Design Process
Step 1: The first step is to get a firm understanding of a given problem. This usually begins with a meeting or phone call with the client. Occassionally, the client provides a Creative Brief or Creative Deck. 

Step 2: I review my notes, do some research and let it marinate (if there’s time!). I think about a solution then think some more! Thinking is never ending throughout the process.

Step 3: I begin with broad strokes and loose explorations. This is my favorotie step!!! It’s a combination of curiosity, possibilites and a messy canvas! Deep into this stage, the plan diverts and intuition kicks in. I believe this is the most crucial part of the process! Yes, ‘design’ is planning but I’m always relying on diverting and pivoting from the plan and seeing where it takes me. Somewhere in this mixture an unexpected solution reveals itself.  

The hunt for a reveal is where the process is invigorating! After all these years, it never gets old! It’s the journey not the destination!

Occassionally, the initial excitment of the reveal dulls down and the joy is lost. usually because the solution veered too far from the concept or the solution isn’t as exciting as i thought! It’s a let down. I rinse and repeat step 3.
Step4: I review what I have and narrow it down to a handful of options. it’s never a good idea to show your client all your explorations! 

Step 5: Review my selects and go back to Step 1 to see if my comps solved the problem.. or not! This is a sobriety check point. I constatnly ask myself many questions like ‘does this make sense?’ ‘is the solution too obvious?’ ‘DidI over do it?’ ‘Am I under delivering?’ ‘Am I providing a good range of options? and the most difficult question, ‘Am I happy with it?’

Step 6: I usually end up revisiting and reworking my selects after Step 5. 

It’s constantly pushing and pulling!

Step 7: Building a presentation deck. I Put my reworked 3-5 selects into InDesign to make a PDF. I work this step into the timeline so i’m not rushing to hit the deadline. If all looks good, I’ll send it off to the client!!!

Then, await client feedback! Depending on the feedback from Round 01, the next steps will be determined.