The approach is flexible and depends entirely on what needs done. That said, projects tend to include research, creative strategy, design, and implementation.
One
An in-depth look into the client history, the market, business goals, competitors, comparable brands. The time spent varies, and includes site visits where possible, desk work, and interviews.
Answers to a number of initial questions about the product or service help set the tone. Who’s it for? What’s it for? What change do you seek to make? What’s the hard part? How can you tell if it’s working? What are you afraid of?
When the vision of a company is understood it becomes much easier to create a lasting outcome. Uncovering relevant best-practice brands — companies with strong positioning in terms of what they stand for — also helps to focus the work.
Two
This is essentially about having a plan, and finding visual clues in what the research uncovers. It sets client expectations for how individual identity elements can work and grow with the brand, and means there’s no “big reveal” when designs are presented.
We talk about what kind of visuals are the right fit for the business objectives, the sector context, the various audiences and competitors, giving a benchmark that all design decisions can be tied back to.
Three
A number of weeks are usually spent preparing a document for client review. Because a plan has already been approved it’s normal that just one or two ideas are digitally presented.
Presentations are created using Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, with mock-ups that demonstrate how the logo and brand identity are applied to relevant print and digital contexts.
Feedback on how the work ties in with the original benchmark is essential, and there’s always scope for revision and refinement.
Four
Everything is designed to ensure that implementation (roll-out) is as efficient as possible. That might mean setting up social media profiles and creating a range of posts, or making sure the identity guidelines are tailored for international offices. Whatever’s most appropriate for the client.
Even if it’s many months after a project is finished, clients are encouraged to ask about any aspect of the design implementation, whether for visual guidance or for help with additional branding elements.
Get in touch if you have any questions about how we might work together.