How We Work Together…
When you’re looking to work with, and invest in a designer, I believe that both transparency and an effective methodology are vital for fostering a successful partnership. The process of creating effective brand logos and visual identities requires a collaborative approach, and for this be effective, we both need to understand each other and agree on the desired outcome.
Below, I've detailed both my client and design procedures to provide clarity on the process and its timeline.
Client Process
//01 - Question Time
We start with you (the client) completing an initial questionnaire so that I can learn and understand the fundamental elements to be included the project scope.
//02 - We Have A Chat
We jump on a call to chat through the questionnaire and flesh out the key elements, while also getting a feel for each other to make sure we’re a good fit.
//03 - Scope Of Work
I prepare a project Scope of Work for you to review & sign off.
Then, I prepare the quote and send it over to you with my contract (incl. the terms specified in the Scope of Work).
//04 - Sign Off
We agree the quote and sign the contract. You then send the initial payment for 50% on receipt of my first invoice so that we can confirm the project and initiate work.
//05 - Design Time
I start the initial design process (typically 1-2 weeks).
//06 - First Reveal
I present the initial concept design with an explanation of the rationale behind its development.
We discuss it thoroughly and I take your feedback away to continue with the design process.
//07 - Tweak, Tweak
Based on your feedback, 1-3 rounds of amends are completed to bring the final design to life.
These will be sent or presented to you to explain any changes/updates from the initial design.
//08 - The Finalé
Agree & sign off on the final design.
I’ll then send the final invoice for the remaining 50% and when paid, all files and exports, shared in a well-organised folder, will be sent over to you for immediate use.
//09 - Check In (Optional)
2-3 months later, we arrange an optional follow-up call to check in with you, see how things are working, and discuss any further requirements.
Design Process
//01 - Questionnaire & Research
Once you’ve shared your questionnaire, I start analysing the answers which allows me to create the initial framework for the project.
I’ll then deep dive into some research that will allow me to fully understand the external challenges of your business/brand. This research covers your industry, competitor analysis and audience demographics.
//02 - Word-Mapping
More often than not, there will be words in the brief that stick out from the rest. Word mapping is a fantastic way to take these key words and expand on them finding related words or ways to express them visually.
This process will immediately spark ideas and further build on my understanding of your brand from the brief and research stage.
//03 - Initial Concepts
By this point, initial ideas and concepts have already started to surface, and I make quick sketches of each one to review.
Once I’ve explored all the different directions that can be taken, I then review all of the concepts to see which ones really stand out and resonate with the brand brief.
//04 - Development
At this stage I select a handful of the strongest ideas to develop, usually by redrawing them a few times to see if I can improve the initial concept further.
Then, I’ll switch to my computer and start to build the digital versions. Usually, a clear winner starts to emerge and I will then flesh out the design adding colour and typography to see how it stands up.
//05 - Presentation
With the design that best matches your brief, I build it out further using ‘brand-in-action’ mock ups so that you can really visualise how your brand will stand out in real world scenarios.
These will be added to a detailed presentation which explains each stage of the process, and then ideally we jump on a video call where I can guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have.
//06 - Feedback and/or Finalé
After we chat and you give me your feedback, I’ll continue to refine the design if needed or on the rarest of occasions, I’ll create a new option.
If the required changes are significant, I will prepare a further presentation and once everything is approved, I’ll design any further agreed design assets, e.g. brand guidelines, branded assets, stationary designs, etc.
We’ll then have further calls to review any new work following the same approval process until we’ve signed off all the agreed deliverables.