A painter brings imagination and ideas from his mind to life on the surface of a canvas with an artistic hand and the help of lively paints. The job of a graphic designer is similar to that of the painter because they both have to breathe life into their imaginations and let the world view them in all their glory. The graphic designer however, has more form and objectives in their creation.
To sum it up, there are seven crucial steps which define skilled graphic designing. These steps are the key to delivering a well-defined and refined graphic design that appeals the clientele and reflects professional graphic designing, these guidelines are as follows:
- Client and Designer Project Briefing
- Gathering Information About Client needs and Creating Product Outlay
- Breathing Life into the Project
- Simulating the Project
- Starting on the Official Build of Final Design
- Adding Detail and Refining Project
- Forwarding the Final Design to Production
Graphic Designing isn’t all sunshine and flowers either; its hard works paired with schematic preparation. It requires a procedural plan to be in place to make sure that all goes according to plan. The idea should be such that it cultivates according to client expectations. A logical plan is critical for success because it allows the designer to develop a strategy to complete his objectives. It is vital that you consider these steps as you start from scratch.
1. Client and Designer Project Briefing
The first step in starting a graphic designing project is interacting with the client. Things are unlikely to get started unless the client’s requirements are well documented, otherwise the project would end up being unfulfilling. Interacting will help both parties understand each other and explain their expectations while outlining what and how the project will turn out.
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Client will tell what they want, their budget details and other specifics they want regarding the headers, template, typography and white space. Then, the graphic designer will give an estimate about project outcomes and how it will look. It is important that the designer satisfies the customer’s demands so to win his trust and succeed in the project with flying colors.
An easy way to gather information regarding customer requirements is to give them an application containing questions that cover basic data about what they want and what is their price range. Given these statistics, the graphic designer can stay within these limitations and create a viable project which is both satisfactory to the client and at the same time, does not bleed their resources dry.
2. Gathering Information About Client Needs and Creating Product Outlay
Having a brief overview is essential for successfully starting graphic designing project. It allows both parties to gauge each other’s potentials and shortcomings, and get started on the development phase, incorporating extensive effort onto the areas of the project where work is required.
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Veterans of the trade never sit idle, but get right into the thick of the field. They examine any data they can get their hands on along with different points of view about the same project in the market (project comparison) that give off resemblance. This increases the researching tendencies for their tasks. All this help paints a picture which proves very helpful for future references.
Research phase is critical to ensure that the finished product does not end up plagiarized but turns out unique. Analyzing a competitor’s product does not mean plagiarizing it; the point is to gain understanding about what to create and how to do it. Not only does it help create an appealing product, but it also prevents lawsuits regarding copyright infringement.
Knowing about the trends in market is important. It stops a graphic designer from going stagnant and keeps the blood pumping with fresh ideas. This phase gives insight into current fashions and customer needs along with a list of interested clients looking for services.
3. Breathing Life into the Project
The market research combined with customer overview opens path to virtual development stage where the project starts taking shape. The Vital aspect of the brainstorming is to sketch relevant ideas, and create a plan which can be implemented successfully.
Graphic designing is art, and this is what makes it quite complex because each element that is created gives its own impressions. From symbolism to color, each part of the design must breathe a different feeling to the viewer. In pursuit of bringing a creative project to life, the designer should add attractiveness to his virtual canvas and choose the right vibe to transmit his feelings into the target audience. Considering different viewpoints is a good start, and putting them in theoretical models is an excellent way to see how they will look in reality.
4. Simulating the project
The most important of midway steps is project simulation. Simulation of design means injecting final ideas on a mock set up and observing their viability. This implies, putting realistic ideas on a platform and looking at how feasible and interesting they are.
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Depending on which platform you are comfortable with, the simulation can be done either through simple pencil paper or even complex software, whichever floats your boat. The objective is to connect the dots from your devised plan before it manifests into a full scale graphic design.
Computer test your ideas and examine the preview with international standards. No need to rush things and be a perfectionist, take your time and look around. You are still underway of handing the project to the customer. This stage marks materialization of project.
Send your designs to the client and wait for approval. The client can see for himself which ones are more endearing and which ones need more work. Clients appreciate the exposure towards a range of options as it keeps them on top of things.
Some graphic designers consider this to be a redundant process. This is a terribly flawed assumption that separates good designers from the bad ones. Simulation is a critical phase of graphic design as it allows the project brush off its dusty corners and standout in the eyes of the consumer. It prevents both customer and graphic designer from getting tangled into the hassle of redoing projects and changing details midway. When both parties have agreed on one sketch and its details, the finalization can take place.
5. Starting on the official build of finalized project
When the sketch has been finalized and the rest of the things locked and loaded, it’s time to get cracking on finalization phase. With the help of graphics engineering and a little bit of programming, the project sketch starts taking shape.
Image Source: Cornerstonedm
Don’t hesitate to use whatever is at hand and make the most of your resources. Using a variation of typographic pairing, grid variation and color differentiation will give you the edge of making your project enticing and captivating.
Having constant contact with the client is mandatory because day to day interaction keeps them in the loop. As the relation with the client progresses, the feedback your generate helps you to make better adjustments next time and also boost your market for more clientele.
6. Adding detail and refining project
Now, the design has to be refined in order to be presentable on a professional level with addition details to make it ready and final. If it is created for a website then design file format should be generated as per the platform.
After the project has reached completion, you can show the finished product to the client and look forward for his approval. Clients are always looking to add final details to their finished design, and are sometimes very frisky with specifics. Adding last minute accessories for a reliable client shows a positive attitude in long term relationship.
It is true that finalization of design is a tiresome task loathed by graphic designers across the globe. To ensure that there is minimum alteration and fuss; keep yourself connected with the customer to know what they are demanding. Be reasonable regarding the number of revisions you are willing to do and be blunt when you cannot. Your honesty will pay off in the long haul, and will fruit into a professional understanding with client
7. Forwarding finished project into production
Congratulations! You have completed your graphic designing project and are all set and ready to put it in the hands of your client. You have catered to the needs of your client professionally and delivered a superb product by a procedural step by step methodology.
Keep yourself prepared because there is always room for improvement. This shows passion and devotion of the designer to the customers and creates a high caliber portfolio in the designing industry. Remain innovative with new ideas as and work off the roughness into razor sharp edges. This will make you a leading example and a touchstone for graphic designers to follow.
