Design process - How to get from problems to concepts to visuals for Graphic Design
- 1. Design Process How to get from an assignment to a great design solution. Begin 1
- 2. What is this? Graphic Design communicates using graphics, images and /or text. The communication goal is always the same: make your audience care. A great design communicates an engaging concept and corresponding visual language. There are numerous ways to achieve a design solution. A great design solution is always born from a process. This document is a description of one such process. Intro 2
- 3. Part 1: Make a plan. Understand Research Focus P1 3
- 4. Understand the Assignment _ What is the assignment? _ What is your topic? _ What are your parameters? _ What is the category? _ What are your client / instructor expectations? Planning: Step 1 4
- 5. Research _ Become well versed in the topic or category _ Look for insightful information and ideas _ Learn something new _ Have multiple sources. Talk to people, read and search _ Keep detailed notes and write down new ideas or perspectives you find Planning: Step 2 5
- 6. Organize and Focus _ Decide on a concept _ Don’t try to say everything, because you can’t _ Make a concept statement that sets ambitious and unique goals that: “Make me Care.” _ Focus your ideas and concept into actionable design keywords Planning: Step 3 6
- 7. Part 2: Execute your plan. Inspiration Exploration Direction P2 7
- 8. Pulls / Moodboards / Inspiration _ Use keywords to find visual ideas and inspiration to “pull” from _ “Pull” from great design, pop culture, architecture, folk art, etc. Find things that relate to your keywords and your concept. Find things that are compelling or give you ideas. _ Find type, photo styles, composition, formats, materials, color paletes, etc _ Stay focused on the keywords and your concept _ Be open to where ideas can lead you Execution: Step 1 8
- 9. Initial Exploration _ Play! (But stay on target) _ Develop and expand on visuals and ideas from your pulls/moodboards _ Try things out _ Think big _ Have a range and a variety of type, compositions, image treatments and ideas _ Sketch and then make rough sketches on the computer showing type and image usage. _ Then do more Execution: Step 2 9
- 10. Choose a Direction _ Make a decision on your design direction and then make it work _ Take the best ideas from your explorations _ Create high res artwork that accurately represents your concept _ Show exact alignments and grids _ Work on creating type hierarchy and employing good type structure _ Create a narrative that your audience can follow Execution: Step 3 10
- 11. Refine Your Design _ Is everything professional quality? _ Take care of every detail _ Be sure there is consistency in your system _ Type excellence _ Clear writing and content _ Good pacing _ Perfect production Execution: Step 4 11
- 12. Refresher: Part 1: Understand Research Focus Part 2: Inspiration Exploration Direction R 12