Steps to Creating a Graphic Design

 1.   Rather than jump right into graphics software program to try to create a final version, you can save yourself time and energy by first researching the topic, finalizing your content, starting with simple sketches. Making sketches will allow you to visualize the ideas and variations of those ideas. This step should be completed on paper. Generally 8 to ten sketches should be drawn. Try to make several variations of the same idea

   2.   Before you decide on a final design, take the time to gather information. This can be web pages, newspaper articles, or magazine coverage of the subject for which you are creating the design. It is always helpful to look at other designs of the same subject. You do not want to copy any previously created design, but observing what others have done can get your creative juices flowing.

  3.   You are probably creating this design for someone else. Even if it is for an instructor or professor, you should also meet with anyone involved to get their input and ideas. It will only duplicate you effort if you have to redesign a project because you and the person you were creating your project for were no on the same idea path.

  4.   You can now use the information collected to create an outline. This will allow you to list everything that will be in your creation. Logo, graphics, text, pictures, and negative space will be addressed. This will allow for final approval of the idea prior to design in the software.

 5.   Design should be creative. Now you can show your creative prowess. However, before moving on to the design, take some time to think about creative solutions for the project. You can use the client's examples of favorite work as guidelines for what they like and don't like, but your goal should be to come up with something new and different that will separate them from the rest. Ways to get the creative juices flowing include brainstorming with other creative people, reading magazines and visiting websites. This step may seem redundant, but previously you were doing these things to obtain information from others about direction. You want to use new information to guide your inner creativity.

   6.   At this point you are close to opening the software and begin the design process. Before you do, take this time to re construct or create new sketches. This step will allow you a reference point if you lose direction while designing the final product.

7.    It’s time to design the product. When you've done your research, finalized your content and gotten approval on some sketches you can move on to the actual design phases of the graphic design process. While you may knock out the final design in one shot, it's usually a good idea to present your client with at least two versions of a design. You can agree on how many unique versions are included in a job in your proposal. This gives the client some options and allows you to combine their favorite elements from each.

TIP: Be sure to keep even the versions or ideas that you choose NOT to present and that you might even like at the time, as you never know when they'll come in handy.

8.   The key point to designing is STICK TO THE STEPS. Whether they seem elementary, obvious or redundant it is crucial to stay on the path.

A good site for beginners is the Society of Environmental Design at http://www.segd.org/home/index.html. There are resources and examples of their award winning design.