The behind the scenes process of how I work…
Below I've set out a typical process of how a smaller brand project could take shape. However, not all brands and projects are equal, and may vary project-to-project.
While the below is brand identity-focused, I adopt a similar process for other projects I work on.
Before we begin…
A 30-minute introductory call
We have a quick half-an-hour call over Zoom or Teams to talk about you, your business, your needs and how I can help you, in order to work out a rough scope of work, what you need, when you need it and for what budget.
The proposal
I carefully prepare a proposal based on the answers to the above, outlining the deliverables, schedule and quote (possibly at two or three cost levels depending on the project).
The paperwork
Once everything is agreed, I send over a design agreement, questionnaire (including moodboard guidance) and deposit invoice for 50% of the agreed project fee. As soon as I receive the deposit and signed contract, our project is locked in for the agreed start date.
The fun begins…
Research
I analyse the brief, your completed questionnaire and your moodboard and carry research to set the foundation of the design direction we'll take.
Design direction
Before jumping straight into a logo, I prepare at least 2 design directions will be provided that include a mix of design patterns, colour palettes, typography and photography that gives a direction of the overall brand feel.
These will be presented to you to give direction over the brand visual look and feel.
Ideation and development
I prepare sketches of potential directions before narrowing these down, combining them, discounting them, starting from scratch, and repeating the process until I create 2-4 options that I then vectorise.
These options are then shared with you mocked-up in various formats so you can get a feel of what is right for you.
Refinement and completion
The chosen route is then refined up, and if there are any amendments from your side these are then made. The agreed deliverables from the project are then designed one-by-one, refined and signed-off until we're both happy with each.
After we're done…
The handover
Once all deliverables are done, I create a brand guidelines document detailing the visual brand, so any work in the future doesn't undo the solid foundations we set.
I then share the final invoice, and once paid I send over all assets, neatly categorised in folders to within an inch of their life, and you're then free to use the assets moving forward and see the hard-earned results of our work together.