Engagement Model
How It
Works.
Six stages. No surprises. You know the price before we start, and you approve every major decision before we build it.
Discovery
Day 1
You Submit Your Project
Fill out the project intake form at fourak.com/start. Tell us what you need, your timeline, and your budget. No fluff — just the facts we need to give you a real response.
We respond within one business day — always a human, never automated.
Outputs
- Project type identified
- Budget range confirmed
- Timeline established
- Primary contact assigned
Scope Call
Days 2–3
We Talk — 30 Minutes
A focused 30-minute call with Kevin or your assigned lead. We dig into the brief, ask the right questions, and determine exactly what the project requires. You'll know by the end of the call if we're the right fit.
No discovery fees. No 10-page questionnaires. Just a direct conversation.
Outputs
- Full project scope defined
- Deliverable list agreed
- Rate and timeline confirmed: $250/hr
- Go/no-go decision
Proposal
Days 3–5
Written Proposal & Agreement
We send a written proposal: a clear list of deliverables, a fixed price (based on estimated hours at $250/hr), payment milestones, and a production timeline. You review, approve, and sign.
40% due at signing. 40% at prototype approval. 20% at final delivery.
Outputs
- Fixed-price proposal document
- Itemized deliverable list
- Payment milestone schedule (40/40/20)
- Production calendar
Production
Varies by project
We Build
Work begins. You get regular updates at defined checkpoints — not radio silence. For web projects, you see a live preview. For photo/video, you get a review edit. We build in feedback rounds from the start.
Rush timelines available at 1.5x rate. Always ask — we often have availability.
Outputs
- Progress updates at each milestone
- Live preview or rough cut review
- 2 revision rounds included
- Client portal or shared drive access
Delivery
Project end
Final Delivery & Handoff
Final files, deployed site, or master video are delivered. Web projects go live on your domain. Brand packages ship as organized ZIP with every format. Video masters delivered in ProRes + H.264 web optimized.
Final 20% payment due at delivery. Files released on receipt.
Outputs
- All source files and masters
- Web deploy to your domain (for web projects)
- Brand guidelines PDF (for brand projects)
- 30-day post-launch support window
Ongoing
Optional
Retainer & Ongoing Work
Many clients move to a monthly retainer after their first project. This locks in your rate, gets you priority scheduling, and gives you a dedicated creative resource without managing new scopes each time.
Retainers start at 8 hours/month ($2,000). No contract — month to month.
Outputs
- Priority scheduling guaranteed
- $250/hr locked rate
- Monthly creative hours block
- No minimum commitment
Questions
Common Questions.
How quickly can you start?
Typically within 1–2 weeks of signed agreement, depending on current project load. Rush starts are often possible — ask.
Do you require a contract?
Yes — a simple project agreement that protects both parties. It's straightforward: scope, deliverables, payment, rights. No 40-page legal documents.
What if I need changes after delivery?
The 30-day support window covers bug fixes and minor adjustments. Significant new features or scope changes are billed at $250/hr as a new engagement.
Can I see examples first?
Yes — visit fourak.com/work for case studies. You can also request specific examples relevant to your industry on the scope call.
Do you work remotely?
All web, graphics, and consulting work is remote-first. Photography and video require presence at your location — we cover the full state of Alaska and will travel for the right project.
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
Four disciplines. One studio. Precision media and digital systems engineered for Alaska's most demanding brands.