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Question: What is your process for designing for a client!?
do you draw up sketches or just hop on the computer!? do you research!? im curious!.!.!.i usually draw some rough sketches of different layouts!.!.!.thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Yes to all!.

But it always depends on the client and what he needs!. It has to always begin with a consultation about what the client expects of a project!. I obviously can't begin a simple door hanging flyer the same way I would begin client's corporate identity package!. Nor will a Power Point presentation begin as I would a website design!.

One thing for sure, once I have a pretty good idea what the client wants, I also procede to do a LOT of rough, thumbnail sketches!. Whether it is a single page layout, or a multiframe series, or an entire campaign, these thumbnails are my form of "brainstorming!." Most of these sketches aren't worthy of serious consideration, and may not even be on topic, but this form of free thinking, stream of consciousness process can lead to some very interesting places and may suggest another train of thought that approaches a possible design solution!.

I narrow it down to a half dozen distinctly different approaches and email scans to the client!. He may approve one or two possibilities to develop and a new round of sketches and comps are emailed!. Depending on the client's budget, this can be repeated as many times as he is willing to pay for my time!.

As far as research, it also depends on the project and budget!. Original illustrations will cost a LOT more than clip art!. If accuracy and realism is important, then the research is more extensive!. I recall a project for a school textbook that involved a series of drawings of Civil War soldiers, uniforms and equipment!. One of the features of one set of illustrations was to point out that there was not one standard unform for either side!. Each state fielded their own regiments and wore their own, designed uniforms!. Artilleryman's uniforms and details were distinctly different that those of ambulance crews and nothing like calvarymen, snipers, or infantrymen!. THAT research was extensive, expensive and had to be done!. The result was a very pleased client who knew the value of the research he paid for!.

Same is true for nature, medical, and other scientific illustration, whether for a textbook, calendar or brochure!.

But the process is NEVER the same, other than it begins with a consultation or two, contract signing, approval sign-offs at various steps, and getting the final payment in the end!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well, you can either draw up some sketches like you do, or you can start designing some simple layouts and print them out to show to the client!. Usually you have a conference with the client to see what they want in the design, like what colors, what information, etc!.Www@QuestionHome@Com