1. Brief

• Read the brief

• Understand the problem thoroughly

• Ask questions about

  • the brand’s identity

  • the target audience

  • what needs to be communicated

• Establish project restrictions

  • does it follow company branding strictly or loosely?

  • what company branding elements need to be included?

  • what medium will communicate this message most effectively?

• Formulate questions and research topics to help with the project

2. Research

• I start my research by asking any additional questions to the client and researching the topics that correspond to their communication need

  • During this phase I usually make lists to organize information and prioritize relevant research

  • Collect useful images

  • Look at media for design inspo

  • Use mind maps and other tools to formulate a design approach

3. Ideation

• The ideation process varies depending on the needs of the project, but it usually consists of

  • More lists

  • Lots of sketching

  • Stream of consciousness sketching during research sessions

  • Type explorations

• Produce different design directions

  • Balance between experimental and “safe” options

  • Process of elimination and client input to select design direction

4. Finalizing

• Select the winning design solution

• Create designs in appropriate medium

• Refine and test the solution

  • Double check typography

  • Test printing

  • Mockups

  • Test the links and spellcheck

• Repeat previous steps as needed to refine design

• Create final deliverables