How to Submit a Creative Ad Design Request in the Customer Portal

Utilizing City Lifestyle's creative design services ensures that clients will receive professional, high-quality designs that are tailored to their specific needs. Our design team has the expertise to craft visually compelling ads that meet industry standards and are on brand, saving clients the time and effort of doing it themselves. Additionally, working with our team ensures that the ad is aligned with the publication's specifications, avoiding any potential formatting or design issues that could delay production. 

Creative Design Requests should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the first ad deadline. This ensures that clients have ample time to review proofs and request revisions from the design team. Designers need sufficient time to make necessary changes and can provide up to six proofs. The client must have the ad fully approved by the final deadline to meet production deadlines.

1. Log in to your customer portal via https://citylifestyle.com using your credentials.
2. In the menu located on the left side of the page, click the “Ads” tab.
3. To submit a creative request for the next upcoming issue, click the gray + icon under the “Ads by Issue” tab.
   1. If you are working ahead of schedule, find the insertion by the month you want to submit the creative design request.
4. Under “Ad Options”, design services will be under the “Create an Ad” section found on the right. Click “Select” under “Let Us Create Your Ad”.
5. Select what the Goal of your Ad is.  The section allows only one option to be chosen, to align with your Marketing Objectives.
6. Section 1 - Select Template: Use the category filters on the left side of the page to narrow down your options.
7. Select the template you would like to use.  Only one template can be chosen.
8. Section 2 - Ad Copy: This section is for your final ad text. Only content entered in the copy fields will be included in the advertisement.

Include all text that should appear in the ad, such as headlines, service or product descriptions, testimonials, and key messaging. Do not include design notes or instructions. All text entered here will be copied directly into the ad and formatted by the designer. 

9. Business Details: Add your business website, address, and phone number. This will also be entered into the ad.
10. Click Next Step
11. Section 3 - Add Images: Add Images, Files, or Your Ad Inspiration: Upload all files you want included in your ad or referenced by the designer. This may include (but is not limited to) logos, high-resolution images such as main visuals or headshots, QR codes, and font files. 
12. Click Next Step
13. Section 4 - Customization Notes: Include any other information about your ad needs that you think would be helpful. This section pulls your contact details directly from your account profile. It includes your main contact details, Website, Phone number, Address, and additional contact information such as your social media tag handle. You can fill in any areas that are blank or need editing. Details changed here will not update what we have on file for you, so be sure to inform your publisher of any updates needed so it can be pre-filled correctly next time.
14. The blank box at the bottom of the page is for your customization notes. Type any notes to the designer to ensure that your ad reflects your vision, highlights your key messages, and meets your expectations. Clear and detailed notes help the designer understand your preferences, avoid miscommunication, and deliver an ad that aligns with your goals.
15. Click Next
16. Step 5 - Additional Uploads: Here is where the client can upload any additional files or images to support the Ad. You will have the option to upload additional images from your files or select an image from Adobe Stock.
    1. You may also upload inspiration images to help guide the design. These are used strictly as a visual reference so the design team can better understand the style and direction you envision for your ad. Please note that designers cannot pull elements or copy directly from inspiration images—they are used for inspiration purposes only.
17. (Optional) Selecting an image from Adobe Stock:
    1. Search for an image using a related description of what you’re looking for. 
    2. Click on the image you want to use in your ad
    3. Copy the file number
    4. Paste the file number in the customer portal design request
    5. Click Submit
    6. Next to each file, there will be a section to label the file with a small note for reference, though detailed descriptions should be added in the “Customization Notes” field. 
18. When you are satisfied with what you have provided in your request, select the Green Review button at the bottom of the screen.
19. Review your Creative Ad Request to ensure all information is accurate, all images are uploaded, and everything is ready for the design team’s review.
    1. Important Note: The system does not allow for saved drafts, so all creative design request submissions must be fully completed in one entry. Ensure that all required fields are thoroughly filled out with accurate details before submitting. Any partial or incomplete submissions will be rejected, and the design process will not begin until all necessary materials are provided correctly.

Best Practices for Providing Designer Notes: 

• Be Specific: Clearly describe what you want. Vague comments like "make it pop" can be interpreted in different ways. Instead, say something like, "Please use bold colors for the headline to make it stand out." 
• Organize Notes by Sections: If your ad has multiple sections (headline, body text, images), break your notes into categories. This helps the designer follow each element without missing details. 
• Use Bullet Points or Numbered Lists: This makes it easier for the designer to follow your notes and check them off as they complete your requests.
• Design Services include designer access to Adobe & Google fonts. If the brand font is not available through those, the designer will attempt to match the font and will need the font file provided.

Examples of Effective Designer Notes:

• "Please use the brand colors (blue and gold) for the background, and keep the text in white for better readability." If you say blue without providing a reference image, the designer may not know what shade of blue you have in mind, so be as descriptive in the details or if possible, provide specific Hex color codes for best results.
• "Feature the '20% off' promotion prominently at the top in a larger, bold Arial Black Font."
• "Use the attached logo labeled the main logo in the bottom right corner and ensure it's sized consistently with the other elements."
• “Make the background image 30% transparent with a dark tint filter, reference photo labeled background inspiration.”