My Personal Design Process

As a fine artist, I have innate drawing skills that allow me to visualize and communicate my ideas through drawings. However, with any project I receive, at school or freelance work, I always start by taking extensive notes during the brief. I even scribble down drawings of any first thoughts that pop in my head as I am being told about the project.

Next, I let it stew in my brain for a day or two, while gathering research such as information on the company/product, finding reference images, and proportions of whatever the final piece will be executed in.

Initial concepts are always executed with pen and paper. I never go to the computer first because, as anyone who has Adobe programs knows, you can spend hours in front of the screen playing around getting nothing done.

After I believe I have a couple good ideas, I share then with other people to get their feedback. Talking to others nearly always sparks new ideas for me.

Next, I go straight back to my layout pad and continue drawing thumbnails. After I have improved previous concepts and thought up new ones, I share my ideas with other people, again, to get feedback and make sure I am communicating my ideas as clearly as possible.

After I am satisfied with a concept, I draw detailed layouts in proportion, usually in colour.

Once I have the layout, I start to digitze my design. I always use the Process Colour Manual to pick out colours for my design. NEVER TRUST YOUR SCREEN, it's lying! This book is one of my best investments ever. I suggest it to anyone who's used the "well it looked better on the screen" excuse before.

After I have recreated my hand drawn layout on the computer, I show it to people and ask if there is anything that sticks out, or needs to be clarified. If they say yes, which 99% of the time there's something that can be improved, I do so.

After I, and the others who's input I have been receiving, are satisfied with the design I send it to print. If there print turns out well, I am done. If there is something that looks off once printed, or not enough contrast has been achieved, I edit the digital and reprint until I am satisfied.

But what happens when I can't think of anything else?


Well, when I hit a mental block, I usually find it best to walk away and clear my head. Then, usually when I return with a new mindset, I can think of ideas.

The "walk away from it" technique doesn't always work though, sometimes I have to do more. I often look for inspiration from new and old designs whether online, in a book, or within world around me.

Now, if I am sitting there drawing all the ideas I can think of and find that it's just not enough, I find it can't hurt to get a little buzz going. Have a beer or two and see what you think of then! Some of my favourite design ideas have some from this method.

So that's it, how a fine-artist-turned-graphic-designer's mind works when it comes to the design process.

Thank you for your time and attention,

until the next time,

K T Anderson