The Graphic Design Creative Process

In regards to the graphic design creative process, the relationship between client and designer is rather delicate, where success relies upon strong communication and understanding. It is the responsibility of both the client and designer to ensure the most beneficial lines of contact. A client may not always know what they want and a designer may not fully grasp the goal of their project.

Using the telephone, email and face-to-face meetings will aid in the development of mutually satisfying graphic design results. After the initial meeting between graphic designer and client, there is a process that follows in order to arrive at a finished product. It doesn't matter if it is a logo, magazine spread, advertisement or Power Point presentation, there are basic timelines and plans associated with the development and execution of an idea.

Time

With almost every project that a client is in need of, there is an acceptable amount of time set aside for completion. While smaller tasks may only take a week to complete, more involved projects could last for months. Depending on the budget and level of difficulty, a project could also take longer or shorter than expected. The deadline for a project is one of the first things that a client will discuss with a designer. It may already be set ahead of time or can be negotiated after the presentation of ideas and concepts.

Information

At the start of a new project, a client will present an idea or vision to a graphic designer. Through dialogue and research, it is the job of a designer to make these ideas and thoughts come to life for the client. Even if the designer is familiar with the topic at hand, research and the gathering of additional information is always needed. This allows a designer to better understand a topic. It is also a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

Analysis

After a sufficient amount of information has been collected, the designer can now create a project plan to present to the client. This part of the graphic design creative process may or may not include the client, but when it does, client and designer will analyze all of the possible angles and approaches for the project. Once the designer gets a feel for the direction the client wishes to go, concept development may now begin.

Concept

Companies want to see their ideas visually expressed in a full and accurate manner. While some clients are open to different interpretations of their initial idea, it is expected of a designer to stay on task. Depending on the leniency of a client, a designer might be able to further flex their creative skills. This can be accomplished through a presentation of various sketches that the client will either OK or dismiss. At this point, details like color, size, images, message and tone become important.

Execution

Once a particular concept is giving the green light, the designer will then turn a rough sketch into reality. Details become more fleshed out. Fuzzy shadings become solid colors, which appear more vivid and permanent. Words may accompany graphic images. Messages are created. The designer will combine research, brainstorming, client dialogue, skill and design into something the client can use to improve their company or business. Execution is the final stage of the graphic design creative process. Once completed, the final project is now ready to be presented to the client for approval.

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