Regardless of the type of design project – be it graphic design or web design – there are some simple steps to follow to ensure a better – and happier – end result for all parties involved.
- Be prepared and know what you want. Unfortunately, designers haven’t figured out how to read minds so you have to be able to describe the vision in your head so they translate it visually. A good designer will guide the process by asking questions and trying out different styles, but you still need to have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Basic elements to include when starting a project:
- The product, service line or event you are promoting.
- Who your audience is.
- Your company graphic standards including fonts and color palette. If you don’t have either of those, let the designer know what fonts and colors you like.
- Photos or illustrations you’d like used. High-resolution images (at least 300dpi) will give you the best results. If you don’t have images, give the designer parameters of what artwork you’re looking for to illustrate this project so they can offer royalty-free options.
- Copy for the piece, including headlines and subheads. Make sure to include all the contact information you want included (your company address, phone number, website, etc.).
- What are you going to be using the final piece for? This will help the designer determine how the files need to be prepped and saved.
- Give honest feedback and be specific. Simply stating that you don’t like a design without any details is only going to frustrate your designer. What elements don’t you like? Is it the type style, the color, the layout of the elements, the selected photos or the spacing? Honest feedback will make it easier for the designer to rectify.
- Work together. Designers have a process: They create concepts or mockups, ask for feedback, make adjustments, ask for more feedback and then refine until you’re happy. They are trained for the job – which is to solve your visual problem. You can create a great design outcome by working together – respect your designer’s expertise and consider their advice when you give your feedback. Telling your designer to “do whatever they think is right” or “to make it pretty” isn’t going to yield the results you desire. You’re a team. To make sure you get what you want and eliminate a tremendous amount of back and forth in revisions, give specific examples of what isn’t working and value your designer’s input.
West Press’ talented staff is here to help you each step of the way – from graphic design to printing to mailing services to large format to website development. Contact West Press or your Account Executive at 520-624-4939 today.