Editable Files for Client

[Jeff92]

So, a current client of mine is wanting a new brouchure for their company. The brochure is basically a dumbed down annual report.
Now they are wanting something that looks really good and well designed but they are wanted the file to be editable so they can continue to make small changes as some info would change.
What kind of file do you guys recommend? They are wanting a Micro Word file, and we all know how good of a layout program that is.
What would you guys do? I don't desperatly need the contract at the same time if I could do something for them I would. I am considering diving into Word and trying to figure out how to place images in there nicely.http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/blowingup.gif

Thanks Yo!

[MD]

You have no idea how much work you are in for when 'designing' in word. The extra design time and printer problems are only the tip of the iceberg - explain to them why it is just not possible to create a professional looking brochure in MS Word. Try to find a printer that will make small changes to the files for free.

You know, there's like a butt-load of gangs on this forum. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bo staff.

[Eraser Nubbin]

The thought of trying to do my resume in Word let alone a brochure makes me want to get sick to my pants. If it is just little changes that they want to make I might do your brochure in whatever you would normally use, send them a PDF and let them know that they can manipulate the file with the full version of Acrobat. If they are stuck on making the changes themselves with their office suite you might be better off trying to muck the thing together in Publisher as opposed to word.

Match in the gas tank, boom boom.

[morea]

Jeff, is this something they actually want to send to a printer, or do they plan to print it themselves?

[I]The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.</A>

[uncle carbunkle]

i think that, if you really want to do it for them - go ahead. but you've got to make them aware how cruddy it'll look and how much longer it'll take you, as md said. but THEN you can show them how much nicer and how much faster you'll make it in your 'professional design-type' programs.

hell, sell them a 'package' that includes xyz amount of changes so that they feel that they're getting value for their money. that way, everyone wins.

will they go for it?

::Don't call me Foreman, for I am your Boss::

[BOSCOW]

If they got the money get full version of Acrobat and some plugins to edit it like Pitstop

[Jeff92]

Yeah, I have just tried to work with Word in a professional manner.... yikes. I am seriously considering this job. I looked at all of your posts before i left work and phoned the client. No buying of any other software. It must be editable, period. They really want me to use word... yeah no. I have already done some work on this. Tell you the truth I had this idea running through my head about this that I wanted to see if it would work. I am considering sending them a more polished version and saying that I can not work in Word in a design project (or something along those lines), and tell them this is what I can do.
See what happends.

morea: they bought this high end printer (probably low end in the print world, but whatever) that they want me to use. This has it's own problems because they want a double sided peice. The printer doesn't do that automatically.... Might involve too much thinking...

uncle carbunkle: asked them about that already. a big no go

everyone else: sorry, your post were more statements... but working in word while know how to use a program like Indesign seems kinda like like riding a horse everywhere instead of driving a car. You can do it, might be fun for a while. Ends up with a bunch of crap all over.

[Vikia]

I have set up and professionally printed background art that clients could then imprint with their desktop printers using Word. At least the shell looks great... and it does give them some flexiblity for the content. Would this be an option for your client?

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