design...

The design process is a linear journey between initial enquiry to production. It is not set in stone, but there is usually a common pattern that enables us to structure the progress and production of the job.

To simplify this we can break this down into eight clear stages:
- Brief
- Visuals
- Development
- Proofing
- Amendments
- Artwork
- Production
- Delivery

BRIEF
Essential to any design job is a clear, informative brief. We don't need all the answers, but it is important that we know what we are trying to achieve. This is where the flexibility is the greatest as no work has actually been undertaken, and the designer is able to analyse and suggest various courses of action. The more information a client can provide at the front end of the process, the less costs are accrued at the tail end of the process.

VISUALS
With all design work, some form of visual mock-up is produced to indicate an impression of how the design will look. This enables the client to see how the brief is being interpreted before applying it to the full extent of the work.

DEVELOPMENT
Once visuals are agreed, the next stage is development. Text and images are required from the client and visuals are developed as artwork, making them a reality. This is where the bulk of the project time is used, and also where the effort invested at the briefing stage pays off.

PROOFING
Similar to the visual stage, the client is supplied with electronic or inkjet proofs of the actual artwork. The client is able to check that they are happy with the final design and also to make corrections as they see fit.

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