Graphic Design communicates using graphics, images and/or text. The communication goal is always the same: make your audience care. A great design communicates an engaging concept and corresponding visual language. There are numerous ways to achieve a design solution. A great design solution is always born from a process. This document is a description of one such process.

1. Design Process
How to get from an
assignment to a great
design solution.
Begin 1

2. What is this?
Graphic Design communicates using graphics, images and /or
text. The communication goal is always the same: make your
audience care. A great design communicates an engaging
concept and corresponding visual language.
There are numerous ways to achieve a design solution. A great
design solution is always born from a process. This document
is a description of one such process.
Intro 2

3. Part 1:
Make a plan.
Understand Research Focus
P1 3

4. Understand the Assignment
_ What is the assignment?
_ What is your topic?
_ What are your parameters?
_ What is the category?
_ What are your client / instructor expectations?
Planning: Step 1
4

5. Research
_ Become well versed in the topic or category
_ Look for insightful information and ideas
_ Learn something new
_ Have multiple sources. Talk to people, read and search
_ Keep detailed notes and write down new ideas or perspectives you find
Planning: Step 2
5

6. Organize and Focus
_ Decide on a concept
_ Don’t try to say everything, because you can’t
_ Make a concept statement that sets ambitious and unique goals that:
“Make me Care.”
_ Focus your ideas and concept into actionable design keywords
Planning: Step 3
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7. Part 2:
Execute your plan.
Inspiration Exploration Direction
P2 7

8. Pulls / Moodboards / Inspiration
_ Use keywords to find visual ideas and inspiration to “pull” from
_ “Pull” from great design, pop culture, architecture, folk art, etc. Find things that
relate to your keywords and your concept. Find things that are compelling or
give you ideas.
_ Find type, photo styles, composition, formats, materials, color paletes, etc
_ Stay focused on the keywords and your concept
_ Be open to where ideas can lead you
Execution: Step 1
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9. Initial Exploration
_ Play! (But stay on target)
_ Develop and expand on visuals and ideas from your pulls/moodboards
_ Try things out
_ Think big
_ Have a range and a variety of type, compositions, image treatments and ideas
_ Sketch and then make rough sketches on the computer showing type and
image usage.
_ Then do more
Execution: Step 2
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10. Choose a Direction
_ Make a decision on your design direction and then make it work
_ Take the best ideas from your explorations
_ Create high res artwork that accurately represents your concept
_ Show exact alignments and grids
_ Work on creating type hierarchy and employing good type structure
_ Create a narrative that your audience can follow
Execution: Step 3
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11. Refine Your Design
_ Is everything professional quality?
_ Take care of every detail
_ Be sure there is consistency in your system
_ Type excellence
_ Clear writing and content
_ Good pacing
_ Perfect production
Execution: Step 4
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12. Refresher:
Part 1:
Understand Research
Focus
Part 2:
Inspiration Exploration Direction
R 12