Deciding to use professional creative services is just the beginning. While each client and project is different, the process is often the same. This includes:

1. Project Objectives.
For example: Company XYZ is looking to establish a new identity and supporting marketing materials as well as an online presence to launch in Fall 2009.

2. Discovery.
Before any design can begin, a discovery process takes place. This is to gain a clear understanding of your ideas and goals. The scope of the project will be defined by this process and allows for an estimate and timeline to be created. The discovery process includes:
• A kickoff meeting
• Research
• Creative Brief
• Understanding needed technologies
• Recommendation of technologies
• Site planning
• Audience Overview
• Brand Characteristics
Deliverable: Creative Brief,
Project Estimate, Timeline

3. Design Development.
Once an understanding of the objectives and findings are complete, conceptual development begins. This includes:
• Design concepts
• Typographical study
• Color application
• Storyboards for campaigns
Deliverable: Identity development,
Website concepts, Overall look and feel

4. Design Implementation.
Once a design direction has been approved, production begins.
Deliverable: Files ready for print, website ready for launch, Campaigns ready to roll-out

 

Agencies, Design Studios, Advertising Firms. PR Agencies. Boutique Design Studios. What's the difference?
The way they work. The culture. The product. The size. It varies from firm to firm. With bigger agencies you may be dealing with account managers, sales, creative directors, art directors, designers, writers, strategists, photographers. Some firms specialize in advertising, PR, website, video or print.

How do you know who to use?
That would depend on what you need. Some projects need an entire team, even division, dedicated to rolling out a new product launch or campaign. They might need to purchase tv spots, place press releases and conduct market research. Sometimes an ad agency who has a pr service is the right fit. An annual report is usually handled by a design studio. They're familiar with the process and understand what's involved. Creating a new logo or looking to re-brand a company is usually done by a design studio. Websites are usually a partnered effort, with designers and developers working together.

So you need a website.
Today technology is changing faster than ever. Social media, online credit card processing, capturing emails and having "a user experience" are just the beginning. So who does all that? A programmer. As designers we understand how to create a visual experience, but we need a programmer to handle everything behind the scenes. Consider us like architects, and the people who build the physical space the contractor. You need both.

Do your homework.
Every company shows their work. Design studios with larger staff may show a variety of styles. If there is a company whose work you like, then that's the place to start. Ask questions, read case studies. See examples. As the owner of winter and construction, we have a distinct design style. The work has often been described as simple and clean. Hire the firm that complements your own esthetic.