The Design Process

Exceed Your Graphic Design/Website
Design Expectations

I've been a freelance graphic designer for five years now. There has been some definite ups and downs. I have decided that the best ideas are cooked up when channeled through a careful process. I try to forego the low hanging fruit when it presents itself. I get excited about design when a good solution presents itself. 

A lot of these ideas surface through some quick word play. Above is what's called a 'mind map.' This is a quick way to brainstorm visual possibilities. In this example, I am exploring a logo design for a company called Sum Company, Inc.

Possibilities are endless. I start with quick concepts, and then move into one or more refined concepts to finally show to the client. A lot goes into one of my logo design concepts that often seem like an easy produce idea. Remember, the objective of a logo is to quickly present your company in a sharp, and obvious manner. After initial concepts, I receive feedback for improvement and either refine an idea, or move towards client suggestions. After one or two rounds of revisions the end result is achieved and a corporate identity is born. 

Why such a long process? Corporate identity is a lasting first impression. It is important to me that my clients have a logo that is descriptive, effective and not an eyesore. This client may have to live with this logo for ten or more years! So it is important that we get it right the very first time.