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Design Process
When starting a new design project, there is numerous steps of the graphic design process to follow that will help both the client and the designer to achieve the best results. This process is summarized into 4 steps and are structured to ensure the client gets the highest quality solution and service appropriate to their business, marketing or communication problem.
Briefing
Design
Artwork
Production
Briefing
The first step is the brief and this intails meeting with the client to discuss the project in detail and clarify any technical issues including timetable, budget and corporate identity guidelines.
The client will be asked numerous questions to ensure that necessary data is obtained to meet the client needs. Questions about the target market, dimensions, examples of design the client prefers, existing corporate branding that needs to be matched to the new design piece and what is the message they would like to convey.
Using the information collected in your meeting I will be able to develop an outline of the content and goal of the project, which shall be presented to your client for approval before proceeding. For a website, include all of the major sections and the content for each page. Include the dimensions and technical specifications for any print work as well. Present this outline to your client, and ask for any changes. Once this is finalized and both the designer and client are in agreement on what the piece will include, the designer shall proceed to the next step of the graphic design process.
Design
Before any design is undertaken the designer needs to review the brief, background material, identity standards and collected research to ensure understanding of the project context and the corporate requirements.
Then the designer develops the draft concepts and preliminary designs and selects the most appropriate options for further development. The goal of the designer should be to come up with something new and different that will separate the clients business from it's competitors.
Once drafts are created the designer then moves the concept into a software program and creates different versions in which to show the client. Usually three versions are created and presented. Together the designer and the client evaluate the visual presentation against the brief.
Following the clients review and feedback, the designer amends the material as required and, if necessary, presents an updated version of
the design.
Artwork
Once the design has been approved, the designer prepares the artwork files and provides a proof, either via email or on a hardcopy. The client then signs of the artwork or authors any changes that may need to be made or updated.
Production
Depending on the type of job, print based or web based, the designer will sometimes handle issues such as printing and web hosting, but in some cases the client may prefer to handle this themselves.