First contact

When clients contact me for the first time they must succinctly explain:

What their business does.  

What graphic design they want me to provide.  

What objective do they hope the final design will achieve.   

 

Within a few short sentences I need to immediately understand what they want and what the project will involve. Cllients must provide a detailed and precise design brief for me to work from. Initially we’ll just have a conversation, we’ll dicuss the scope of work, a written. Only when we’re both agreed on the brief will I produce a quote and a plan of action. 

 

The design brief. 

The most important part of any graphic design project is the clients design brief. It is the foundation of everything and the source of vital information I must have to do my job professionally. A well-written brief should immediately give me an accurate and detailed understanding of what the client is asking me to do, what additional services they'll need and how much time it will take me to carry out the work. When I know how much time the project will take me then I can produce a reliable quote for the client. 

 

A professional designer will translate information contained in a well-written brief and use it to develop creative ideas, a budget, a plan of action and a time schedule. Onus is on the client to provide accurate and succinct information. Initially a conversation is adequate but the client is required to send a detailed written brief before final quotes are agreed. 

 

A design brief acts as a permanent written reminder for designer and client of what the client asked the designer to do exactly and what the designer agreed to charge for producing the work. 

 

Unfortunately, clients who aren’t familiar with the design process often don’t see carefully-written briefs as a high priority. Sometimes they under-estimate their importance other times, more worryingly, it’s because the client hasn’t made fundamental decisions about their own business or simply doesn't know what they are doing. To an experienced designer these issues scream out from a badly written brief. If you're nervous and uncertain where to begin don't worry I'm happy to help you scope out the brief.  

 

What is a design brief  

A graphic design brief is a written document, produced by the client, that clearly states what their business/project is and what graphic design services they need. A design brief should give any professional designer an immediate and accurate understanding of what the client needs.  

 

 

Information to include 

A well-written brief will give a professional designer enough information to immediately interpret the clients brief into a reliable quote, a plan of action and ultimately into an effective design solution that is fullfills the clients objectives. The brief should cover the following points: 

 

• What is the clients business, product or service.  

• Exactly what is the designer being asked to design.

• Are there any particular specifications to consider such as document size or existing branding. 

• What will the design be used for, what is it's purpose/aim.  

• Are additional services required such as photography, printing and web programming.

• Are there any budget restrictions, style preferences or time factors to be considered. 

• Who are the clients customer/target audience.  

 

Still a little unsure what to do?  

If you have never worked with a graphic designer before and are not sure how to get started just give me a call. We can discuss your project over the phone. I'm happy to explain the design process and anything else you need to know to help you prepare a suitable brief.