Excessive approval steps are a major workflow challenge in graphic design, as voted by 34% of 1100 teams surveyed by Piktochart in 2022. These kinds of challenges surely hinder efficient workflow. To tackle that challenge and risk, graphic designers need a well-defined graphic design process. They are the key to delivering measurable business results that reflect creativity and strategy.
Key takeaways:
These predictable, systemized design process in graphic design prevents pitfalls, accelerate client onboarding, and elevate design from a reactive service to a scalable solution.
The foundational stages ensure that every visual decision links back to the client’s core business goals.
The brief is the cornerstone of the entire process, clarifying the project’s objectives and setting the tone. It acts as a rough framework that guides the subsequent creation phases.
A brief should be detailed, including:
For complex projects, supplementing the brief with an in-person or video kickoff meeting is recommended to iron out any uncertainties and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
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This graphic design process necessitates a deep understanding of the market, competitors, and audience. This informs creative decisions, moving the process beyond initial assumptions.
Look for current trends and analyze what type of content the target audience engages with. Optimize research by using tools like Google Trends for consumer interest or checking sites like Yelp or Checkatrade to gauge competitor reactions. Analyze competitor visual styles and tone to find opportunities to differentiate, not imitate.
This phase translates abstract strategy into a visual language, critical for early alignment before detailed work begins. Brainstorming explores varied ideas, styles, and options to see which concepts resonate.
A moodboard serves as a visual first draft of the project’s aesthetic, helping the client and team align on look and feel. Consider engaging with external design communities or Q&A portals like Quora or design-focused Slack channels to gain varied perspectives and feedback on initial concepts.
This stage forms the creative process in graphic design, where ideas transform into tangible elements.
After the Definition stage, designers begin translating concepts into structure. This step encompasses idea sketching and wireframing, focusing on the logical arrangement and content hierarchy over polished visuals.
Consider using pen and paper for initial sketch drafts to prevent digital distractions. Evolve sketches into structural wireframes using tools like Figma or Adobe XD, which create collaborative, low-fidelity prototypes. This focus on structure first is cost-effective, allowing structural issues to be adjusted early, avoiding costly revisions later.
It’s time to transform structured layouts into pixel-perfect mockups and finished illustrations. Pay attention to brand kits and guidelines, as small details influence the consistency and uniformity of visual identity.
In this phase, ensure adherence to the basic principles of graphic design (i.e., balance, contrast, alignment, and visual hierarchy). Modern workflows also leverage AI-powered tools to automate repetitive tasks like resizing or mock-up creation.
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The following graphic design process steps can be streamlined using structured checkpoints to manage client expectations and revisions efficiently.
Presenting the work should tell a story, conveying the design rationale and linking its evolution back to project goals. Schedule a meeting to walk the client through the process, and consider implementing structured feedback cycles, such as the 10/50/99 review policy, as follows, which ensures the right feedback is given at the right time.
It involves a cyclical graphic design process of making changes and resubmitting until approval. Encourage stakeholders to describe problems and structure comments by using online proofing tools or annotation features (InVision) to ensure revisions tie back to project objectives. Solutions should come from your design expertise.
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Final client approval is the critical phase gate sign-off, confirming all major debates are settled. This milestone protects the project; any major revisions requested post-approval must trigger scope renegotiation.
Once approved, the process moves to finalization. Rigorous quality assurance of files (checking color profiles, formats, and resolutions) is mandatory. Also, standardize file naming and use professional tools like Google Drive or Dropbox for a smooth hand-off. After project completion, analyze key metrics (for projects like website redesigns) to ensure visual solutions successfully met the defined business objectives.
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A comprehensive, organized system in the creative process allows you to accelerate delivery, reduce the risk of scope creep, and spend less time on administrative toil. This provides effective time for impactful creative work and result delivery.
Just like these processes, Lettermine Studio helps you to improve your creative work. Collections of high-quality fonts await exciting projects of yours. Visit the website and find font pairs for your designs.
