PREPARING

The design process begins with a review of your business plan, in particular the marketing section. A Marketing Plan is a simple list of marketing materials you can produce to make your business goals a reality. Before any marketing materials are created, however, it is important to design a consistent Branding/Business Image. With a unique business image your marketing will be recognized instantly and therefore receive a better response both inside and outside the alpaca industry. In essence, projecting a professional business image will make you stand out from the pack.

 

THE GENERAL STEPS

Creating a brand/business image and designing marketing materials involves several basic steps. The time spent on each step will be customized to fit your project’s needs.

 

Marketing plan

A Marketing Plan is 1/2 of your Business Plan. In the plan we describe your products and services and then define how to communicate it to potential customers. We take a look at all the ways you can make that communication (postcards, brochures, web sites etc) and determine what media would be best for your message and which will give you the best return on your marketing dollars.

 

Outline of project

With a Marketing Plan complete we then make a simple or complex outline of exactly the marketing direction(s) and media we are going to use to communicate with our potential customers. Also listed is a schedule of when and how we are going to evaluate our results of marketing so we can make adjustments if needed.

 

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is just that, a whirlwind of ideas and concepts of how to exactly communicate your message to others. It can be words, sketches, photos, images or links to things on the internet. This is the time to let creativity go.

 

Pencil roughs

Yes, we still use pencils! A pencil and paper are the quickest way to get those creative ideas down and out of the mind. We are developing ideas here, unrestricted by a linear computer program. On average we create multiple pages of sketches. From these we develop a half dozen or more of the best concepts into other sketches. At all times we keep in our minds and in our designs your Marketing Plans and outline.

 

Computer concepts

The computer is a tool. We use it to develop and design your concepts. Concepts can be loose (rough), semi-tight, tight and then finished final art. After previously determining a design direction, the computer lets us refine the image. Advantages are: quicker changes and more variations of concepts, finished electronic files that are standard for home and industry use, quicker future alterations and access to your designs. Logo concepts may be only in black and white to begin with because it is the design we are focassing on. Color is later added in future concepts. Most concepts are usually in color and represent text, photo, graphics and further develpment of the design style. Concepts are used in progression toward the final design.

 

Changes & revisions

Through review of concepts it is natural for changes and revisions to take place. Design is a process and step by step we work toward the final design. At the least there are two "proofings" (changes/revisions) steps. The first proofing may have both minor & major changes. While the second proofing should only have minor revisions. Depending on your particular project there maybe more proofings & reviews.

 

Final concept / final design

The final concept is the finished final design. The design is complete. Text, photos, graphics and design style have all been set. This design may still need adjustments to match specific print or electronic media use.

 

Approval

The final design is sent to you for the final review. This takes place either electronically or with a printed color correct proof. With your approval the design is set.

 

Preparing files for print or electronic media

The design is set and has been designed with it's final use or multiple uses in mind (print, textile, electronic media, etc.). Even with this end use knowledge a design still has to undergo certain alterations to match a specific printers electronic media requirements. This could involve such things as: adding bleeds, changing the file format (.eps, .tif, .pdf), altering the resolution, changing line weights, altering the colors from CMYK to Spot colors for better printing. There are many "little things" that need to be preformed to your final design files so your Branding (business image) remains consistent among its multiple uses. These are the details a good graphic artist should know and use to the benefit of his customers.

 

Questions?

This is a short overview of the Design Process. We can not begin to cover all the specific and unique details of the design process on this website. So we invite you to call us with your questions and information on your specific projects. We hope to have all the answers for all your questions and look forward to working with you on your alpaca business marketing needs. Thank you!

 

 

ITEMS OF INTEREST - FREE WORKSHEETS

Business Image Worksheet - Request a worksheet

Marketing Items Worksheet - Request a worksheet

fLogo Design Process - Request a information sheet.

 

Successful design is not created for design sake.
Successful design is that which makes a business grow.