The path I follow for visual identity projects is composed of four steps; Onboarding & Research, Strategy, Development, and Implementation & Launch.
A note from Abe
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably seen thousands of portfolios before. Maybe you’ve even hired a few folks in the past who’ve produced results ranging from awful to “meh.”
When I started my business, I wanted to do things differently and work with people who:
1. Can make (and act on) every business decision. No committee work.
2. Are quick and decisive. You understand your audience and you’re happy to leave the detailed work to me.
3. Value simple, clear solutions.
4. Can commit the required time to complete this project.
I’m not interested in selling to you. Instead, I want to help you create something that reflects your brand and drives new business your way.
My Process
Onboarding & Research
I get nosy about your business goals, check the market and the competition, and find out how they try to set themselves above and apart, what they might be doing wrong in your opinion and how we can avoid this. I start thinking about how to make your brand stand out then check focus areas to make sure we’re a good fit. We then hash out our shared vision and expectations for the project. Note that I only take on about 20% of the projects that come my way — not because I’m a jerk, but because I need to ensure that I can give you exceptional value from your investment in the project.
* You provide - honest answers and a clear vision for your business (6 to 12 years). You tell me how you expect the design will help you and how you currently serve your audience.
* Outcome: I get a better idea of your current understanding of design know-how and I can adapt my explanations accordingly to be the most fitting. We then formalise the deliverables, we both sign the proposal/contract, and you complete the down payment.
Strategy
We collaborate to flesh out the specifics of the project as well as deliverables and along with the information gathered at the research stage we form a plan. We’ll make sure everything is clear and determine due dates for revisions and complete scope of work.
* You provide - availability to talk for 1-2 hours and we'll fill a brief which typically has sections on your business, objectives, audiences and expectations.
* Outcome: a more set in stone guide through the use of the brief as a structure which ensures that nothing is going funny in the design solutions. Finally one-page PDF document is drafted which outlines the scope of work, deliverables, and timetables, as well as a strategic plan for how it all comes together.
Development
I work on solving your problem by developing a customised implementable design solution or system, the duration of this depends on project scope. I present one or two (usually no more than three) solid ideas based on the strategy we discussed and you approved. I will present these ideas in a PDF document to you highlighting various mock-up settings or treatments to provide context of how your new brand would look on stationery or vehicle livery. We then revise as needed (usually 3-5 times on average) and put together a final product.
* You provide: The necessary getting started data and materials (these may vary per project), and prompt revisions during the development process (usually if the project follows a well laid out strategy there is unlikely to be many challenges or opposition).
* Outcome: The end product will help you overcome the problems/obstacles we discussed early on and you'll be happy with your new solution.
Implementation & Launch
Up until this point everything has been adequately planned and implemented to ensure that everything will go smoothly. Once any necessary testing is wrapped, and if a client has more than one office around the world I can go ahead and create rules and guidelines documents to be distributed to keep brand continuity across.
* You provide - launch promotion and engagement with your audience.
* Outcome: New eyeballs on the finished project geared toward achieving our end objective.
Questions?
Check out my FAQs page, have a very specific question? Reach out!
Like what you've read?
Think we’d work well together? If so, that’s great news! Project start dates are only guaranteed when there’s a signed contract and down payment in my hands (or bank account.)
The cost starts at £1000 (or equivalent in your currency).
If you think we’ll fit like your favourite pair of jeans, the next step is to reach out to me and I'll fill you in the project planner so I can learn more about who you are and what you do. And let me tell you, right now, I can’t wait.