Working with a graphic designer, what you need to know
So, you have decided to work with a graphic designer, good on ya! Maybe you decided to set up your own business and you need some branding (logo, business cards, letterheads, & compliment slips) or you need some promotional material designed: flyers, brochures, posters or a website. No matter what the creative job, choosing to use a graphic designer is the best decision. After all, we are the communication experts.
You may not know what to expect or what is expected of you when you decide to work with a professional design team. It is all down to consistent good communication on both sides.
Our Process
The Brief
After you make initial contact requesting help with a project, we suggest a meeting date. During a meeting, we get to know you better. As designers, we ask you about your business to better understand your core values in order to reflect them in our creative work.
The information you provide, allows for suggestions such as:
- The format that works best for your message – flyers, posters, banners, digital etc.
- The target audience
- Content requirements
- Imagery requirements
- Accurate timeframe
- Quotation for design services
- Printing costs (if required)
Design
After the first meeting, initial design work starts based on the current information provided by you. Explanations for the visual solutions and design decisions are sent to you as initial mock-ups or proof pdfs (usually via email). This is so both sides are on the one page. At this point, your feedback is vital. It ensures good communication, so the design ideas accurately reflect the job type, budget, and timeframe.
Review
Often the first draft is not the finished design. It usually needs to go through the natural flow of feedback and additional proofing. Proofing allows you to review the design against your reasons for the work (the message). After which, changes can be made (alterations to layout, content or imagery can be made without additional charges).
Artwork
After you express that you’re happy with the design, we ask you to sign off on all artwork. Appropriate files and/or printed copy of the final artwork are given to you.
Production
Some graphic designers offer in-house printing, like us, here at Studio93.
The Benefits:
- Reduce waiting time for the printed copies of the project
- See a true visual representation of the finished artwork
- Request a printed proof of any draft, (especially if there is a lot of text, printed versions are is easier to proof read)
- Make changes on the printed proof itself
- Assess colours & quality of the images
Working with a graphic designer is a creative relationship, which ensures your message reaches your target audience with visual impact.
