graphicdesign1 - mainA great design brief is important when your business requires any new graphic design work. Think of it as the document that is going to act as a guide for each specific design project and something that is going to help you get your desired outcome.

It’s also how you communicate your design objectives – like if this is a new design or if you are reworking existing branding, marketing collateral and/or your website.

To help make sure you and your designer are on the same page, here are a few more essential elements to include in your design brief.

3 Tips for Creating a Good Design Brief

1. Target Market for the piece

Before you start any design project, let your graphic designer know exactly who your target audience is. Understanding what your ideal customer looks like and the market you’re trying to reach is a key factor in helping to shape your design. After all, what appeals to your Gen Y client is not going to have the same appeal to a Baby Boomer, so give your designer a clear idea of who is going to want and need your products or services.

2. Budget and Schedule for the Design

The last thing you want is your graphic designer getting carried away with a creative idea that doesn’t fit your allocated budget or deadline. Make a point of discussing exactly what dollars you have to spend and make sure they tailor their graphic design services to give you the most bang for your buck. Also make a point of discussing your deadline and whether your timeline is flexible or not, so that your designer can make sure their creative solutions work with both your budget and schedule.

3. Overall Look and Feel

Use your design brief to convey to your designer exactly what you have in mind in terms of your overall style. Letting them know more about your exact tastes will be a huge help. Better still – provide specific examples of the designs you love and hate – even discussing with your designer your likes and dislikes of competitor marketing and digital collateral can give them valuable insight.

For help creating a great graphic design brief, download the Kwik Kopy Design Brief Template or get in touch today to arrange a FREE design consultation.