The Design Process
As a professional, I am a communication strategist who combines aesthetic judgement with project management. Typically this process involves four phases:
1. Project Planning & Familiarization
- Client meetings to establish goals scheduling and budget, as well as content requirements, visual requirements and production considerations. This can be done over the phone/skype, in person or even via email, if necessary.
- An extensive review of business plan and marketing strategy is often necessary.
2. Concept Development
- Design proposal and rough layout for the client’s evaluation and approval. This may include preliminary specifications for typography, photography or illustration, paper, printing technique or programming.
- Refinement of design proposal and preparation of revised and more detailed sketches (comprehensives) for final approval.
3. Production & Implementation
- Direction of copywriting, typesetting, photography and illustration.
- Preparation of rough assembly incorporating typography, photography, charts, etc.
- Ongoing client liaison for proofreading and correction purposes.
- Assembly of “camera-ready artwork” (computer files) or programming templates.
- Preparation of detailed printing/coding specifications.
4. Quality control & supervision
- Quality control and client liaison to achieve final approvals of colour proofs, blueprints, presswork and finishing of printed matter or review and testing of websites in a variety of online environments and browsers.
A responsibility exists for both the client and I to define the precise scope of work expected. If the initial assignment changes because of unforeseen circumstances, the client can expect to be advised and any fee changes mutually agreed upon.