The advantage of the graphic design process
There are steps of the graphic design process to follow that will help you achieve the best results. Rather than jumping straight into design when you get a new project, you can save time and energy by first researching the topic and understanding exactly what your client needs.
Then you can start finalizing your content. It will start with simple sketches and brainstorming, followed by several rounds of design approvals.
If you take the right approach to your graphic design work, you and your clients will be happier with the final product. Let’s walk through each step in the design process.
Collect information
Before starting a project, you must, of course, know what your client needs. In the graphic design process, gathering information is the first step. When approached for a new job, set up a meeting and ask a series of questions about the scope of the job.
Aside from the exact product your client needs (for example, a logo or a website), ask questions like:
Who is the audience?
What is the message?
How many pages is the piece?
What are the dimensions?
Is there a specific budget?
Is there a deadline for completion?
Would the client be able to provide examples of their favourite designs?
Is there an existing corporate brand that matches?
Take detailed notes, which you can refer to throughout the process.
Create an overview
Using the information gathered in your meeting, you will be able to develop an overview of the content and purpose of the project.
For a website, including all the main sections and the content for each.
Also include the dimensions and technical specifications for print or web work.
Present this shape to your client and ask for any changes. Once you’ve agreed on what the piece will look like and have received approval of the project’s details, you can proceed to the next step.
Note: at this time, you will also present a proposal to your client. This will include the work’s cost and timeframe and other ‘business’ details. Rather than discuss it here, we focus strictly on the design aspect of the project.
Improve your creativity!
Design must be creative! Before moving on to the design itself (don’t worry, that’s next), spend some time thinking about creative solutions for the project.
You can use the client’s examples of favourite work as guidelines for what they like and don’t like, but your goal should be to make something new and different that will set them apart from the rest (unless they are specifically asked to fit in ).
You can stimulate your creativity by:
Brainstorm: Get together with a group and throw out any ideas.
Visit a museum: Be inspired by the original.
Read a book: Something as small as a colour or shape in a graphic design book can spark a completely original idea.
Walk: Sometimes it’s better to go outside and see the world because you never know what will spark your imagination.
Drawing: Even if you’re not an “artist,” slap some ideas on a page.
Thinking about the project, it’s time to create a structured layout.
Sketches and wireframes
Before turning to a software program like Illustrator or InDesign, it’s helpful to make some simple sketches of the layout of a piece. You can show your basic ideas to your client without spending too much time on design.
Find out if you’re headed in the right direction by providing logo desing services quick sketches of logo concepts, line drawings of layouts showing where elements are placed on the page, or even a quick hand-drawn rendering of a package design. Wireframes are a great way to start your page layouts for web design.
Design multiple versions
Now that you’ve done your research, finalized your content, and gotten approval on certain sketches, you can move on to the actual design phases.
While you can turn out the final design in one shot, it’s usually a good idea to present your client with at least two versions of a design. This gives them a few options and allows you to combine their favourite elements.
When writing and negotiating your proposal, you can often agree on how many unique versions to include in your work. Too many options will lead to unnecessary work and overwhelm the customer, ultimately frustrating you. It is best to limit it to two or three unique designs.
Tip: Make sure you DO NOT present the versions or ideas you choose in time (including ones you might not even want). You never know when it will come in handy, and the idea could be useful for future projects.
amendments
Make sure your clients know you encourage mixing and matching their designs. They may keep the background colour on one design and the font choices on another.
From their suggestions, you can present the second design draft. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion on what looks best. After all, you are the designer!
After this second round, it is not unusual to have a few changes before a final design is reached.
Stick to the steps
If you follow these steps, you must complete each before moving on to the next.
If you do solid research, you know you can create an accurate outline. With an accurate outline, you have the necessary information to outline ideas. With these ideas approved, you can proceed to create the actual design, which, once revised, will be your final piece.
It’s much better than having a customer say, “Where’s the logo?” after the work is done!
