Understanding your graphic project

A design brief should primarily focus on the results and outcomes of the design and the business objectives of the design project. It should not attempt to deal with the aesthetics of design… That is the responsibility of the designer. The design brief also allows you (the client) to focus on exactly what you want to achieve before any work starts on the project. A good design brief will ensure that you get a high-quality design that meets your needs. If you answer these questions below in an ordered and detailed fashion, your design brief will be 90% done… the other 10% will come from further questions from the designer after you submit your brief. Have fun answering the questions and remember, provide as much detail as possible! This does not mean one line answers.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICATIONS?

• What size is the design going to be?
• Where is it going to be printed/used? The web, business cards, stationery, on your car?
• What other information should the designer know in regards to specifications?

DO YOU HAVE A BENCHMARK IN MIND?

• You should provide the designer with some examples of what you consider to be effective or relevant design, even if it is from your main competitors. This will set a benchmark for your designer.
• Provide the designer with things not to do, and styles that you do not like or wish to see in your design. This will give the designer an idea of what to avoid and will avoid disappointment on your behalf.

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

• Providing a budget prevents designers wasting valuable time and resources when trying to maximize your budget.
• Providing the budget upfront also allows designers to know if the project is going to be worthwhile to complete. Make sure you are worth their time.

WHAT IS THE TIME SCALE/DEADLINE?

TIP: Rushing design jobs helps no one, and mistakes can be made if a complex job is pushed through without time to review; however, there are times when a rush job is needed, and in these cases you should be honest and upfront about it.

• Give the designer a detailed schedule of the project and set a realistic deadline for the completion of the work. You should take into account the various stages of the design project such as consultation, concept development, production and delivery.

THINGS THAT CAN SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY

TIP: These are all the things that a designer will need to get started on a project. Providing these elements upfront can speed up the time spent by the designer.

• Providing digital text that has already been proofread.
• Providing high resolution photos and vector version of your logo (preferred file formats include .ai, .eps, or .pdf). This will prevent rework and/or recreation of artwork/logos.
• Visit Thinkstock.com to preselect artwork or ideas.
• When submitting changes to a design, be specific and clear about copy changes, placement of things and what you are expecting to be revised.

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