The best logos in existence did not simply pop into existence when the graphic designer put his pen to the paper. They went through a process. This process is sometimes rigorous and takes years to perfect. The Apple logo went through many different phases and took 30 years to get to the stage they're in now! Take a peek at the following process and see if you're going about it the right way.
Research! Research! Research!
Research is the most important phase of a logo design process. Research includes asking the client questions about their likes and dislikes when it comes to graphic design. It should also include research of top competitors logos and creative styles. In addition, researching your client's target market comes in handy and helps you tailor your design to their specific needs. The most important reason you've been hired as a Graphic Designer is to help your client and their business become easily recognizable.
Development
Everybody handles this stage in their own way. Creative Graphic Designers like us prefer to take the information we've gathered, start with word association, brainstorming, a play on graphically describing words on paper and then move into Illustrator. This process is the most time consuming or SHOULD be. It will be greatly affected by how much time and effort put into the research phase of the Logo Design process.
Proofing
This is the first presentation to the client, where you will show them what you've been working on all this time! The presentation is half the battle, as you need to sell your design even after doing so much work on it. Graphic Designers all around the world have spent ages on a design that is not only beautiful but inspiring and could have been the next great Apple Logo, but the client hasn't liked it. Don't get too attached to your designs because they may end up in your rubbish bin.
As a Creative Marketing & Design Firm, we have a lot of competition. But we know that when we sit down with a client, our sales techniques are going to win the day. If you feel as if you're not on the up and up on Sales Techniques, look into getting a class or forcing yourself to give more presentations. It will only help!
Completion
It's finished finally! After all the time and effort put into the design, time spent with the client, and finally finalizing after your hard won presentation, you've arrived at the point in time where you deliver your product. And preferably get PAID too. Be sure to give your client multiple file types to work with as most printers take .jpgs, .ai, or .eps files. They may also ask for .pdf, .png, or even .gif and .tiff files. Be sure to have a copy of each. This makes both yours and your client's life much easier.
Follow Up
The best way to lose clients is to not follow up with them. Make sure you follow up with your client, as this might be the connection between you and your next gig!
Tips
1. Dont be lazy - do your research!
2. Don't rush!
3. Don't shortchange your client on proofs and designs
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