Typically, when I design a brochure or newsletter, or anything else - text is provided to me as word files with some formatting to show me where the titles or main points are. Any available artwork is also emailed - photographs, existing logo, etc. If you don't have photographs, there are a number of royalty-free stock photography sites, but keep in mind you might very well see the same picture somewhere else.

I prefer to work in InDesign, but also work in Quark. For my regular clients, work is usually created for a brochure or newsletter based on something designed earlier. Fonts, styles, and artwork are carried through for consistency. However, for new clients, I provide initial comprehensives to see if I'm close to solving the project. It's a very important stage in the process because I have to learn what your market is and also your service or product. I'm sure you have a budget in mind - so I have to also consider size and mailing requirements.

Pdf files are provided by me for initial feedback. Comments and direction can also be made in the pdf files with Adobe Reader by you and sent back to me. The next stage is usually refinement of one of the comprehensives. Then we'll probably have a couple of rounds for the proofing stage. Finally, after you've approved, I'll provide a high-resolution pdf file or the InDesign files to your printer - or - I can recommend a printer.