What is the graphic design process? | David Airey, graphic designer

What is the graphic design process?

Published on October 9th, 2006 Leave your thoughts »

A good graphic design process is structured around ensuring the client gets the highest quality solution and service appropriate to their business, marketing or communication problem. There are four major steps involved in graphic design.

1. Briefing
2. Design
3. Artwork
4. Production

While the detail below explains the steps involved in the graphic design process, your graphic designer will tailor his / her processes to suit your requirements. For instance, you may choose to brief your designer in detail at a later stage, after you have provided the signed off text. The process that best meets your needs can be discussed with your designer.

1. Briefing

The briefing stage may consist of either or both of the following:

• Initial informal discussions between you, the client, and your designer – covering project objectives, timing and budget.
• Formal meetings to discuss your project in detail and clarify any technical issues including budget, timetable and corporate identity guidelines.

2. Design

Development

• The designer reviews the brief, background material and identity standards to ensure understanding of the project context and your corporate requirements.
• The designer develops the draft concepts and preliminary designs and selects the most appropriate options for further development.

Presentation

• The designer presents visual solutions and explains design decisions.
• Together you will evaluate the visual presentation against the brief.

Refinement

• Following your review and feedback, the designer amends the material as required and, if necessary, presents you with new design(s).

3. Artwork

• Your designer prepares the artwork files and provides a proof (email or hardcopy).
• You either approve the artwork by signing the proof, or mark-up changes you’d like to make.
• A further proof is provided if required.
• Any “author’s corrections” (client requested changes to content already provided which may include additional charges: these should be detailed in any quote conditions provided with your initial quote).

4. Production

The designer forwards the artwork to a commercial printer.

• The designer views the printer’s proof and passes the proof on to the client for approval.
• In some cases, the designer can conduct a “press check” of the printed sample while the job is running on the printing press.

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