Sample Process- Logo Design
The design process can be overwhelming for all when there are a large number of people involved in the approval/feedback process, or when expectations aren’t communicated clearly early on. To avoid extra costs, I recommend that clients relay requirements clearly in advance (both to me, and among themselves) and reduce the number of people involved in approvals.
The design process usually begins with a Creative Brief- a short questionnaire for the client to fill out, detailing their wants and needs for the project. Once the brief and price quote are approved, the contract is signed, and the deposit received, the creative process begins! (Time estimates are loose, and can vary depending on time of year and scope of the project).
The first step are sketches. These basic black and white concepts may be in pencil, marker, or digital, and in varying states of polished appearance. They should not be taken literally as far as the polish and level of detail, but serve as a conceptual representation of an idea and/or composition. The aim is to create a large number of rough thumbnails to explore all possible directions for the project, before narrowing down. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
The design process usually begins with a Creative Brief- a short questionnaire for the client to fill out, detailing their wants and needs for the project. Once the brief and price quote are approved, the contract is signed, and the deposit received, the creative process begins! (Time estimates are loose, and can vary depending on time of year and scope of the project).
The first step are sketches. These basic black and white concepts may be in pencil, marker, or digital, and in varying states of polished appearance. They should not be taken literally as far as the polish and level of detail, but serve as a conceptual representation of an idea and/or composition. The aim is to create a large number of rough thumbnails to explore all possible directions for the project, before narrowing down. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
CHOSEN SKETCH
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Designer and client will likely meet to discuss the sketches, what they represent, and in what direction they can go, as well as any changes that need to be made. Sometimes, 2-3 sketches are further refined in order to develop the final concept. Once the winning sketch has been chosen, the designer works on a rough draft, or comp, of the design. This includes refining the concept further, adding detail, testing color palettes and alternate formats. There may be one clear direction, or there may need to be multiple options that need to be explored. This process can take another 1-3 weeks. |
COLOR COMPS
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The designer presents the comps to the client for feedback. These may be fairly close to the final design, or may be shown in an earlier rough stage, in order to work out any necessary changes before continuing. Sometimes elements of various comps will be combined in new ways. The client is typically allowed 3 rounds of revisions to the design at this stage, beyond which additional charges may apply. The client and designer work back and forth to ensure the design is tightened up, adjusted, and finishing touches are finalized. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks, dependent on prompt communication between client and designer. |
Favorite elements identified (fonts, colors, composition, etc)
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The design is finalized, and the agreed-upon file formats are presented to the client, along with the final invoice.
Graphic Design Pricing- General Guidelines
(prices subject to change depending on the scope of your project)
Logo design: $900-4000
Existing logo digitization: $200-600
Postcard, business card, branded promo: $250-2000
Web design: $50/hr ($500 minimum for basic site)
Advertisement (web or print): $250-1500
Event Posters: $500-3000
Trifold/Brochure design: $800-2000
Magazine/Catalog/Report layout: starting at $175 per page
Book Jacket Design: $750-3000
Spot Illustrations: $50-250
Other services: $50/hour
I charge a 50% deposit up front for all contracted work, the remaining 50% due upon completion.
