Design Process
Each project is unique. To begin, we start with an introductory call. I listen closely, gather important project details and learn about what audience needs to be reached in order to achieve a client’s key goals before providing a proposal for design services.
Each proposal is an estimate. Design hours and meetings are tracked with care, using timesheet software to ensure transparency and fairness; I check-in frequently with each client. Final invoices reflect the estimate, plus or minus additional edits and/or design hours beyond the scope of work, billed at my hourly rate.
Keeping timelines and pricing on schedule: Often this is achieved by clients who are organized, respond promptly and collaborate with the designer. We establish a project timeline with milestone dates, calls and final deadlines.
01
Discovery
Once the design estimate is approved, I meet with each client to discuss the visual and messaging direction for their unique project. Depending on the scope of work, we review a short project or brand survey together (typically sent ahead of the meeting for clients to fill out). This allows for applicable project research needed before the design and sketching phase begins.
After discovery, the sketching and design phase begins—where a little bit of hard work and artistic magic come together. A variety of design concepts and directions will be explored before the designer chooses 2-3 design concepts for client consideration. Depending on the scope of work, several variations on a concept may be included for consideration.
02
Design
03
Refinement
The client may select one or two design concepts to move forward with for further refinement. Client feedback is carefully considered and frequent check-ins are established to review the revisions. Three rounds of review/revisions are allowed before final files are generated. Please note concepts are developed with considerable thought and care—concepts may not be merged together for a hybrid/frankenstein version.
Once the client approves the final design, project deliverables will be shared via google drive or another platform of the client’s choosing. All files are packaged carefully with print and online versions clearly labeled to ensure the client is able to use their designs effectively and efficiently. To wrap up all projects, we schedule a close-out meeting to review the project, process, receive client feedback and give hi-fives to a job well done!
04
Finalization
Branding
From simple logo marks to more robust brand identities—Chica Creative’s approach is consistent—Thoughtfully and artistically crafted brand visuals where our client’s mission and vision emotionally connects with their audience for a unique and meaningful brand experience.
Brand Packages
Logos vary greatly in technical difficulty. From simple, geometric logo marks to typographic logotypes, to more intricate and illustrative brand lockups; Chica Creative provides different brand packages with built-in flexibility to achieve each unique client’s brand goals.
Brand Identity ~ for clients seeking something strategic & comprehensive
Simple Logo ~ for clients seeking something simple & professional
A logo mark or logotype (simple typographic logo), in a horizontal, vertical and/or stacked orientation; formatted for print and web use; single-color or two-color options provided.
A single page Style Sheet may be recommended to ensure your brand stays consistent across all marketing platforms.
A Brand Identity is more involved. It often includes illustration as well as typographical elements that make up the logo mark. It can be presented in a horizontal, vertical and/or stacked orientation; formatted for print and web use.
Unlike a simple logo, brand identity is a package that includes supporting identity elements: a full color palette, additional icons, background patterns, suggested fonts for marketing (primary, secondary, web-safe), and applicable logo + tagline design lock-ups. Click below for an example.
A multiple page Brand Guide outlines best practices, key messaging elements and tone to ensure your brand stays consistent across all marketing platforms.
Marketing Package ~ for clients seeking something strategic & comprehensive plus ready to use marketing tools
With your Brand Identity Package and Brand Guide, you can also be provided with a Marketing Package. This includes:
Supportive Identity System, typically a business card, stationary (letterhead, envelopes, etc), social media favicons and an email signature design.
Marketing Designs, such as presentation slide design templates, marketing card design, social media ad design templates, social media banner designs for online platforms of client’s choosing.