Timelines and Lead Time Expectations

Standard project requests must be submitted a minimum of four weeks before the desired launch or delivery date. Earlier submission is strongly encouraged for complex or high-volume projects, such as campaigns, multi-phase initiatives, and work involving photo/video shoots or multiple marketing channels. (See example timelines below to help assess your project’s lead time needs.)

NOTE: These timelines reflect OMC’s internal production schedule and do not include additional execution steps such as printing, mailing, or video editing. OMC is happy to consult on both internal workflows and external vendor timelines at the outset of a project. It is the responsibility of the requesting unit to account for these factors when setting a final deadline. Requests submitted with insufficient lead time or during periods of high demand may be delayed or declined based on project requirements, team capacity, and/or existing commitments.

Example Timelines for New Projects

To help set realistic expectations and ensure on-time delivery, here are general lead time guidelines for common project types. We strongly recommend submitting requests as early as possible—particularly for complex or high-visibility projects.

Standard Print Materials (e.g., flyers, postcards, posters)
Allow 3–4 weeks. This includes content edits, design, proofing, and vendor production.

Specialty Collateral (e.g., banners, signage, branded merchandise)
Allow 4–6 weeks. Timelines vary based on vendor availability, production methods, and item complexity.

Brochures and Small Booklets (up to ~12 pages)
Allow 5–8 weeks. These materials require additional time for content development, layout, proofing, and printing.

Multi-Channel Campaigns (e.g., web, social, print, digital ads)
Allow 8–12 weeks. Integrated campaigns involve strategy, messaging, asset creation, and coordination across multiple platforms and vendors.

Website Builds or Major Web Updates
Allow 3–6 months. Timing depends on content readiness, site architecture, technical needs, and stakeholder responsiveness.

Magazine or Long-Form Publications
Allow 6–10 months. These projects are content-heavy and involve coordination among contractors, freelance writers, photographers, and/or designers. The timeline includes writing, editing, photo shoots, layout, proofing, and production. Content development and multi-stage approvals are typically the most time-consuming phases.

Photography and Videography Projects
Allow 6–8 weeks for simple requests and up to 12+ months for campaign-level or documentary-style productions. Complex projects may include location scouting, scheduling across departments, off-campus venues, scripting, production, and editing—along with reviews and integrations into broader campaigns.

Logos
Standard university-format logos (customized with your college, center, department, etc.) require 2 weeks for delivery. Custom logo development is approved only under exceptional circumstances by the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Brand identity development—including naming, logo design, positioning, and supporting assets—requires 6–12 months, depending on project scope, brief clarity, review cadence, and the number of iterations involved.

Signage and Environmental Graphics
Allow 6 months to 2 years from request to installation. These projects require extensive in-person assessments, concept development, architectural and facilities coordination, materials sourcing, complex production methods, and expert installation sometimes requiring rental of specialty equipment. Timelines vary based on project scope, clarity of the brief, campus infrastructure needs, supply chain variables, and installation constraints.