The Design Process

My design process outlines the basic steps I go through while working on a project. It fairly straightforward but I outline it here to give clients a better idea of what to expect and how a project goes through the various stages – from design brief to finished product.

Design Brief

The design brief is the first step in the process and ensures that the goals, expectations and timelines for the project are clearly defined. I give out a design questionnaire to clients before the project is started which outlines things such as company profile, target audience and competitors, aesthetic preferences, and any other background information that might be relevant to the project.

Research, Brainstorming and Sketching

The next step is to research the necessary material from the brief (company background, competitors, target audience, etc) and begin brainstorming potential concepts and preliminary sketches for the design work. I try to sketch up as many ideas as possible before bringing my work to the computer for refinement – most of the ideas do not make it past the sketch pad but is important to try all possibilities that come to mind to ensure the most effective solution.

Refinement and Production

The next step is to take the best design concepts from my sketches and begin transferring them to the computer. For logo design I usually present 2-3 concepts (in both color and black and white) depending on how many successful solutions I find from the sketching and brainstorming process.

Presentation and Review

I will present the options for review along with explanations about the concept and ideas behind the design. Based upon the feedback I will then finalize the design or revise as needed.

Production of Final Artwork and Files

Once the revisions are made and a final design is agreed upon it is packaged up and sent to the client or printer for production. For logo design I create all the final files in both color and black and white and in both vector and jpeg formats (any of the final artwork files are available upon request if there is another particular format needed). I also make sure all print jobs are seen through to the end and assist clients through the printing process (checking printer proofs, helping with paper selection, etc).