The Design Process – Graphic Design

Graphic designers have different ways of working, and their clients are all different too. As a designer who loves to help people achieve their goals, it is important to me to learn about the businesses and individuals that come to me for my creative services. Usually, there is a problem that needs to be solved creatively, perhaps a business goal that isn’t being met at the moment or a target audience that they are struggling to reach effectively. The start of the design process is about getting to the root of the problem, before figuring out how to solve it. Sometimes the solution is clear and the process is quick, sometimes it can take more research and communication to get there.

Being naturally introverted, I know that it might feel intimidating to work with someone new, and creative projects might seem overwhelming for those not familiar with the process. Without proper structure and limitations to creative projects, there are potentially limitless outcomes but ‘limitless’ might not reflect how much time and money you want to spend on a project! I create boundaries for design projects and the creative outcomes based on information you provide so that you can efficiently get results that work without going over budget or missing deadlines. I also provide the option for an introvert-friendly service, if you prefer to do most of your communication asynchronously rather than in face-to-face meetings. Video calls or phone calls can also be easily arranged, and are a good way to discuss options if you have a complicated project brief.

Design Brief

Before starting, it is useful if you have a design brief prepared. You can contact me to get a link to a Design Brief Form. The form I will send you is a simple and convenient way to provide your information online and attach any relevant assets, but I am also happy to arrange a call to go through the form together if that would be easier for you.

After completing the form, you will have access to it in your personal client portal. This is where all forms and documents for our projects are stored. You will be able to refer to the portal any time to see information on our past and current projects.

If you would rather prepare your own design brief document, check out my blog post on how to write an effective design brief. You can attach your brief to the Design Brief Form, or send it in an email.

Proposal

When I have all the relevant information for the project, I take time to analyse all the information and assets provided. This is where I try to identify what the ‘problem’ is that needs to be solved creatively, and how I can best help you with this. The Proposal presentation shows potential solutions, as well as a cost and time estimate, and a contract of terms for working together.

The proposed timeline is based on the deadlines given, and realistic estimates for:

• Research and idea generation
• Creative design work and development
• Potential revisions
• Finalisation of the artwork and presentation in the appropriate formats
• Communication time between client and designer
• Assessment and approvals at each stage of design

If you are happy with the proposal, you will usually have to pay a deposit for work to begin. Before signing the agreement and paying the deposit, please make sure that you agree with the terms, the goals of the project and expected deliverables outlined in the proposal.

Research & Concept Design

Next, the real fun stuff begins!

I will do the relevant research into your niche, market, and target audience. It is useful for me to get a better understanding of what your competitors are doing, discover relevant trends and related content, how your business can differentiate etc. I will then be able to create concepts based on the design brief that are appropriate for the purpose, but stand out against the competition and do not infringe on any copyrights.

Concepts may begin life as brainstorms, sketches and notes, later being developed with digital design software or other artworking tools depending on the required outcome. A few concepts that I think would be most suitable for your specific goals will be selected and presented to you.

Your feedback is helpful at this stage to assess whether the suggested concepts are appropriate for your market and audience. You will need to provide approval for the main concept. This concept will determine the next stages of design.

Design Development

With the concepts locked down, I will then develop draft designs. Drafts will be refined, and there may be further revision stages depending on the terms we agreed on at the beginning of the project. For each revision, you will see a presentation of the designs. I can use my creative discretion or provide advice if you are not sure about how to proceed, but approval at each stage will still be needed. It is important so that everyone involved knows that they are on the same page and going in the right direction.

Presentations of the drafts may show how the design will look in real life use. Usually explanations are given for why designs were made a certain way, what they symbolise, and how they help you achieve the goals stated in the design brief.

You may wish to discuss the design in more detail, or make more considerable changes. For this, you can arrange a call or meeting to discuss. Written approval will still be needed – this can be done by signing the presentation form, or an email confirming approval of the designs with any changes clearly described. Visual examples of any changes are really helpful, for example moodboards, photos, or sketches.

Be aware that significant changes, or work outside the scope agreed at the start of the project, may incur additional charges. I will let you know if there is an extra charge before doing any additional work.

Finalisation

Almost done!

With the final artwork approved, you may receive an invoice for payment before release of the designs to you. I will prepare either the digital files, prints or other formats that were requested in the design brief.

I really hope you are happy with the outcomes! Your feedback is essential for making improvements, so you may get an email request for feedback or reviews some time after the project is complete. If you are happy with the outcomes, please make sure to leave a review, share with others and provide recommendations. This can really help independent creative workers continue to do the work that they do.

If there were any issues with the design, I hope to have a chance to address the issues. Please let me know! If it’s a mistake on my part, I’ll do my best to resolve the issue without additional costs to you.

It would be lovely to keep in touch, and I do like to check in with clients occasionally or send updates on my projects. Of course if you prefer not to get emails I will remove you from the mailing list.

I hope you feel more empowered going into a design project now! Is there anything that is still unclear or overwhelming? Is there anything that would make the process more accessible? I’d love to hear your thoughts and am happy to answer any questions you may have about design processes in general, or about specific projects you have in mind. Leave a comment or send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you and creating something good together.

Read Next:

☞ How to Write An Effective Design Brief

☞ Is a Brand Package Best for Your Business?

☞ Alex Makes / Novel Notes