Do you ever marvel at the stunning graphics that adorn your favorite websites and social media accounts? These designs are not the product of chance but rather the result of a meticulous, well-thought-out process that combines creativity, strategy, and a lot of patience.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the graphic design process, breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. The final part of our three-part guide covers the various stages involved in creating a graphic design, starting from concept development and ending with editing.
Step 3: Putting It All Together
Concept Development
With a thorough understanding of the project goals, target audience, and creative brief, there’s nowhere else to go but to design and create the material itself. In this stage, designers engage in sketching, brainstorming, presenting initial concepts, and refining the chosen concept based on feedback. Let’s explore each step in detail.
Sketching and Brainstorming
The concept development process for designers starts with a blank canvas and sketching. Sketching helps designers visually explore different ideas and compositions, allowing for free-flowing creativity. It generates multiple possibilities and serves as a starting point for further exploration during the brainstorming phase, where designers generate ideas, experiment with different design approaches, and push the boundaries of creativity.
Presenting Initial Concepts
Designers present their initial design directions to clients or stakeholders after sketching and brainstorming concepts. They use visual aids such as digital or physical mockups to showcase the design’s potential and explain the rationale behind each concept. This presentation is an opportunity to gather valuable feedback and ensure that the design aligns with the project’s objectives and target audience’s needs. Additionally, designers explain visual elements, color palettes, typography choices, and overall design approach during the presentation.
Refining Chosen Concept Based on Feedback
Designers work closely with clients or stakeholders to gather feedback and refine concepts. They analyze feedback and adjust design elements such as visual elements, compositions, color schemes, and typography until the design aligns with the client’s vision.
Design Execution
After the concept development stage, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and bring the chosen concept to life. In the design execution phase, designers focus on implementing design principles, using design software and tools, and conducting self-critique and editing. Let’s explore each step in detail.
Implementing Design Principles
Design principles are the foundation upon which effective designs are built. During the design execution stage, designers apply these principles to create visually appealing and cohesive designs. Color, typography, hierarchy, and composition are essential elements in design.
Choosing the right color palette helps evoke emotions and reinforce brand identity. Typography plays a crucial role in conveying information, setting the tone, and enhancing readability through typefaces, font sizes, and spacing. Creating a visual hierarchy guides the viewer’s attention and emphasizes important elements. A well-executed composition ensures that the design is visually engaging and easy to navigate. Designers carefully select these elements to effectively communicate the intended message and align with the design concept.
Using Design Software and Tools
Design software and tools enable designers to bring their creative ideas to life. Popular design applications like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, BrandCrowd Logo Maker, DesignCrowd, and Canva offer a wide range of features for manipulating graphics, creating vector illustrations, designing logos, and applying effects. Designers use these tools to enhance their productivity, streamline their workflow, and achieve desired visual outcomes.
Editing for Effectiveness
Designers understand the importance of self-critique and editing to ensure the quality and effectiveness of their designs. During this phase, designers step back and evaluate their work objectively. They assess the design’s alignment with the creative brief, brand guidelines, and the overall project objectives. They pay attention to details, refine elements that may need further improvement, and make necessary adjustments. By approaching their designs with a critical eye, designers strive to achieve excellence and deliver designs that surpass expectations.
Final Thoughts
Beyond creating beautiful designs, graphic design also aims to meet business objectives. Marketing materials, including brochures, packaging, and ads, can be thoughtfully designed to captivate viewers, convey messages efficiently, and ultimately boost sales. With the right visuals and design choices, businesses can influence consumer perceptions and foster emotional connections. By embracing graphic design, companies can elevate their brand image, attract new clients, and achieve long-term success.
Need a hand with all things visual for your business? Contact us today to learn how the full-service digital marketing experts at Fisher Green Creative can help.
Janella Malapad is an outreach specialist at BrandCrowd, an online creative marketplace that helps start-ups, businesses and entrepreneurs find and create their perfect logo and graphic design templates. She spends her free time playing volleyball and reading the captivating landscapes of poetry.
