Using logo design as an example, I want to reflect on a typical approach and demonstrate why it is important to keep all drafts of the design running.
A logo is an integral part of a brand, the pin that holds a brand together; communicating the identity of a company or individual is crucial for the perception of a company, as it is generally the first thing that people see.
Time is always against us, and for most of us, time is money. Developing a logo can sometimes take time, a long time, as it can take a lot of work to produce that final branding and/or graphic design.
Customers can sometimes question the end result, and why not, they have every right to wonder why a single color logo, made up of a word and an icon, for example, can cost between £ 700 and £ 1000. They need Design tests, and drafts can provide a practical demonstration of how involved a graphic designer has become in their approach to a logo.
The journey of a new logo or any other design requirement starts from the initial brief. Taking notes with the first customer engagement, up to research using books, magazines, newspapers, etc., and of course the Internet; Sometimes mood boards help the designer visualize the theme and reaffirm the client’s faith in the designer’s approach.
It is to have a clear understanding of the abstract through research and questioning, and the next stage could be rough concepts drawn on paper or on screen, first assessment, design development, submitted proposals, further, development if necessary, final assessment, and deployment.
Deadlines are often short and tight, and exploring a potential brand may require cutbacks to successfully hit that deadline, so some of the above may not apply all the time, but research, 99.9 % of the time, it’s worth it. The more you put in, the higher the result.
However, with all the research gathered from all the sources in the world, design can sometimes be slow at first, and the first 5-10 first sketches are usually put aside by a graphic designer; this is not a process of elimination, but rather a process of generation. For example, there may be a specific font or color that catches the eye of a designer, which will lead to further development.
As a graphic designer, I was often concerned about clients seeing my work, but it can provide useful insight into a designer’s mind and day, should a client ever question the suitability or cost of a logo (or other design for the case) – It is essential to show those who work. The moral of the boys and girls in the story is to keep working rough, as you never know when they will be useful.
The amount of money you can earn as a graphic designer varies. Many different factors determine what an employer or client pays you.
An important factor that affects your pay rate is the demand for skills. If your skill is specialized or in high demand, you know you can claim a higher salary. It is keep abreast of new technologies so that you can better determine if you can make money from what you do.
Another factor, in addition to demand and specialty, is talent. Of course, you need to produce a product that customers or employers want. However, it is more than that. You need to convince customers why you are specifically designing for a business, product, film, advertisement, website, etc.
Apart from the demand and talent, you also need to be determined. You must have the attitude that you will never give up before working in the field you enjoy. It may mean that you sacrifice a few things at first, but eventually you will be happy to be successful.
Flexibility is another important factor that determines how much you will earn. This does not mean that you have to accept design work that conflicts with your interests. If you practice flexibility, you can earn more income.For example, you may want to undertake smaller projects that large companies would never take the time to do. Similarly, you may want to work for a slightly lower rate if the client offers you bulk work.
You decide what work or projects to accept, but don’t be too demanding either. Remember why you are doing this, and don’t keep working for low fees because you want your clients to recommend you to other people.
Factor that will determine how much money you will make as a graphic designer is your overall experience. If you have been designing for several years, then you have perfected your craft much more than someone who has only been doing it for a few years.
Their experience is invaluable, but don’t take it for granted. You should keep learning and be willing to try new projects. Otherwise, other designers may outperform you and cause you to lose clients or an important job.
During slow economic times, or when you need to take a temp job right after college, don’t forget about your trade. Take the time to keep learning during that period in your life when you think it may be impossible to find a job.
Speaking of using your talents and gaining experience, any avenue you can find to implement your skills is valuable. For example, some graphic designers have developed their design skills by creating free brochures, advertising logos for companies, etc.
Some graphic designers volunteer to work on ad campaigns for nonprofits for free. This experience, even if it’s only temporary, will help add items to your portfolio.