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Edits vs. Revisions 

You've got questions, and we've got answers! We understand that navigating edits, changes, and revisions can be complex and confusing, but this guide aims to clarify the revision process and provide insights to streamline your experience.  We want you to be crystal clear on what edits and revisions are, especially regarding our contractual terminology so you know upfront what’s included in your scope of work, and what costs extra.

Generally speaking, any edit or revision is a type of change.  Edits are minor changes that are ALWAYS included in the price of the proposal that you receive.  Revisions are more intensive changes that are broken down into two types; general revisions and substantive revisions.  General revisions are included but on a limited basis, typically (3) per project.  The specific amount of revisions that are included for your project will always be listed on your proposal.  Substantive revisions are considered revisions that are more intensive, so much so, they fall outside of the previously agreed upon scope of work and are NOT included. 

Ok.. let’s recap. 

What are the various types of changes?

The types of changes are: 

  • Edits

  • General Revisions

  • Substantive Revisions

revisions vs edits
What are edits? 

An edit refers to a small, often incremental modification made to a piece of content or design. Edits typically involve minor adjustments, such as correcting errors, rephrasing text, or fine-tuning elements within a design.  Edits are ALWAYS included in the price.  

 

Here are some specific examples of edits from our most popular service types:

puffin

Examples of Edits for Logos

 

  • Change a color

  • Move a logomark to a different area around the logo

Examples of Edits for Packaging

 

  • Editing Copywriting provided by client

  • Moving an element within the design

  • Changing a color of an element on the design

  • Adding some text

  • Adding an icon

Examples of Edits for Digital or Web Design

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  • Editing Copywriting provided by client (for 1-2 paragraphs max)

  • Moving an element 

  • Changing a color of an element 

  • Adding some text

  • Adding an icon

Now let’s get to Revisions

General vs Substantive

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What are General Revisions?

A general revision constitutes a change or variation to an initially presented—or in-progress—design concept, and is typically a change of less than (25%) of the design. Though more time consuming and complex than an edit, a revision is simply meant to be a slight modification or course correction to progress toward the final design.  

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What are Substantive Revisions? 
A substantive revision is a change that amounts to in or near excess of (25%) percent of the time required to produce the deliverables (your final works that we create for you).  Substantive revisions are typically regarded as significant revisions, with examples including the creation of new design layouts, the introduction of fresh elements to establish a different design, and other substantial modifications aimed at altering the overall appearance or functionality.

If we break that down, the major difference between the two is - general revisions are small changes that move the project forward whereas substantive revisions are more of a reset, a major change of direction that moves the project backwards and starts from scratch with a major redesign. 

Here are some examples of each on a project type basis : 

puffin

Examples of General Revisions for Logos

 

  • Connect ligatures 

  • Adjust size and shapes

  • Add a tagline

Examples of General Revisions for Packaging

 

  • Change background 

  • Adjusting size and shapes on the design

Examples of General Revisions for Digital / Web

 

  • Adding section to page 

  • Changing header or footer design

Examples of Substantive Revisions for Logos

 

  • New illustration and idea

  • Change of typographic style

Examples of Substantive Revisions for Packaging

 

  • New Layout of design

  • Add new custom illustrations

Examples of Substantive Revisions for Digital/Web

 

  • New wireframe designs

  • change web type and colors for entire website

Our goal first and foremost is to have satisfied clients who love the creative process of working  with Mother Puffin Creative.  So, please ask away if you are still unclear about any part of this process.  We are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding our proposal and/or contract!

mother puffin creative agency
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