5 Easy Steps to Optimize Graphic Design Workflow

“If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.” W. Edwards Deming

Design teams often have many different requests, from webpage design visuals, covers, infographics, illustrations, event banners, social media posts, etc.

What does a step-by-step process look like in a graphic design workflow and how can we create the most efficient graphic design workflow?

Let’s unpack everything you need to know to improve and optimize your workflow.

What is a graphic design workflow?

We can think of the graphic design process as a roadmap for a project, a way of getting from point A to point B.

There are several ways to get to the final destination, but the key is to find the best and most productive route to get there.

In the business world, we are all searching for the quickest and shortest time, using the least amount of fuel but having fun and enjoying your ride at the same time. These factors make a business successful, profitable, and rewarding.

Whether you publish your work on the web or in the printing press, the workflow will differ for each category.

Since graphic designers do not create UI/UX, here is essential to emphasize the difference between creating digital and print visuals.

How to optimize the graphic design workflow step-by-step

Before working on any project, the first step is to collect detailed information about your client’s scope of work, needs and wishes, budget, a vision of the design, a mood board, and deadlines.

This information will help you develop an outline of the content and achieve the project goals.

Here are a few typical phases in every new graphic design project:

01. Research phase

Gathering information and doing research for the project is the crucial step.

The research will have you understand the project and successfully answer the brief.

In this phase, you should collect all the relevant information about the client industry, brand value, vision, culture, and research competitors, including their website and social media profiles, and see what you can do better.

02. Brainstorming

Brainstorm immediately after receiving the client’s brief, when the information you have is still fresh.

Look for inspiration in words related to a given topic, words that include the spirit, personality, and message you want to convey to your audience.

For example, if a client wants to evoke emotions of security and comfort with the logo, you can visualize concepts and write down specific words that will produce such feelings.

You can also sketch your ideas. Drawing is a fun way to generate new ideas.

03. Preliminary sketches

Whether you opt to sketch digitally, cardboard, or paper, this is your chance to show off your artistic flair.

How to form an idea visually and produce preliminary sketches?

• Use colors when sketching to better present the idea.
• Try to reproduce as many sketches as possible.
• Create different versions of the same image
• Use paper and pencil for rough and fast sketches.

04. Clients feedback

Present everything you have to your client and get ready for their feedback. It will let you know whether you’re on the right track.

Quick sketches of logo concepts, a handmade version of a package design, layouts showing where elements will be placed on the page, etc., can generate the client feedback. This way, you will have an opportunity to polish your work and deliver the best possible product to the client.

Every graphic design workflow process is different and tailored to client needs, wishes and design.

Putting these steps into practice and applying tricks for improving graphic design workflow will successfully guide you towards the finished product and extraordinary results.

A good, efficient graphic design workflow helps you visualize the result before starting, stay organized, focused, and collaborate effectively with your team members.

Interesting for a broader perspective of this subject? Check the full article on how to optimize graphic design workflow.

Need help in any aspect of digital design? Let’s talk!