My design process will vary from project depending on the client’s needs, but here is a sneak peek into 10 steps I follow when doing a complete brand identity project.
STEP ONE
I always like to set up an introductory phone call with a client. This helps me understand their needs and wants, while also gaining a better understanding of their personality. This call also helps a client get to know me! By the end of the phone call, I want them to feel comfortable and to trust that their brand is in the best hands.
STEP TWO
I thank the client for taking the time to chat with me and send them their project proposal. This is a quote that will list the details discussed in our meeting and show a breakdown of design services and their final cost. I also include a contract for them to sign and instructions on how to pay their invoice and the next steps that will follow!
STEP THREE
Once the quote is approved and the initial invoice is paid, I send them a brand questionnaire. It asks simple questions such as the brand name and meaning, while also exploring more abstract concepts such as the brand’s purpose or goals they have for their business. It also covers very basic design elements questions like colors to avoid and typography they like/ dislike. This questionnaire will most importantly help me learn all about their target audience. This is very useful throughout my design process and will help me design with them in mind. I will refer back to this questionnaire throughout the process to ensure that my designs are aligning with the overall vision of their brand.
STEP FOUR
The next step in the process is to translate the completed questionnaire into a creative brief. This will include a mood board and an outline of their brand. It’s worth noting that all of this is done before I even start designing. I need to make sure that the client and I are on the same page well before I start sketching logo concepts. The research and discovery phase of the process is the most important part! I don’t want to skip these steps and find myself with multiple ideas and designs with an unclear direction of where to go.
STEP FIVE
After the discovery phase is completed and the client has agreed to the creative brief, I send over a timeline. This timeline outlines deadlines and completion dates. I always have my clients agree to this timeline prior to starting. It’s important to take any out-of-office days or trips into consideration and adjust the timeline accordingly to prevent projects from dragging out. This timeline not only outlines when I will have things to clients but also includes deadlines of when they will have feedback to me!
STEP SIX
Now it’s time for the fun part... it’s time to start designing! It can be interesting as a designer finding your process, but I can honestly say that by the time I get to this stage in my process I always feel very confident in the direction I want to go. It has consistently made designing so much easier and has completely removed those creative block moments I previously suffered from. Once I have a design that I am confident in, I send the first proof to the client. I always like to send over the design and schedule a phone call within a few days. This gives the client time to think about the design and come prepared to our next call with likes/dislikes and things they would like to see moving forward.
STEP SEVEN
Back to the computer. This is where I focus on taking the client’s feedback and refining my design into the final version. For the most part, my research, in the beginning, has paid off and I won’t have to do more 2 drafts of a design. This can vary from client to client, but it’s important to understand that if you do the discovery phase properly, you will avoid the back and forth changes with a client.
STEP EIGHT
Once the logo design is finalized, I move on to the design collateral. This includes the client’s fonts, colors, alternative logos, patterns, and any other design element unique to their brand. I always set up a final call with the client to review the brand as a whole. This is the fun part because clients are always excited to see their new fresh brand for the first time. This gives me a chance to walk a client through their brand and help them to understand the rationale behind the design, colors, etc.
STEP NINE
After the brand identity/design collateral has been approved, I will translate everything into a branding guide. This is a nice template and guideline that the client will use moving forward. I prefer to have everything all in one place for not only the client’s convenience, but it also shows organization and professionalism on my end. It is a nice way to tie a bow on a project and call it a day!
STEP TEN
This is where I give myself a nice pat on the back. I did it! Another branding project in the books. It’s important to understand that not every client is going to want a brand identity package. They might only hire you for one specific project, but I hope you are able to incorporate at least a few of these steps into your design process. Here at The Burnette Agency, we handle branding, websites, logo development, marketing, and more. If you are interested in finding out more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to hear from you! You can reach The Burnette Agency by email at info@theburnetteagency.com or give us a call at 404-850-2081.
