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The step-by-step Graphic Design Process that Delivers Results

We should all agree that graphic design is in high demand in most businesses. However, do we really appreciate the value of graphic design in the workplace? Think again if you think the brand would survive without persuasive communications. In one way or another, you’ll need to visually communicate your product or service’s features, benefits, and differentiators to your target prospects and clients.

Using well-thought-out design in the right mediums will help you develop and enhance your brand in several ways. Working with your Graphic Designer in getting to the final artwork is critical and brands should understand the steps a Graphic Designer takes on this journey from brief to delivery. 

Discovery

Goal: The goal of the discovery phase of the graphic design process is to develop an overall goal for the project and to define the context for the work to be delivered.

The discovery process, also known as the analysis phase, is basically an information collection exercise that entails research into the client’s product, the client’s business, and the competitive environment in which the client operates. It’s important to analyse the client’s priorities and objectives during this process to produce the creative needed for a successful campaign.

Besides the establishing the type of content the client requires, it’s important to provide the design brief to the graphic designer.

The Design Brief

A design brief is an outline that focuses primarily on the business objectives, outcomes, and results of project design, rather than the actual design itself. The client is not responsible for creating the design (leave that part to the professionals at CF Communications). It’s the client’s responsibility to remain focused on their goals and provide direction to the graphic designer.

A good design brief template is like a map. Without it, you’re going to get lost. Writing a design brief for graphic designers requires attention to detail as you attempt to communicate the scope and goals of your project.

Design briefs are straightforward. The information you need to provide will give your graphic designer an intimate look into your business. As a rule of thumb, the more information you provide the better.

What does a design brief include?

  • Who your audience is.
  • The scope of the project.
  • The tone of the project.
  • Due dates.
  • How you intend on measuring the success of the project.
  • The problem you’re solving.
  • Your competition.
  • Aesthetic design ideas.
  • Any other relevant information about your business.
  • Your graphic design brief should give your graphic designer everything they need to hit the ground running.

Design

Goal: The goal of the design or production phase of the graphic design process is to create a market strategy.

This is the critical thinking phase of the design process. Leveraging all the information gathered in the previous phase it’s time for the graphic designer to begin to brainstorm and conceptualize a market strategy for you as the client. The graphic designer’s goal should be to develop some new and different concepts that will fulfil the client’s criteria and deliver their message in a way which sets them apart from the competition.

Once the graphic designer has 3 solid concepts it’s a good time to get the client involved again and involve them in the creative process. Concepts are presented and discusses with the client and the graphic designer will pay special attention to their feedback. It can be a huge time saver to get feedback from clients at this early stage to minimize on the number of revisions required later.

Development

Goal: The goal of the development phase of the graphic design process is the production and development of a final concept for the project which outlines the overall look and feel.

Now that the research has been completed, the graphic designer has finalized the content and received approval on a concept, the graphic designer can move on to the actual design phase of the graphic design process which culminates in the delivery of two or more final versions of the product.

Delivery

Goal: In the final delivery phase of the graphic design process the goal is to refine the final concepts to deliver the final product of the project.

If all goes well, the client will choose one of the final designs presented and the graphic designer can go ahead and finalize it for production and or publishing if required. It’s a good idea for the client and the graphic designer to discuss the final versions and allow the client to refine any elements with which they’re unsatisfied.

Once agreed upon, the final version will be prepared, packaged, and delivered to the client along with any final invoices.

If you need assistance with your next graphic design project, eliminate the guesswork by employing the services of an experienced graphic designer who can not only save you time and money, but deliver a polished communication solution to meet your needs and those of your marketplace. You’ll be glad you did.

CF Communications offers a full-process graphic design service, from concept to final artwork, from web to print that are truly tailored to meet your brand’s needs. We can create all the design and branding elements you need to provide your business with a professional and unique look and feel, saving you time and money, leaving you to do what you do best.

Find out more.

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