The Design Process Steps
Although every project is different regarding scope, style and industry, the design process itself tends to remain the fairly consistent.
In the simplest terms, it comes down to understanding the client’s needs through questions and research, creating and developing the concepts, finally discussing and expanding the design into all the forms the client may need to get up and running.
In the simplest terms, it comes down to understanding the client’s needs through questions and research, creating and developing the concepts, finally discussing and expanding the design into all the forms the client may need to get up and running.
Here we go.
Step 1 ~ The Consultation
The initial phase of the graphic design process begins best by meeting our client. As an artist and designer, we like to get a feel for the clients passion for their business. There is much to be gathered by watching a person's reactions while they speak.
However, we will go through this process in any way the client is most comfortable – be it over the phone, through a video platform, in person, using an online design questionnaire or simply via email.
Ultimately, the purpose of the consultation is to help the designer understand the project, the more they know, the better they can communicate through the initial design concepts.
~ Step 6 ~
Feedback & Consultation
We advise clients to at least spend a few days, to a week, with the initial concepts, although first impressions are always worth noting.
Print them out, stick them around the house or office and let the eye be drawn to them randomly, and naturally, as your customers will do when encountering the Brand... they see it randomly.
Get feedback from trusted friends and family, including any current employees who of course will understand the Brand through their involvement.
Even if there are mixed opinions, all are valid and provide direction that allows us to improve anything that may be needed.
After that, a meeting can be arranged, or feedback can be provided via email to move forwards.
Occasionally, we will have more questions at this stage to further extract detailed feedback from the client.
a. – Discuss Logo Concepts with Client
We will spend some time discussing the concepts with the customer to gauge feedback.
The discussion may take no time at all, if the client has found one of the concepts to be perfect, to several hours if they have any uncertainties or questions that need clarifying.
It is all part of a professional graphic design process!
b. – Discuss Potential Developments the Client would like to see
Development varies considerably between projects, but overall, it is easier to develop the aesthetic side as supposed to the conceptual.
Aspects such as an alternate color scheme or typeface can change the ‘look’, but the significance or meaning behind a logo is much harder to modify.
~ Step 7 ~
Concept Developments
Based on the feedback and discussion with the client, we will look into developing and tweaking a chosen concept.
This may be minor changes to the color scheme, looking at different layouts, or presenting some alternative typefaces for consideration.
In almost every case, one concept will be perfect for the client, but on occasion, we have had to go down two chosen routes where a client simply cannot decide.
Usually, at this point, only one or two development cycles are needed, as it comes down to a color or style element.
~ Step 8 ~
Completed Graphic Design Presentation
Similar to the initial concepts presentation, this stage involves a more focused approach, where one concept has been
fully decided on.
~ Step 9 ~
Expansion to Brand Collateral
Once the final logo design has been signed off, providing that is not the end of the project based on the client’s needs.
This on the other hand is geared towards the branding package of our services.
We can move to expand the logo onto the further branding process steps.
As mentioned before, a typical example is the company stationery.
Everything from the letterheads to the business cards or marketing materials can be created with this branding service.
a. – Create Branded Stationery based on the Final Logo Design
Based on the physical location of the client, consideration has to be made of the local stationery dimensions.
A letterhead to a UK printer is very much different to that of a US-based printer.
We have created several templates that suit the global location of the customer, so it is just a case of working build the specific layouts.
b. – Expand the Branding onto Social Media Elements
From the social network profile images to the banners and headers, current dimensions are used to ensure everything looks perfect for the big reveal of the new Brand Identity to the world.
c. – Provide any Further Brand Collateral Required
This step in the Graphic Design process is always individual to the client, as not every business would need
external signage for example.
If you run a gym, you may need to be Branded with uniforms, or if you own a restaurant, menus and/or marketing
materials may be needed.
~ Step 10 ~
Final Files, Delivery & Support
The standard files consist of: .AI (for future editing if desired), .EPS / .PDF (for printing), .JPEG (for viewing) and .PNG (with a transparent background for web use).
The Vector file formats allow for the maximum range of output because you can scale the size without a loss of quality or sharpness.
This means that the same logo design that looks great on a business card will also look perfect on a billboard.
a. – Export all Final Files and Organize
The final files for a project will be neatly arranged so that the files are clear where they are to be used.
All the appropriate formats and layouts are included, along with monotone black and white versions for varied usage backgrounds.
If there is any ‘layout’ design, such as brochures or marketing flyers, files will be packaged in InDesign to include the images and fonts used, where applicable.
b. – Create Brand Guidelines Document
Brand Guidelines are just the ‘rues’ of how the Brand is to be presented to the world.
They can be passed along to a web developer who can see the exact color values quickly to be used on the website,
and what fonts are to be utilized in the content.
Similarly, these guidelines can be sent to a printer to ensure maximum accuracy when the documents are printed, through Pantone color values.
c. – Send ZIP to Client and Archive in Dropbox
Everything is zipped up and emailed to the customer, CC’ing any additional employees that may need access to the original files.
d. – Ensure Client Understands all Final Files and give Usage Instructions
We want to make sure the client knows how to use the designs they have paid us for, so we are on hand to provide immediate assistance or to answer any questions they may have, at any point in the future.
Further notes on Our Logo Design Process Steps for Branding Clients
As mentioned above, every project is truly different, that is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a Branding Agency.
Therefore, not every project will pass through every step above, instead of skipping anything that the client
may not have the budget for.
For example, if they are just looking for a professional logo design for their startup, it may not be sensible to allocate significant budget into further Branding process steps.
They may have already completed market research themselves, so that can be passed along to us, which means we can proceed to the next stage with the work already done.
Step 1 ~ The Consultation
The initial phase of the graphic design process begins best by meeting our client. As an artist and designer, we like to get a feel for the clients passion for their business. There is much to be gathered by watching a person's reactions while they speak.
However, we will go through this process in any way the client is most comfortable – be it over the phone, through a video platform, in person, using an online design questionnaire or simply via email.
Ultimately, the purpose of the consultation is to help the designer understand the project, the more they know, the better they can communicate through the initial design concepts.
~ Step 6 ~
Feedback & Consultation
We advise clients to at least spend a few days, to a week, with the initial concepts, although first impressions are always worth noting.
Print them out, stick them around the house or office and let the eye be drawn to them randomly, and naturally, as your customers will do when encountering the Brand... they see it randomly.
Get feedback from trusted friends and family, including any current employees who of course will understand the Brand through their involvement.
Even if there are mixed opinions, all are valid and provide direction that allows us to improve anything that may be needed.
After that, a meeting can be arranged, or feedback can be provided via email to move forwards.
Occasionally, we will have more questions at this stage to further extract detailed feedback from the client.
a. – Discuss Logo Concepts with Client
We will spend some time discussing the concepts with the customer to gauge feedback.
The discussion may take no time at all, if the client has found one of the concepts to be perfect, to several hours if they have any uncertainties or questions that need clarifying.
It is all part of a professional graphic design process!
b. – Discuss Potential Developments the Client would like to see
Development varies considerably between projects, but overall, it is easier to develop the aesthetic side as supposed to the conceptual.
Aspects such as an alternate color scheme or typeface can change the ‘look’, but the significance or meaning behind a logo is much harder to modify.
~ Step 7 ~
Concept Developments
Based on the feedback and discussion with the client, we will look into developing and tweaking a chosen concept.
This may be minor changes to the color scheme, looking at different layouts, or presenting some alternative typefaces for consideration.
In almost every case, one concept will be perfect for the client, but on occasion, we have had to go down two chosen routes where a client simply cannot decide.
Usually, at this point, only one or two development cycles are needed, as it comes down to a color or style element.
~ Step 8 ~
Completed Graphic Design Presentation
Similar to the initial concepts presentation, this stage involves a more focused approach, where one concept has been
fully decided on.
~ Step 9 ~
Expansion to Brand Collateral
Once the final logo design has been signed off, providing that is not the end of the project based on the client’s needs.
This on the other hand is geared towards the branding package of our services.
We can move to expand the logo onto the further branding process steps.
As mentioned before, a typical example is the company stationery.
Everything from the letterheads to the business cards or marketing materials can be created with this branding service.
a. – Create Branded Stationery based on the Final Logo Design
Based on the physical location of the client, consideration has to be made of the local stationery dimensions.
A letterhead to a UK printer is very much different to that of a US-based printer.
We have created several templates that suit the global location of the customer, so it is just a case of working build the specific layouts.
b. – Expand the Branding onto Social Media Elements
From the social network profile images to the banners and headers, current dimensions are used to ensure everything looks perfect for the big reveal of the new Brand Identity to the world.
c. – Provide any Further Brand Collateral Required
This step in the Graphic Design process is always individual to the client, as not every business would need
external signage for example.
If you run a gym, you may need to be Branded with uniforms, or if you own a restaurant, menus and/or marketing
materials may be needed.
~ Step 10 ~
Final Files, Delivery & Support
The standard files consist of: .AI (for future editing if desired), .EPS / .PDF (for printing), .JPEG (for viewing) and .PNG (with a transparent background for web use).
The Vector file formats allow for the maximum range of output because you can scale the size without a loss of quality or sharpness.
This means that the same logo design that looks great on a business card will also look perfect on a billboard.
a. – Export all Final Files and Organize
The final files for a project will be neatly arranged so that the files are clear where they are to be used.
All the appropriate formats and layouts are included, along with monotone black and white versions for varied usage backgrounds.
If there is any ‘layout’ design, such as brochures or marketing flyers, files will be packaged in InDesign to include the images and fonts used, where applicable.
b. – Create Brand Guidelines Document
Brand Guidelines are just the ‘rues’ of how the Brand is to be presented to the world.
They can be passed along to a web developer who can see the exact color values quickly to be used on the website,
and what fonts are to be utilized in the content.
Similarly, these guidelines can be sent to a printer to ensure maximum accuracy when the documents are printed, through Pantone color values.
c. – Send ZIP to Client and Archive in Dropbox
Everything is zipped up and emailed to the customer, CC’ing any additional employees that may need access to the original files.
d. – Ensure Client Understands all Final Files and give Usage Instructions
We want to make sure the client knows how to use the designs they have paid us for, so we are on hand to provide immediate assistance or to answer any questions they may have, at any point in the future.
Further notes on Our Logo Design Process Steps for Branding Clients
As mentioned above, every project is truly different, that is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a Branding Agency.
Therefore, not every project will pass through every step above, instead of skipping anything that the client
may not have the budget for.
For example, if they are just looking for a professional logo design for their startup, it may not be sensible to allocate significant budget into further Branding process steps.
They may have already completed market research themselves, so that can be passed along to us, which means we can proceed to the next stage with the work already done.
A tip to keep in mind...
There are competitors on the market who sell logos for as little as $99 – but any serious business owner will know the need to invest is greater.
It is imperative you hire a professional logo designer if you want your brand identity to succeed.
Amateur designers found on crowdsourcing sites do not have the time or the inclination to spend more than an hour per design. Oftentimes they rip off or copy clip-art and low-grade design templates.
As professional logo designers, we dedicate considerable time to your brand identity.
We conduct research, experimentation and development – to see which concepts work best with your company.
This means the final business logo design is considered, 100% unique and effort has been spent to develop an image which represents your new or growing business.
How much does a Company Logo cost?Your ‘budget’ for a company logo does not define how many proposed concepts you will receive.
It would be overwhelming to receive 30 designs on such a subjective topic as your business image.
It is our job to filter out and only present the strongest solutions.
So generally you will only see 3-4 concepts which help you define the clearest way forward.
The larger your budget, the more we can allocate on market research, conceptual development, design experimentation and brand identity development.
If all you need is a quick logo design for your business, check out our affordable logo design services with prices starting at just £99!
Your logo and branding are a business investment and should not consist of a clipart image, with the first, non-comic sans font you came across.
Apart from looking unprofessional, it will not be unique – thousands of others will be using something similar.
You want to stand out from the competition with an image that reflects upon the business.
For more examples of Logo Design, please check our graphic design portfolio.
There are competitors on the market who sell logos for as little as $99 – but any serious business owner will know the need to invest is greater.
It is imperative you hire a professional logo designer if you want your brand identity to succeed.
Amateur designers found on crowdsourcing sites do not have the time or the inclination to spend more than an hour per design. Oftentimes they rip off or copy clip-art and low-grade design templates.
As professional logo designers, we dedicate considerable time to your brand identity.
We conduct research, experimentation and development – to see which concepts work best with your company.
This means the final business logo design is considered, 100% unique and effort has been spent to develop an image which represents your new or growing business.
How much does a Company Logo cost?Your ‘budget’ for a company logo does not define how many proposed concepts you will receive.
It would be overwhelming to receive 30 designs on such a subjective topic as your business image.
It is our job to filter out and only present the strongest solutions.
So generally you will only see 3-4 concepts which help you define the clearest way forward.
The larger your budget, the more we can allocate on market research, conceptual development, design experimentation and brand identity development.
If all you need is a quick logo design for your business, check out our affordable logo design services with prices starting at just £99!
Your logo and branding are a business investment and should not consist of a clipart image, with the first, non-comic sans font you came across.
Apart from looking unprofessional, it will not be unique – thousands of others will be using something similar.
You want to stand out from the competition with an image that reflects upon the business.
For more examples of Logo Design, please check our graphic design portfolio.
Hopefully, that helps, if you have any questions about our professional design process for
creating successful Brands. Get in touch today!
creating successful Brands. Get in touch today!
