Whether it is a complete package to brand a client’s business or just a brochure, projects in design all follow a similar process. For website design, please see my page on website design. For design in traditional media, the process is quite similar.

The Discovery Process

My process starts with the client. I interview my clients about their business and their needs. There isn’t a better source for information about their business. I hold with a discovery meeting to get an idea of what types of projects they will be needing. Using the information gleaned from the discovery meeting, I write my proposal; scoping out the options and pricing.

Upon reconciliation of the proposal and officially kicking off the project, I meed with the client for creative discovery. Prior to this meeting, I tend to give a little homework. Depending upon the projects involved, this homework can vary from just surfing the web, to writing out descriptive words used to describe their products, services and corporate culture. Using this input, I start the creative process.

The Creative Process

Everyone has a different creative process. Often times my creative process follows the scientific method. As a quick review, my recollection of the scientific method is:

• State or Define the Problem
• Research the Problem and Gather Information
• Form a Hypothesis
• Experiment
• Draw Conclusion

As somewhat of a parallel, my creative process follows the following model:

• Challenge Definition
  Find out what challenges and functions the piece will address.
• Inspiration
  See what solutions other designers and companies have implemented to solve these challenges
• Ideation
  Shape the things that I have found that are appealing into custom solutions to the client’s needs. Look for new directions to take.
• Concept Creation
  From the sketch book to the screen, work out ideas and build concepts for review.
• Collaboration
  Obtain input from other designers or directly from the client. Brainstorm to add or subtract possible hang-ups.
• Refinement
  With multiple rounds of revision, it is possible to get to that sweet spot between the creative ideas I bring to the table and the client’s needs and expectations.

From here, it is off to the printer, or on to the projects that will incorporate the new design. For more information on how I can help you, please contact me at the coordinates below.

Joseph Money
702 Aster Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59718
TEL : (406)579-4922
EMAIL : contact(at)josephmoney.com