The Design Process every client should know

When designing, there are many different routes a designer can take. But the design process, stays the same. If a designer follows their own process consistently, then everything should run smoothly.

Sometimes ideas do not flow as easily as one may think. Designers are constantly looking for inspiration for their work in everyday life. For me personally, if I get stuck and just can’t decide how to start a design, I look for inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, when I am out and about and listen to the client’s needs.

To start any design, I like to brainstorm. Whether that is starting the ‘old fashioned way’ way and taking to pen and paper, or using digital software to help sketch multiple ideas. Sketching out my thoughts helps me to establish how different designs could look. For example, if I have a logo design in my head and I think it would look great, if I sketch it out first, I can rule out anything that doesn’t work. Sometimes designs look great in my head, but not in real life. That is why this first initial step is a crucial moment in my design process.

If the client already established the colours they want to use and are set on them (and they work well) great! But as a designer, most if the time you will have to create colour palettes. See my previous blog on how to create the perfect colour palette! You can then start imputing colours into your designs. For example, when designing a poster, I play around with colour, typography, layout and graphics. This can be the most time-consuming part of the design but the most crucial. If the typography and layouts aren’t maximised, it can change the whole dynamic of a poster. So, a substantial amount of time is needed to be spent on this part.

Depending on the designer and their contracts. A client may have up to 3 revisions. Once a designer has a few ideas, the ideas can be sent back to the client for them to pick their favourite one. Once it has been picked, you can further develop this one design. From here, if we are using the standard of 3 revisions, the design can be sent back to the client and they can tweak any detail they like or dislike. This can be done up to 3 times. Any more than this then some graphic designers may charge more.

Once the final design has been completed, it can be sent back to the client and once they confirm they are happy, then the correct file formats will be sent to them. Mock-ups can be created with your logo/design, these can either be included in the initial price, or as an additional expense. Mock-ups are essential for marketing when it comes to posting on social media platforms, as they can make a business look more professional. So I would highly recommend requesting them.