5 Crucial Steps of Graphic Design Process
Every vocation has some established steps that must be followed by the practitioners. Graphic design is no different. To complete a high-quality design project according to the specifications of a client is no easy feat. And this is why it is vital for you as a creative professional to structure your approach as it helps you to manage time more efficiently. This is one of the secrets of maestros in this field; you will do well to learn and master them. And so, here are five crucial steps of the graphic design process that you must imbibe and follow:
1. Garner A Lot of Information
Before you even put pen to paper – or boot up your computer – you need to have a full grasp of what your client needs. Your client has some requirements that you must meet for the project to be a successful one. The best way to know what your client has in mind for this project is to have a face-to-face meeting with them, especially if they live within the same geographical area you live in. But if this is not the case, you can schedule a Skype call to that effect. Such a meeting will enable you to ask any project-related puzzling questions or clarifications so that you can receive your answers in real-time. You need to know their objectives or goals for the project, as well as any other long-term plan they may have in mind in connection with the project. You can either record the session with a tape recorder or a recording app on your smartphone or by taking notes by hand.
2. Perform Lots of Research
So, now that you have a crystal-clear picture of what your client was to achieve with the project when it is completed, the next step is to carry out in-depth research in connection with the following:
- Designs, textures, and colors
- Market trends
- Service or product evaluation
- Competitors, etc.
Research usually takes a lot of time as it requires a lot of effort, time, and brainstorming. But it is always well worth it at the end.
3. Create a Plan
Create a schedule: list every important step that will serve as support towards accomplishing your design objective. Take a look at the outcome of your in-depth research, and then start creating or building a step-by-step plan. Remember to get the approval of your client every step of the way. That means you need to keep your client apprised of every step you take towards meeting their design requirements. This will enable you to save a lot of time in the future in case the client disapproves of a particular concept.
4. Develop Design Concepts
This is where you start developing your design ideas or concepts based on your previously -developed plan. This is also where your creativity revs up and kicks in, and allow your mind to have free reign as a designer. Many creative professionals have stated that this is usually the best – and most exciting – part of any graphic design project.
The following can also serve as pointers or tips to follow:
- Formulate a couple of drafts or more
- Sift through the selections and select the ones that look more promising
- Find out why you have decided to retain these drafts. You may have to go back to that recorded session you had with the client to glean more information to back up your choices
- Get in touch with the customer for further evaluation
- Make necessary adjustments – if suggested by your client – and make your final selection
5. Production and Completion
When you – and your client – have agreed on the final design, you can go ahead and start production. Once again, make sure you always bring your client up to speed as you work on the project. This will enable you to avoid or correct any errors or misconceptions.
Conclusion
There is a lot of work involved when it comes to graphic design processes, and it is embedded in these five crucial steps. Nevertheless, these steps, if followed, will establish a correct – and consistent – flow of your efforts towards an outcome that you and your client will deeply appreciate.
