Graphic Design Showcase and Blog of Fred Cilliers
TOYROBOT DESIGN CYCLE
When starting a new design project, there are steps of the graphic design process that ToyRobot follows that nurtures the best results. By following this cycle you can optimize the design process. This is a marriage of quality and quantity.
1. GATHER INFORMATION
Before a project is undertaken of course I would like to know what the client needs. Gathering information is the first step towards successful graphic design process. When approached by clients for a new job, I set up a meeting to discuss the scope of the work. I like to gather as much information as possible.
2. CREAT AN OUTLINE
From the information collected in the meeting I’ll develop an outline of the content and goal of the project, which I then present to the client for approval before proceeding. Once this is finalized, I know that I am in agreement on what the piece will include and can proceed to the next step of the graphic design process.
3. GET CREATIVE
Design should be creative! Before moving on to the design itself I like to take some time to think about creative solutions for the project. Sometimes I use the client’s examples of favourite work as a guideline for what they like and don’t like, but my ultimate goal is to come up with something new and different that will separate them from the rest (unless of course the client specifically asked to fit in).
4. SKETCH UP
Once the ideas start rolling in, I like to find out if I’m headed in the right direction by providing quick sketches of logo concepts, line drawings of layouts showing where elements will be placed on the page or even a quick handmade version of a package design.
5. CONCEPTS
While I may knock out the final design in one shot, I usually find it better to present clients with at least three versions of a design. This gives the client some options and allows for stronger client confidence in the final design.
6. REVISIONS
This stage of the design process is where I like to get feedback from clients. Most of the time clients trust my design sense so I encourage them on what I think will work best. 95% of the work done before this stage is merely rudimental. What makes a winning design is often in the streamlining that takes place over the last 5% of the process. I strive to put in that extra 5% that could really seperate good from bad design.
Download the ToyRobot Design Cycle in PDF format:
ToyRobot Design Cycle.PDF (425k)
