This is where your designer will ponder the project, imagine the possibilities and brainstorm the best direction for your goals. Sketches often provide rough ideas and options; moving to the computer to produce the digital files needed for the end output. This part of the designers process varies with the designer and the project.
For logos it starts with a sketch – actually many sketches. Logos fit into a category all their own. They need to be consistent and adjustable at the same time. They need to tell a story and promote a style. And the good ones take time.
For promotions and other content that will be printed, designers often begin with a layout program ( like Adobe InDesign) and a digital file that is set up in the correct size, meeting the requirements of the final output provider. They gather all the elements, import the ‘pieces’ – copy or text, logo, additional graphics or photos – and arrange those elements, in the allotted space, taking into account the elements of design (link) and the client, the brand, style and objectives. Depending on the agreed deliverables, they may supply layout options with in the parameters of the project.
Often the designer will provide all or some of the photos or graphics, called ‘stock’ in the industry. (LKArts offers delightfully different stock photos and graphics (link to shop).