Building something meaningful (a website, brand identity, photograph, or design) doesn’t just happen. Every successful project will have a process to convert the raw ideas into the quality final product. I feel that creating a structured creative process benefits not just the outcome, but the trusting relationship I hope to develop with clients. Here’s a look behind the scenes of my creative process to show how I help make ideas become reality!
1. Discovery & Understanding the Problem
There are no successful projects without knowing the real problem at the start. Before I write a word or keyboard a letter, I take time to understand you, you company, and your goals. This may involve a thorough questionnaire, discovery call, and even more to actually find out what you truly need. This is a necessary step to ensure that I properly align my work to your vision. It can’t just be what looks good; it has to be what is good for your audience and will actually achieve results. I will ask things such as: What are your business objectives? Who is your target audience? What do you want to communicate? Are there any particular styles or inspirations that you like? By defining the answers to these questions I can ensure that what I am producing has a purpose and intention.
2. Brainstorming & Concept Development
Once I have a firm grasp of your requirements, we move into the idea generating phase, otherwise known as the yonder phase! The creative juices are steering the bus and I’m exploring ideas, sketching rough drafts, gathering inspiration, and mapping out numerous ‘what if’ options that this project can morph into. In this brainstorming phase it is important to balance your project goals in the back of your mind, as creativity is meant to generate excitement, but it has to have utility. I concentrate on generating ideas that you will find resonant with your audience, and are appropriate for your brand personality. This phase is also collaborative. It’s not unusual for me to share early concepts with clients so that they can provide imput and we can recommune to help hone the direction of the project, and gauge if we are on the same page developing, as we enter the next phase of project execution.
3. Design / Build / Create Phase
Once I’ve gotten to the best idea, I move on to the creation phase. No matter if I am creating a logo, a website, or photo editing—this is the phase where ideas become real work. I also believe in being transparent in this phase and provide clients with the views and updates they need. This hourly communication helps them avoid surprises and know the project is developing as expected. The momentum and energy is in this phase – the work can take some unexpected turns, and the best results come from the ability to adapt during the creation process.
4. Refinement & Revisions
Excellent work is rarely achieved the first time. This is why I welcome feedback and revisions as part of the creative process. When I share a clients first draft or prototype, I ask clients to share their honest opinion and ideas. Often we can finalize the work together, whether it is making modifications to colours, revising layouts, enhancing functionality, etc. When it’s finally right, now that’s when I get excited. I see this process as a partnership of a client vision and my technical knowledge that should allow us to do amazing things together.
5. Final Delivery & Support
When the project is completed and launched, I will give you final files to the site or launch the site for you, whatever you decide, but I will still be around. I am offering continued support, or even if you have questions once you start using your new design or product. I want you thrilled and confident about your new design! I look forward to being a part of your future success, if in the future you need to make a change to your site or you have any other questions regarding your new design.
Bringing Your Ideas to Life Starts Here
No matter how unique each individual project I undertake can be, they all have at least a principle in common – constant base of a directed and/or managed process; this process also contains fundamental principles of understanding, creativity, co-creation, and quality. If you want to have a impact when you start your next project, let me know how I can help. And if not, feel free to browse through my portfolio, or even just have a conversation with me about your next project – I’d love to assist you in bringing it to fruition.
