design process

Below you will find the steps I take when designing a project.

Client Information and Insight

The first thing I like to do with a new client is discuss their company, history, customers, competitors, and budget. I try to gain insight as to what they expect to receive in terms of design, style, preferred colors and images, layout, functionality and timeline.

One method I find helpful in understanding my client’s needs and expectations is to have them send me links via email that include websites and images they like and which they feel have the style their looking for. In doing this, my intention is not to copy or duplicate the material, but instead, to utilize what I receive in establishing a better understanding of the client’s ideas. This also helps me to visualize their personal style and provides a reference for future discussions, as much can be lost in translation when attempting to describe design verbally. Terms such as "baby blue", "minimal", "modern", "professional", etc., tend to be very subjective by nature and therefore require a more intimate interpretation.

I love it when clients get creative too! I once had a client who didn't know how to verbalize which color tones she wanted, so she sent me a picture of a purse she loved. After I received the photograph, I knew immediately what palette would be perfect for her website.

 

Proposal

After talking to my client and determining what they need, I draw up a proposal so that they can see what it will cost. After, and only after, they approve the proposal and pay the deposit, will I start designing.

Approving a proposal can be as easy as an email saying "Approved" or signed copy of the actual proposal.

 

Design

There are different design stages depending on the type of design project. See some of them below:

Logo Design
I initially give three design options with different styles, colors and fonts. The client might like one as is, or they can ask to make changes to his/her favorite. The client can also ask to mix and match elements from the three. I make a reasonable amount of revisions on the design until we get to one that they like.

Once the logo is approved by email and the remaining balance is paid, I create the following logo files to send to the client: EPS, PDF, High Res JPG and Web JPG.

Print Design
Print Design refers to items such as business cards, postcards, posters, etc. I usually do only one design option. The client may like it as is or can also ask for a reasonable amount of revisions or changes until we get to a design they like.

Once the print design is approved by email and the remaining balance is paid, I send it off to the printer.

Websites and Blog Design
Before I start designing, I make sure that if the domain and hosting are already working, there is a "Coming Soon" page with basic contact information online. The reason I do this is because I don't want my client to have users visiting his/her site and finding a parked domain. I want them to know to check back soon to see the new site when it goes live.

I design one option and post it under a temporary link online where the client can view it. The design will be an image only, which means the buttons, animations or links will not be functional. The client may like it as is or request for a reasonable amount of changes to be made to the layout or design.

I work on the design as an image until it is approved by email. When approved, I move forward to programming it so that it becomes functional. Changes to the design can still be made a this point, but trying to set the design before the programming saves a lot of time and work, so I recommend doing all major design revisions first.

If the client has not sent me content for the site, I use greek text and placeholder for images, but this sometimes means the layout may change a bit once the real content is in place. I always try to get clients to send me the content as soon as possible.

My clients will be able to view website updates throughout the whole process on a temporary link. Once the site is finished and the remaining balance is paid, the client must approve again by email that it is ready to go live and indicate when I should launch it.