Creating a Killer Design Process
Best tips for Creating Killer Design Process
No matter the industry, having a process is a great way to guide clients through a project. Having timelines, action items, and due dates keeps everyone on the same page with clear communication.
KAdesign did not always have a well-established process. Regardless of what my closet might tell you, I am a well-organized person. However, when I first started designing for people I was so eager to make the client happy, I would bend over backwards to comply to their schedule. Whether it was meeting unrealistic deadlines or enduring painfully drawn-out projects, I didn't realize it was part of my job to set expectations and help my clients through the design/marketing process so we are BOTH are happy at the end of the project.
So over the past 15 years I have narrowed my focus and am able to offer services with manageable timelines for both client and marketer!
Here's an example of a process I've built for a client who wants to establish a new brand from scratch, including a website:
Meet potential client and find out what they are looking for.
Second conversation to decide if we really are the right fit.
Style Questionnaire (client fills out ASAP): I take the time to get to know my clients through an easy-to-answer questionnaire giving me insight to what they are looking for, their company, and their design style.
Style Options (1 week to return): Or "Style Ops" for short. After understanding more of what the client is looking for through the questionnaire, I narrow the company style down even further by creating style options to use as inspiration for their brand.
Logo Options (2 Weeks): Now that I have a feel of what they are looking for, it's time to dig in and start designing their unique brand. I will produce at least 3, sometimes 4 logo options for them to choose from.
Logo Edits (2-3weeks): After the logo has been chosen it's time for edits - 3 rounds. When I say "Rounds of Edits," I really mean, let's have a conversation (or 3) and make sure the logo is where it needs to be.
Finalize Logo!
Style Guide (1 week): This is like a brand bible. This document lays out the theme of the company from colors to fonts and photos. The style guide makes it easy for anyone to take the unique brand and keep it consistent.
Website (3 weeks): I create a 5 page Squarespace website to complete brand image, giving each client a great place to connect and communicate with their customers. Generally, the 5 pages are: Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact.
Website Edits (1 week) Make final tweaks.
Time to launch and show the new brand to the world!
The whole process generally takes a little over three months, but all the brand details are there, the client is excited to show it off!
Does your company need a new brand? Partner with KAdesign and get it DONE!