How to Design Designs : an evolution of concepts

Let's talk about my design process and how much goes into creating design work.

So what I do first is to figure out what am I designing. It can range from poster design to websites to film-making. This helps determine what materials and software I need to use for my project. The toolbox consists of drawing, sketching, the Adobe Creative Suite, and any free art program I have on my computer.

First, I made variations of an idea on paper. Sketching small thumbnails and full designs, I don’t necessarily know how many. Do enough till it feels right. Then I pick a couple to idea that fit with the creative brief or what I want to do.

Second, I go to my material/software of choice for the project (multiple depending on the project) and create more variations of the the ideas I picked.

Ex. Old Sketch Variations of an Old Project

Then I have my peers or client look it over to see what works with the brief or vision. If they like one of the designs, I make more variations. If they want changes, I can make revisions accordingly.

After a lot of changes and variations, the following could happen. Sometimes the client is happy, loves the design work, and uses it. Sometimes, they’ll look for someone else to design what they want and apologize for wasting your time. Or they just hate what you make. Those are possible options that can happen when designing for a client. I usually hope that the person enjoys it, and the design serves its function and looks amazing. Maybe add that project to the portfolio and hope to find more gigs.

Design is something that takes time and revising to make it amazing. you must evolve your concept on paper to a functional visual design. For so much effort, it is still subjected to the opinion of yourself, clients, and peers. You react accordingly and professionally. Take the critiques and try to improve the work. That is how you design good designs.