What to expect from your design firm [infographic]

As a client, it’s nice to know the process of how things flow when working with a design firm. If you are considering working with a design firm for the first time, you may not know what to expect. Here are a few key insights to consider when working with a design firm and their team.

Step one: The initial meeting

This is the beginning of the process where the design firm and you (the client) will have an informative meeting to discuss all of the project details. This is a necessary step to ensure the firm fully understands all of the project needs including context, background, previous experiences, goals, motivation and brand positioning. From here, the design firm can discuss the appropriate marketing strategies. By the end of the meeting, terms of payment will also be finalized before the design firm begins their work.

 Step two: Briefing and research

Now is the time for the design firm to gather all of the information discussed from the initial meeting. Once the information has been collected and organized, the team will put together a brief that will include all elements such as project details, deliverables, project background, deadlines and anything else that would be helpful to successfully complete the client’s project.

Step three: Ideas and concepts

Once the brief is completed, the team will begin to design ideas and concepts that will answer the brief. Whether this comes in the form of mood boards or concepts, this creative process will allow the design team to collaborate and discuss what is working or not working. This helps guide the design team forward in a direction that best solves the client’s needs.

Step four: The initial presentation

When the ideas and concepts have been narrowed down, the design team will present you with their proposed creative options. This offers you the opportunity to visually see the plan and provide feedback on what you like about the various elements and what you would like to see changed. The main goal of this presentation is for everyone to leave with a better understanding of the final result.

Step five: Development of the design

Now that everyone is on the same page after the initial presentation, the next step is the development of the final design. Once the design has reached a particular point, you will have the opportunity to review the various design pieces and provide additional feedback, as needed. Often times, this process includes a defined number of client reviews to ensure the client is satisfied with the end result. This is to help ensure the design firm continues to move the project along in a timely manner.

Step six: The delivery of the design

Once the final design has been reviewed and approved, the final files will be sent directly to you/your team or to a printer to complete the end of the project. Depending on your specific needs, your design firm can also help facilitate the print production process for you.

Think you’re ready to look for a design firm of your own? Give Allee Creative a call. We would love to help you solve all of your design needs.