How are actual designs created? How does a graphic designer move from an assortment of loose ideas to a final, printed product? Here's a quick rundown of the process. You'll find more about each of these steps in Chapter 3.

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1. Identify the Design Challenge

Get to know the design problem by asking questions or having clients list ten words that describe their company or need.

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2. Research and Plan

Develop a research plan for the project by

(1) collecting samples of competitors' materials

(2) asking about materials and colors, format, sizes and measurements and

(3) determining schedule and budget. Research the topic.

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3. Brainstorm, Sketch, Make Roughs

Consider a wide array of ideas based on your research. Make small sketches of possible arrangements of images and type. Rough out design direction.

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4. Present a Direction

Review and edit promising ideas into more finished sketches and present them. The client reviews, makes comments, requests changes, and chooses a preferred direction.

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5. Develop Revised Comprehensives

Incorporate the client's suggestions, develop the preferred direction into a more finished version of the design, and make final decisions on images and materials.

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6. Create Final Files

Create the electronic files that will go to the printer, webmaster, or other vendor.

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7. Billing

Consider the time, talent, expertise, and budget of the client. Bill according to either an agreed-upon price or something that the client will be expecting in terms of price and generate the bill once all of the components have been printed, uploaded, and are in the client's hands for use.

A generally accepted practice is to bill for half of the cost up front and the other half upon completion of the project.

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If you are employed in an agency, the billing department will take care of all of this, you merely report your time spent on the project.