I want to get start on your project. Most of my other projects are to create a word press theme for their site. Users want a site that look a certain way that they custom over time, to keep the site looking new, without have a design to come to help them.
My process is different then most. I pay by the week so that you get all details that you want. Most designers have a flat rate, what limits the the amount of revision they offer for a template. I do not find that fair to anyone involved. I want to make sure my customers are completely happy with their site then I am done with their theme.