/budget?
   - Is client expectations reasonable?
   - Proceed or decline politely

3. Follow Up
   - Email or call client
   - Clarify any unclear responses
   - Discuss timeline and budget
   - Outline next steps

Creating Proposal

Use Form Responses to Build Proposal:

Proposal Should Include:

1. Project Overview (from their brief)
   "Based on your responses, we understand you need..."

2. Your Understanding (demonstrate you listened)
   "Your goals are to [goal 1], [goal 2], [goal 3]..."

3. Proposed Solution
   "We propose the following approach..."

4. Deliverables (from their checklist)
   Exactly what they asked for, clearly listed

5. Timeline
   Based on their desired date

6. Investment
   Based on their budget range

7. Next Steps
   Clear path forward

Form Makes Proposal Easy:

All information already collected, just format into proposal.

Form Analytics & Optimization

Track Performance

Key Metrics:

Submissions per month: Track volume
Completion rate: Start vs finish
Time to complete: Is it too long?
Drop-off points: Where do people quit?
Conversion rate: Form submission → project

Review Quarterly:

□ Which questions get skipped most?
□ Which questions need clarification?
□ Are we missing important questions?
□ Can we shorten the form?
□ Is wording clear?

Iterative Improvement

A/B Test Elements:

Test 1: Form Length
Version A: Full 50-question brief
Version B: Shortened 25-question brief
Measure completion rates

Test 2: Question Order
Version A: Budget early
Version B: Budget at end
Measure completion rates

Test 3: Required vs Optional
Version A: 20 required fields
Version B: 10 required, 10 optional
Measure completion rates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Form Too Long

Problem:

80-question creative brief
Takes 45 minutes to complete
50% abandon before finishing

Solution:

Keep to 20-30 questions
15-minute completion time
Essential questions only

Mistake 2: All Fields Required

Problem:

Client can't submit without answering everything
Blocks submission over minor details
Frustration and abandonment

Solution:

Required: Critical info only (10-12 fields)
Optional: Nice-to-have info
Always allow submission

Mistake 3: No Context or Guidance

Problem:

Q: "Describe your target audience"
Client: "People who need our service"
(Not helpful)

Solution:

Q: "Describe your target audience in detail"
Guidance: "Include age range, income level, interests, 
behaviors, and pain points. Example: 'Small business 
owners, ages 35-55, annual revenue $500K-2M, struggling 
with manual processes and looking to automate.'"

Mistake 4: Sending Before Qualification

Problem:

Send form to everyone who inquires
Tire-kickers fill it out
Waste time reviewing bad-fit briefs

Solution:

Brief 5-min qualification call first
Send form only to qualified prospects
Save everyone time

Conclusion: Start Projects Right

Benefits Recap:

Efficiency:

• Collect all info at once
• No back-and-forth emails
• Faster project starts
• Better scoping

Professionalism:

• Organized intake process
• Branded client experience
• Clear expectations
• Confidence-building

Better Projects:

• Complete understanding upfront
• Fewer surprises later
• Aligned expectations
• Higher success rates

Implementation Checklist:

☐ List essential questions for your projects
☐ Organize into logical sections
☐ Build form in [Corcava Form Builder](https://app.corcava.com/register)
☐ Add branding and customization
☐ Set up automation (CRM, projects, notifications)
☐ Test thoroughly on multiple devices
☐ Create email template for sharing
☐ Train team on follow-up process
☐ Send to first client
☐ Iterate based on feedback

Ready to Streamline Your Client Onboarding?

Start with Corcava to:

• ✓ Build unlimited branded forms
• ✓ Automatic CRM lead creation
• ✓ Project generation from responses
• ✓ File upload and storage
• ✓ Email notifications
• ✓ Mobile-responsive forms
• ✓ Analytics and tracking

Stop chasing project details. Start every project with clarity.

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