Good effective Graphic Design in whatever format should Attract, Stimulate and motivate.
Today life is like a jungle in terms of information overload from a long list media and the effort to "attract" is increasingly difficult. In days past a good poster with a relevant provocative image would attract the passer by to come and have a closer look, read the small print which should "stimulate" the curiosity and "motivate" them to go to the event, new restaurant or new art gallery and see if it compares well with the poster information and thereby complete the process. If it does then it would prompt another visit or recommendation to a friend to see that fantastic show.
How is this achieved today, in some cases the Graphic Designer will work in conjunction with marketing experts. Develop a strategy, look in detail at the potential customer and the final objective, if its a play they count bums on seats or if it is a product they count sales. This forms the ingredients that need to be considered in formulating a good design that will Attract, Stimulate and motivate. Add to this modern day methods of communication, mobile text messages, Twitter, Face book, Utube, e-mail lists and personal invitations. All this depends on the event or product in some situations magazine or Newspaper adverts have broad appeal or specific industry magazines will target engineers for example.
The final ingredient is the client and it is up to the Graphic Designer sell their design plan to the client, a good working relationship is very important and allows positive collaboration and shares ownership of the entire project.
Graphic Prism Cork have 30 years experience in Graphic Design and have developed with new technology, so the tools have changed but our main objective is to clarify and communicate in the best method possible for each individual client.
Graphic Design Process
For best results it is wise to follow the design process and have everything properly checked and approved is always time well spent.
1. Introduction & Detailed Briefing
This is the time to look at work previously produced Graphic Prism in various specialist areas. A meeting with all the elements and people involved. A discussion of objectives, budget, content, size, photography, market analysis and study of competitors. Listening to client requirements and becoming informed about your business and market competitors is a necessary foundation for a good working relationship.
2. Analysis & Costs
There are not always clear cut defined areas here as the design details may not be clear initially. Similar to pricing a house building project, the house needs to be designed first and even then there may be changes and additional costs. Graphic Design is similar, a guide price is possible and this can be firmed up when visuals and concepts are produced and a plan approved. Printing is better defined in terms size, colours, quantity and an accurate estimate produced.
3. Agreement Approved
At this stage an agreement to proceed should be acknowledged. Graphic Prism Ltd., then handle the project from design, digital artwork through to printing supervision and final delivery.
4. Creative Design
With all ingredients together creative design ideas are formulated into a coherent number of design options. Computer generated design makes producing these visuals more accurate. At this stage a short meeting with the client is a way to narrow down the options and establish a design direction.
A mood bored display showing competitor branding, their style, colour scheme and logo applications is very useful. Side by side with this is a proposed approach showing the client’s new colours and their individual mood board.
Having collected all the comments a very accurate presentation of the design solution is produced. After the refinements of the second presentation the project is approved for printing and proofing.
5. Colour Separations & Proofing
Process colour or special spot colours are generated in tech form of a proof sheet or matchproof. This is then checked in detail and signed by the client as approved for printing. Errors detected can be corrected and a new proof produced.
6. Printing
Traditional or digital printing are available, each job is matched to the most suitable printer. Printing is supervised and checked to maintain the highest quality. Extra finishing such as laminating or foil blocking are arranged.
Finished job is delivered to the client to begin its job as part of the marketing.
7. Design Applications
Further applications of the design can extend to web sites, digital brochures, singe, company vehicles, gift items, billboards, advertising and packaging depending on the client’s product or service and requirements.
Grahpic Prism Ltd., Est. 1985