The design process

The design process

Successful design solutions come from close collaboration and mutual respect between myself and my clients. Design excellence is my primary objective, but I do not believe design alone can make graphic design and marketing communications succeed.

Firstly, I will listen carefully to you

I put a lot of time in at the start of a project to talk to my clients. I need to know what you want and what you would like to achieve.
I will gather detailed information on your requirements, your ideas and all relevant data.

Then I will ask a lot of questions

Ideas are one thing I am never short of, and as we talk ideas will start to form.

I will ask the questions and listen to the answers to gauge where you're coming from. I will proceed only when I am satisfied that I fully understand what's really important for you what you wish to achieve.

Sometimes clients come to me with very clear ideas about what they want. I have no problem with that, I am happy to work to a tight brief, and I aim to work together to build on these initial ideas to produce original and captivating design solutions.

Equally, I am content to work to a loose brief with a specific objective. Many clients have come to me with just the seed of an idea. The '...we know what we want, but we don't know how to get there' scenario. Working closely together with such clients I help to map out the project and oversee it's development to fruition.

I will prepare a carefully considered proposal

Having developed a brief I will provide a detailed costing and schedule up front which are broken down into relevant project stages. Projects evolve and as new ideas arise the project may need to be re-considered. I regularly update clients with any information which may have an impact on the costing or schedule as the project progresses.

I will recommend the right tools for the job

I strongly believe in recommending only the right tools for the job. Services which I offer, and those of third-parties, may have a cost implication. Where cost is sensitive I am always happy to offer a range of options where possible.

I know my limits and sometimes a project may exceed my knowledge base or require specialist third-party assistance. I am skilled in researching, commissioning and integrating third-party products and applications.

I will work to the schedule upon which we agree

As the client you will be conscious of costs and delivery of the key stages in your project. You will want to know what is going on and to see your designs progress. I will deliver your work at key stages to the dates agreed on. I will always update you in the unlikely event of project slippage, and inform you well in advance, wherever possible, of additional resources or materials which may be required.
I will always do my upmost to deliver your project on time and on budget.

I will deliver the project on time and within budget

My final objective, and the part that makes it all worthwhile to me, apart from the obvious pay cheque, is to see my clients happy with the results.

The testimonials which I have published on this website come from my many happy clients.