Are Starting An Advertising Design Project?
Sunday, March 1st, 2009If you are at all familiar with completing print design projects, then you probably realize how important it is to follow the process step by step. When creating an advertising design project, you need to research the product and it is a good idea to make several sketches and ask for opinions on them before continuing. Try to include the client during all phases of the project, as this can help to avoid some problems when you get further along in the assignment.
When undertaking a project like this you need to be very clear about what the client wants and how they want their product or service to be showcased. They may need an artist who designs logos or business cards, etc. It is important to ask the client questions, such as who is their target audience and do they have examples of the designs they like, as well as what fonts and colors should be used. Of course, you will want to know the deadline and you should ask if there is a specific budget. If they do not offer a budget amount and ask you for a quote, then tell them that you will need to review the project and will get back with them with a price. This will eliminate the possibility of a misunderstanding later.
Uniqueness is always the goal when completing a creative project. The client who has requested the web site design, print design or advertising design project usually has some idea of what they the finished product to look like. You can use their examples as a guideline, but make sure the finished product is distinctive. This may also prove to be beneficial in other ways, such as word of mouth kudos on your work. You never know when someone will see it and think, wow that’s a great job, who did this?
So, let’s say you have done your research, drawn some sketches of the designs, finalized your ideas and gotten approval to move on to the actual project. What’s next? You may feel that you are ready to knock out the final new designs in one shot, but it is usually a good idea to offer a client at least two different versions of a design. This gives the client some options and allows you to combine their favorite elements from each.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to follow what the client has requested, it does not come out as they expected. Don’t be offended, as often this is not the designer’s fault. It may be that they were not clear about the advertising design they were hoping to get. However, you should encourage them to mix and match features that they like the best from your work. Also, if they ask what you think about their choices, then don’t be afraid to give your professional opinion.