Five Steps To Successful Design

What is a Graphic Design Process? In a nutshell it’s creative problem-solving. Businesses big or small need to ensure that the words they want their potential clients to read, are perfectly matched with the right images and that’s where I use my skills to help. It’s my job to make sure the intended message is communicated in the most effective way, whether that is via a logo, business card or social media post. Brand consistency is absolutely key for a business to be successful and I want to share the steps I take to help clients achieve just that.

1 – A COFFEE, A CHAT AND A DACHSHUND

All graphic design projects are started by thoroughly discussing the details with the client. This is usually done over a zoom call with myself and Snoopy the Dachshund (he always likes to be involved and say hello to new people), and this is where I can start to establish the specific requirements of the client. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about my client, their vision for the business and start building the foundations for a great working relationship.

2 – RESEARCH AND INSPIRATION

Client input is such a crucial factor to making the project a success. I enjoy listening to the story behind their ideas, why they started their business and where they see it going in the future. From this initial chat I take down a lot of notes and ask the client for any inspiring photos they may have gathered that they like so I can begin the research and inspiration process.

3 – DESIGN TIME!

It’s time to start designing/sketching down some ideas. Some get scrapped and some progress to the next stage of being refined and explored further to present to the client as draft designs. I always aim to have a handful of rough designs/sketches that I can present to the client over a zoom call and explain my thinking behind each idea, get feedback and pick out the strongest and most favoured concepts.

4 – THE 10 / 50 / 99 CHECKPOINTS

There are crucial moments throughout the project where I like to check-in with my clients to make sure that they are happy with the direction in which the project is heading. It’s important that the client feels like they are always involved with the project and makes room for any feedback to be given and implemented if necessary. Here are very brief summaries of what each checkpoint involves:

10%

This is where the most discussions take place in the project. Two to three ideas that I have sketched out or quickly designed are reviewed, discussed and then the client’s favourite is developed towards a more solid outline of the final design. It’s at this point that feedback is given from the client on the vision and direction that the project is heading towards.

50%

At this stage of the project, we have a final logo chosen by the client and any final amends to the logo are implemented and sent back for final sign-off. Once the logo has been approved, additional designs such as brand guidelines, print and digital assets are now being put together, making sure the consistency of the final logo is consistent.

99%

Ready for lift-off! Now all the designs are ready to be sent to the client for a final review before finalising the project. If there are any minor tweaks to be made to any of the designs, these are actioned and then exported into various file formats.

5 – VOILA!

Woop woop! The project is now complete and can be finalised by collating all the final files and putting them into action. All files in various formats are sent over the client and if necessary, some of the files are sent directly to the client’s preferred printer. I like to have a brief chat with the client and ask for feedback on how they felt the design process went and if they think anything could be improved or tweaked, so I can make sure my way of working is always effective and an enjoyable experience for prospective clients. Finally, I kindly ask the client to leave a Google Business review on my profile that I can also display on my website and social channels.

Hopefully this post gives you an insight into the way I work on a design project and the steps involved to reach an outcome for clients that they are proud of and most importantly, excited about. If you would like to know more then please get in touch!