Steps to make your graphic design process easier

by | Oct 27, 2021 | Design

Are you a graphic designer? The world of graphic design is highly competitive. And sometimes, it can be hard to come up with a unique idea. A graphic design process starts from understanding the intent of the work. Then linking the main purpose with the messages you want to convey. Mood boarding, brainstorming and mind-mapping will help. It’s all about connecting the dots and preparing a few drafts before the final design. Here is how you can break down your graphic design project.

Design or understand the brief

The project brief is usually given by the client. This could be long or it could be a few sentences. If the client doesn’t provide immense detail, this is what you should have at the very least to start on:
  • Who is their audience?
  • What is their brand identity?
  • What is the purpose of the work you’ll be creating?
The audience demographic will help you figure out the age and interests of this group. If your target market is children for instance, you may wish to include bubbly colours and identify childlike graphic designs that appeal to this genre, for example, cartoon characters and playful emojis. Understand your audience, the brand image and the intent of the piece required.

Research existing designs

Understanding your competition is essential before you start any work. Take not on what they do, how they present their works, what is consistent, what isn’t?

Take inspiration from existing designs on the web. You should also stay up-to-date with trends in the graphic design industry

Brainstorming and Mind-mapping

Mood boarding is about collecting visual information from various sources. For some brainstorming, follow these 3 simple steps:

  1. Add a cloud in the middle of the page with the main word inside it. This could be the central theme of your work. For instance, you can write the word ‘car’ if you’re making an icon for a car company.
  2. Then, surround the cloud with branches. These branches can lead to mini clouds. In each smaller cloud, write a word that you link with cars. For example, ‘Ferrari’ or it could be a word related to the brand you’re designing for, ‘global’, ‘sleek design cars’, ‘automation’ etc.
  3. Link the ideas that go well with each cloud.

The last mapping part will help you associate concepts that may look different.

Mood boarding and creating written content

It’s time to put the brainstorming session into action. Use words from your mind-map and look for relevant images online. Separate all relevant content you can find. This can include vector images, illustrations and photographs. Anything visual that you find striking and appropriate.

Your mood board doesn’t have to be perfect. It needs to be able to bring together ideas for you to start working on your brief.

Make a few sketches

Before you begin sketching, be clear about the dimensions. Is it an Instagram post or a Facebook one? Where are you being asked to design? 

You can use paper or pencil for this. Or draw them digitally. It’s best to do it free-hand as it will allow you to be free flowing and expressive. It’s better to have around two to three to present to your client so they can choose the best option for their concept.

To wrap up

Remember to start with the purpose. Be clear about the target audience, brand image and the intent of the work. Search for similar business pages and concepts for research and study their graphic designs.

  1. Start brainstorming ideas and make a map to connect the dots for succinct ideas.
  2. Create a mood board to visualise the concept and also write down anything you want to include in your work.
  3. Make a few sketches to present to the client so you can get one approved to finalise

 

Boom DONE!