Streamline Your Design Workflow (Ep. 5) | Foundations of Graphic Design | Adobe Creative Cloud
TLDRIn this episode of 'Foundations of Graphic Design', the focus is on the next steps after concept exploration in a design project. Initially, designers present low-fidelity sketches to the client to ensure the project is on the right track. Once a direction is approved, they refine the concept into two or three high-resolution designs, potentially showcasing them in a product mockup. The presenter advises against overwhelming clients with too many options, suggesting a norm of presenting about three design options: two safer choices and one more adventurous one. The client's involvement throughout the design process should make the final presentation unsurprising. After the client's selection, numerous revisions are expected, and clear naming conventions for project files are crucial for organization. The final step involves saving files in agreed-upon formats and possibly creating a style guide for the client. The episode concludes with advice on billing and the importance of managing finances throughout a project's duration.
Takeaways
- 📈 Show clients low-res designs first to ensure the right direction.
- 🎨 Once approved, refine concepts into 2-3 high-res designs.
- 🏢 Use product mockups to showcase designs, like logos on packaging.
- 🚫 Avoid offering too many design choices to prevent analysis paralysis.
- 🤝 Involve the client in the design journey to minimize surprises.
- 📈 Present 3 design options: two safer and one adventurous.
- 🔄 Be prepared for revisions and maintain clear naming conventions.
- 📂 Organize project files with version numbers and dates for clarity.
- 💾 Save final files in agreed sizes, colors, and formats.
- 📄 Create a style guide for consistent application of design elements.
- ☁️ Upload final assets to a cloud service for client transfer.
- 💼 Consider billing arrangements and manage project finances wisely.
Q & A
What is the initial step in presenting design concepts to a client?
-The initial step involves showing the client quicker, low-res or low fidelity designs, similar to sketches, to ensure the project is moving in the right direction.
How many high-res designs are typically created after a client approves the direction?
-Two or three high-res designs are created, which are fleshed out and close to the final look.
What is the purpose of showing designs in a product mockup?
-Showing designs in a product mockup helps the client visualize how the design will look in a real-world application, such as on packaging or signage.
Why is offering too many design choices to clients not recommended?
-Too many choices can lead to clients nitpicking parts of each design and not focusing on the overall purpose, potentially resulting in analysis paralysis.
What is the accepted norm for the number of design options to present to a client?
-The accepted norm is to present about three options: two on-target safer options and one more adventurous option.
What is the alternative approach to presenting multiple design options?
-An alternative approach is to present one main concept while keeping a second or third concept ready in case the client does not approve the initial one.
Why is it important to use clear naming conventions for project files?
-Clear naming conventions, such as using version numbers and/or dates, help in organizing and easily finding project assets and folders later on.
What is the purpose of creating a style guide after the final design is approved?
-A style guide serves as a handoff document that lists the fonts used, colors, and other design elements, which can be useful for the client when making new items or changes in the future.
How does billing work after the project is completed?
-Depending on the agreed billing arrangement, the designer may bill the entire project at once or in stages, such as after each half of the project is completed.
What is the typical workflow after billing for a design project?
-After billing, the designer waits for payment and may need to manage cash flow carefully, especially for projects that take several months to complete.
What exercise is suggested at the end of the transcript for enhancing project tasks?
-The exercise suggested involves exploring and practicing production tasks related to making and refining design projects.
Why is it crucial to keep the client involved throughout the design journey?
-Keeping the client involved ensures that the final design is not a shock to them, as they have been part of the process and the direction has been clearly communicated.
Outlines
🚀 Concept Presentation and Client Direction
This paragraph discusses the next steps after completing initial discovery and concept exploration for a project. It emphasizes presenting a few low-resolution or 'sketch-like' concepts to the client to ensure the project is on the right track. The process involves refining the concept and creating high-resolution designs that closely resemble the final look, which may be showcased in a product mockup. The paragraph also addresses the common question of how many design choices to offer clients, suggesting a norm of presenting about three options: two safer options and one more adventurous one. It further advises on the strategy of presenting one main concept with a backup in case the client is not satisfied with the initial presentation. The importance of keeping the client involved throughout the design journey to prevent surprises is highlighted. Finally, the paragraph touches on the process of revisions and the necessity of using clear naming conventions for project files and assets.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Design Workflow
💡Low-Res Designs
💡High-Res Designs
💡Design Choices
💡Revisions
💡Naming Conventions
💡Style Guide
💡Cloud Service
💡Billing Arrangement
💡Design Journey
💡Production Tasks
Highlights
Show clients low-res or low fidelity designs to ensure the right direction is taken.
Once a client approves the direction, refine the concept with high-res designs.
High-res designs should be close to the final look and may be shown in a product mockup.
Avoid offering too many design choices to prevent analysis paralysis and nitpicking.
Ideally, present three design options: two safer options and one more adventurous one.
An alternative approach is to present one main concept with a backup ready.
The client's approval should not be a surprise if they have been included in the design journey.
Prepare for multiple revisions and maintain clear naming conventions for project files.
Use version numbers and/or dates in file names to organize and locate assets efficiently.
Avoid frustration by ensuring that files and assets are easily locatable post-completion.
After revisions, save files in all agreed-upon sizes, colors, and formats.
Creating a style guide can be beneficial for clients for future design consistency.
Gather all project materials and upload them to a cloud service for client transfer.
Consider billing arrangements and how they affect cash flow throughout the project duration.
Billing the project in stages can help manage finances as the project progresses.
Engage in exercises to practice production tasks related to project making and refining.