Client Questions Answered: How Revisions Work
- Minerva Art Studio
- May 26
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Let’s skip the pleasantries and go straight to what matters: revisions aren’t just about moving a logo 3 pixels to the left. They're about protecting project timelines, controlling scope, and preventing budget bloat.
You’re here because at some point, you’ve probably asked: “How many revisions do I get?” Or worse: “Why are you charging me for more changes?”
At Minerva Art Studio, we don’t do guesswork. We don’t leave creative direction hanging in mid-air. And we certainly don’t treat revision rounds like some unlimited buffet. That’s how projects turn into bloated time-sinks and how creative teams burn out.
This post isn’t just an overview. It’s your step-by-step breakdown of how revisions work—specifically, how we manage them to keep your work moving and your budget from bleeding out.
Because here's the truth most studios won’t say out loud: Scope creep kills timelines. Undefined feedback cycles destroy momentum. And “just one more tweak” is the fastest way to blow a deadline.
So before you fire off a dozen “quick updates,” let’s get aligned on what creative revisions are, how many are built into our process, and how to make the most of them.
You're not just a client—we treat you like a project partner. And good partnerships are built on clarity, not crossed wires and revision ping-pong.
What Revisions Actually Mean in Creative Work (Not What You Think)
Let’s get something straight. A revision is not a free pass to rebuild the entire house after it’s painted.
In creative work—whether it’s graphic design, branding, web layout, or visual content—a revision refers to a targeted modification to previously submitted work. Think: adjusting a headline size, tweaking alignment, or correcting a color that doesn’t match your brand specs.
It is not:
Redesigning the entire layout
Swapping project direction midway
Requesting five versions of the same deliverable to “see what feels best”
The revision phase exists for tightening execution, not for reshaping project goals. That’s what discovery and concept phases are for. If you're shifting strategy during revision rounds, you're not revising—you’re rebuilding. That’s not included.
Here’s the breakdown:
There are 3 types of client requests—only one is a true “revision”:
Type | Description | Impact |
Edit | Minor change to an element (e.g., color, font, image swap) | ✅ Covered under revision |
Revision | Adjusting a section for clarity or accuracy based on original scope | ✅ Covered (within limits) |
Change Order | New request that alters original scope or direction | 🚫 Not included |
So why does this matter? Because understanding the difference between edits, revisions, and change orders is the fastest way to:
Keep your project timeline intact
Avoid surprise invoices
Make your feedback count
Most misfires in creative projects don’t come from bad design—they come from undefined expectations about revisions. That’s where the project slips sideways.
In short, a revision is a professional checkpoint, not a redo. The clearer we are on that from day one, the smoother everything runs from kickoff to delivery.
Why We Have a Revision Policy (And Why It’s in Your Best Interest Too)
Here’s something most studios won’t say: every extra revision has a cost—whether it’s on paper or hidden in lost time, missed deadlines, or diluted creative quality.
That’s why we don’t “wing it” when it comes to revisions. We follow a defined revision policy with clear limits, structured checkpoints, and a closed feedback loop. Not to slow you down—but to keep the work focused and the outcome sharp.
If revisions are left wide open, here’s what happens:
Scope expands, timelines stretch, and deliverables balloon out of proportion
Prior feedback gets overwritten by new opinions—causing inconsistency
The project hits “feedback fatigue” where nothing feels final
The result? Frustration on both sides. And an end product that looks like it was designed by committee, not by professionals.
Our revision policy exists to prevent that.
It’s there to:
Define how many rounds of revisions are included in your project
Clarify what’s covered—and what triggers an out-of-scope change order
Set deadlines for providing feedback (so momentum doesn’t die in your inbox)
Protect your budget from creeping past the original quote
Every project includes X rounds of revisions—defined before kickoff. This isn’t a wall. It’s a framework. You’ll always know where we stand, and what comes next.
The alternative? You get caught in a loop of endless tweaks with no finish line.
That’s not how we work—and it’s not how you hit business goals either.
How Revisions Work at Minerva Art Studio (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
You’re not paying for guesswork, and we’re not here to chase our own tails. That’s why our revision process is built like a production line—measured, timed, and engineered to move forward, not in circles.
Here’s the framework we follow on every project, every time.
Step 1: First Draft Delivered — The Real Starting Line
Once the first version is in your hands, the clock starts. You’re reviewing a concrete deliverable—not a vague concept. This version is aligned with everything scoped, discussed, and documented at project kickoff.
You’re not reacting to raw ideas. You’re reviewing scoped deliverables.
Step 2: You Submit Feedback — Direct, Specific, Consolidated
You gather your internal thoughts and submit feedback in one clear pass. Not five emails. Not a string of conflicting opinions from different team members.
We’ll give you a feedback window (usually 48–72 hours depending on scope) to collect internal notes and send them back in full.
The clearer the feedback, the faster the revisions. Vague notes like “can you make it pop?” stall everything. We’re looking for specificity, not subjectivity.
Step 3: We Implement Revisions — Within Scope, Within Limits
Once your feedback is locked, we’ll execute revisions based on what’s included in your project agreement.
We’re not guessing. We’re not improvising. We’re aligning output with clearly documented changes.
One round means one consolidated submission of feedback and one corresponding revision pass. Not a piecemeal back-and-forth. That’s how projects bleed time.
Step 4: Final Review — The Polishing Pass
Once revisions are delivered, you’ll get one more chance to give feedback, if your plan includes another round. This is where we tighten the bolts—not rip apart the engine.
This round is not for major directional changes. It's for clearing up the final 5%.
Step 5: Approval & Wrap — Files Finalized and Delivered
After final sign-off, files are prepared and delivered in the agreed formats. At this point, additional changes are treated as new work, not revisions.
We’ll always flag if something is about to trigger an extra cost—before it does.
What’s Included (And What’s Not) in a Revision
Let’s cut through the noise. Not every change request qualifies as a revision. And no, adding five new layout variations because “we’re curious” isn’t part of the deal.
We’ve seen projects spiral out of control because there was no line drawn between revisions, edits, and scope changes. That’s why our terms are clearly defined—right from day one.
Here’s how we draw the line.
Included in a Revision (If within the approved scope)
Adjusting copy alignment or layout spacing
Replacing colors, images, or fonts already discussed in the project scope
Tweaking placement of design elements (headers, calls to action, buttons)
Refining typography choices agreed upon earlier
Fixing factual inaccuracies or typos
Clarifying messaging—not rethinking brand tone
These are controlled, contained adjustments—meant to refine what’s already built, not rebuild it from scratch.
Not Included in a Revision (Requires a Change Order)
“Can we try a totally different layout?”
“Actually, we want to shift our messaging strategy.”
“We’ve decided to pivot the brand color palette.”
“Can you add animations, galleries, or new sections?”
“Let’s merge this with another service offering.”
These aren’t tweaks. These are scope expansions. If the request changes the original deliverable, it’s not a revision—it’s a new deliverable.
And just to be clear: It doesn’t matter if it “feels small.” If it breaks the scope, it changes the game. We’re not selling time—we’re delivering outcomes based on pre-agreed terms.
How to Avoid Going Out of Scope
Stick to consolidated feedback. Avoid “one more thing” loops.
Make sure internal decision-makers agree before sending your notes.
Be clear. Vague feedback creates more back-and-forth—and eats into revision time.
Don’t use revisions to test ideas you’re unsure about. That’s strategy work, not cleanup.
Our process isn’t rigid. It’s defined. If something falls outside the revision structure, we’ll flag it, explain why, and outline your options. No surprises. No confusion.
Client Questions Answered: Revisions Without the Runaround
If you’ve ever thought, “This will only take a second,” you’re not alone. But that second usually turns into three emails, a half-hour design edit, and a round of team approvals.
Revisions aren’t a problem. Unstructured feedback is. Below are the real questions we get—the ones that pop up in nearly every project—and the direct answers you need before we’re knee-deep in change requests.
How many revisions are included in my project?
That depends on your package, and it’s clearly stated in your scope doc. Most standard projects include 1–2 rounds of revisions, defined as consolidated feedback submitted once per round. Not multiple trickles of change requests over days.
You send feedback once. We revise once. That’s a round.
What happens if I want more revisions than my plan includes?
Simple. We stop and quote you before moving forward. No silent fees. No billing surprises. If you're asking for changes beyond what’s scoped, we treat it like a new mini-project and price it accordingly. You’re in control.
What qualifies as a "revision" versus a “new request”?
A revision improves or adjusts something that already exists in the submitted version. A new request asks for work that wasn’t included or discussed before.
If it wasn’t in the original scope, and it changes the deliverable's structure or direction, it’s not a revision.
Can I request revisions after final files are delivered?
Technically, no. Final delivery means the project has ended and files have been archived. If you need changes afterward, we treat it as new billable work. That said, we keep files for 30 days post-delivery. If you need a tweak, we can pick it up—but it won’t fall under “revisions.”
What if my team can’t agree internally and we keep changing our mind?
Then you need to align your team before submitting feedback. Our revision process is built around consolidated, actionable notes—not committee indecision. If you're still unsure about direction, we can schedule a strategy call, but that’s outside the revision scope.
What happens if a mistake was made on your end?
We fix it. Period. A factual or technical error on our side isn’t billed as a revision. We don’t charge for fixing our mistakes—but we also don’t absorb the cost of redoing work based on vague or changing direction.
How long does each revision round take?
Most revision rounds are turned around in 1–3 business days, depending on complexity. Longer requests or major visual changes may take more time—but we’ll give you a clear timeline before starting.
How to Make Revisions Efficient (Without Wasting Time or Budget)
Want to know the fastest way to burn through your revision rounds and rack up extra charges? Send vague feedback, one message at a time, across three platforms with no clear direction.
You’re not just reviewing a project—you’re managing how fast it gets done. The more precise your revision process, the less time you waste, and the fewer invoices you’ll see that start with “additional…”
Here’s how to keep things clean.
1. Consolidate Feedback Before Sending
We don’t work off scattered Slack threads or “quick thoughts” in six separate emails. Before sending us your changes, gather all input into one document or message—with clear points.
Feedback should be centralized, final, and confirmed by your team before you hit send.
2. Use Screenshots, Markups, and Timestamps
Text feedback gets misinterpreted. If you’re referencing a visual element or section, use screenshots or markup tools to point to exactly what you’re talking about. For video or audio assets, timestamp it.
Don’t write: “That part near the bottom feels weird.” Write: “Header 2 on section 3 – spacing looks off. Please align with Header 1 above.”
3. Be Specific, Not Emotional
“This doesn’t feel right” gives us nothing to work with. Be surgical. Tell us what’s wrong, why it matters, and what you need changed.
Avoid vague phrases like:
“Make it pop”
“Can we tweak this a little?”
“It’s missing something”
Instead, say:
“This call-to-action doesn’t stand out visually. Can we increase contrast or weight?”
4. Align Internally First
Nothing kills momentum like feedback reversals. If your team hasn’t decided what it wants, don’t send us half-baked direction. Get consensus first, then send us one clear set of notes. The revision round only starts when we get that complete submission.
5. Meet Deadlines for Feedback Windows
Most revision rounds come with a deadline (often 48–72 hours). If you miss that window, your project’s timeline shifts—and so does its place in our production queue.
Treat your feedback deadlines like deliverables. Because they are.
6. Keep Feedback Within the Scope
Use your revisions to refine—not reinvent. If your notes start with “Actually, what if we…” and end with a completely different request, that’s not feedback. That’s a new direction. And it triggers a change order.
7. One Voice Speaks for the Team
Design by committee guarantees chaos. Assign one point person to submit feedback. That person is accountable, speaks for the team, and owns the revision window. No backchannel notes from five different people—we won’t action anything that doesn’t come from the project lead.
The difference between a fast, clean project and a painful one usually comes down to how clients manage their revisions. This isn’t about controlling the process. It’s about protecting your budget and time.
We’ve built the structure. Now it’s your move.
What Happens After Final Approval (This Is Where the Meter Stops)
Final approval isn’t a formality. It’s the end of production and the start of asset ownership. Once we get your green light, the project moves into handoff mode—not a “still open for tweaks” holding pattern.
Here’s what you need to know once you say, “Looks good.”
1. Final Files Are Prepped and Delivered
At sign-off, we package and deliver all project assets as per the original scope:
Web files in the requested formats (JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4, etc.)
Editable source files (if included in your agreement)
Web-optimized versions (if applicable)
Fonts and image licenses (if part of the deliverables)
Everything is structured, labeled, and sent via secure file transfer (Google Drive, Dropbox, or private server). You’ll have a 30-day window to download and archive them on your end.
We do not maintain ongoing file hosting after that window closes.
2. Revisions End Here
Once final files are delivered, the project is considered closed. At this point, any request—no matter how small—is treated as new work.
“Can you make a quick version for Instagram?” → New deliverable
“We just noticed something we want to tweak.” → Post-approval change = billable
“The CEO changed their mind.” → Not our clock, not our cost
We’ll help you. But we won’t backtrack into already-approved files without re-engagement.
3. Project Archive Retention: 30 Days
We archive your files for 30 days post-delivery. After that, storage isn’t guaranteed. If you request files after that window, we may need to charge for retrieval or re-exporting—if we still have the assets.
Your best move: download everything, store it locally, and assume that our archive won’t last forever.
4. Ownership Transfers, Responsibility Doesn’t
You now own the final files—use them, publish them, post them. But just because the files are yours doesn’t mean future updates are included. We're off the hook once you approve. If you want ongoing support, we offer that too—but it's a separate agreement, not a forever favor.
5. Need More Work? That’s a New Scope
If you want to add features, design variations, new formats, or repurposing of assets—we’re ready. But it’s a new project, and it starts with a fresh scope and quote.
No assumptions. No casual asks. You wouldn’t ask a contractor to remodel your kitchen just because they built your bathroom last year. Same principle.
Why Respecting the Revision Process Matters (And What Happens When You Don’t)
Creative work isn’t guesswork. And revisions aren’t a creative free-for-all.
Every time a project derails, it’s usually not because the design missed the mark—it’s because the revision process wasn’t respected.
Here’s the reality: good design is built on momentum, structure, and feedback cycles that move forward, not sideways. Blow that up, and you pay for it in one of three currencies: time, money, or results.
1. Delays Stack Fast
Revisions that stretch beyond their limits don’t just affect your timeline—they affect every project behind you on the production schedule. There’s a reason we assign revision windows and deadlines. If you drag your feet, the whole pipeline backs up—and your launch date gets kicked.
The process is built to keep you in motion. Not keep you stuck.
2. Quality Degrades With Every Unfocused Round
Every new opinion added late in the process chips away at the original concept’s clarity. Direction changes. Design integrity starts to wobble. The work loses focus.
That’s how strong concepts get watered down. Not because the team isn’t good—but because the feedback loop became open-ended.
The tighter the revision cycle, the sharper the output.
3. Scope Creep Isn’t Just a Budget Problem—It’s a Clarity Problem
When revision boundaries are ignored, projects stop being execution-focused and start being exploration-driven. You stop solving the problem we were hired to solve, and start chasing what “feels better” in the moment.
That’s not efficient. That’s not productive. And it’s not what you paid for.
4. You’re Not Paying for Edits—You’re Paying for Results
We’re not billing for button tweaks. We’re billing for value: a deliverable that supports your goals and fits your strategy.
But we can’t deliver that if the goalposts keep moving mid-project.
The structure exists to serve the end result. That’s the part you actually care about: performance, presentation, and professionalism. Respect the process, and that’s exactly what you get.
5. Clear Rules Protect Everyone
Revisions don’t exist to restrict you. They exist to protect:
Your project from stalling
Your budget from exploding
Your goals from getting lost in decision fatigue
Our team from spending hours on unpaid, unproductive work
Respect the structure, and the work stays sharp. Ignore it, and projects turn into email chains that never end.
FAQs
Do unused revision rounds carry over to future projects?
No. Revision rounds are scoped for a specific project and expire once that project closes. New project, new scope.
Can I switch to a new direction mid-project?
You can. But it triggers a new scope and quote. Direction changes aren’t revisions—they’re resets.
What if I forget to send feedback in time?
If your feedback window expires, your project is paused and moved out of the queue. A new timeline will be set based on our next availability.
Do you offer ongoing revision support after project close?
Yes, but not under the original scope. We offer retainers or scoped mini-projects for post-launch edits or extensions.
How do I know if my feedback is “clear enough”?
If it’s specific, written down, and approved internally before you send it—it's clear. If it’s emotional, vague, or full of “maybe” language—it’s not.
Want Work That Gets Done Right—Without the Endless Back-and-Forth?
Then start with a process that respects the work and your time.
We don’t babysit projects. We move them forward with discipline, speed, and clarity. If that sounds like the kind of creative partner you want—fill out the project intake request [here] or request a custom quote based on your needs.
Let’s build something that doesn’t need ten rounds of “small tweaks.”
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