What's your process?

[ichbinhungry]

I'm a recent design graduate and have always been told to draw hundreds of ideas before you dive into one. I've always had a lot of trouble with this, especially with the computer being such a crutch/tool. I've tried to ignore my computer and draw things out, but once I draw a couple and come up with something I like and want to pursue, it's hard not to take it the next step on the computer.

Does anyone else have this 'problem' or think it's a problem? How do other people go about designing?

[Coy]

My process is similar to what you've been told. I'll doodle out a bunch of concepts and then start on something completly different. Go back and take a look at what I've done from a distance and take the one that stands out the most and work it a little more or start it on the computer.

[scorpionagency]

My process is simple:
(Sometimes I do pen or pencil to paper, but most times its a digital pencil to a tablet)

1.) Hand sketch the concept using a digital vector pencil tool freehand.
2.) Clean up the lines/paths using a digital vector pen tool.
3.) Add color
4.) Make any additional adjustments
5.) make sure it works in black & white as well as monochrome
6.) Present the concept on my pre-designed sample layout
7.) watermark it with the actual design concept iconical element for personalization.
8.) Feedback / questions process (Repeat if needed)
9.) Revisions process (Repeat if needed)
10.) I normally deliver in all the main industry standard formats (E.G. - .Ai / .Cdr / .Dpa / .Pdf / .Eps / .Svg / .Wmf / .Psd) as well as a few main rasters in assorted sizes (e.g. - .Png / .Gif / .Jpg) - I can currently deliver in over 78+ different file extensions.

[tsmith]

Are you talking more about Graphic/Logo work or Web development?

[ichbinhungry]

just creative process in general. whether for yourself or for a client. i just like to hear how other people make stuff.

[Cooking Utensil]

One of the leading art directors on Apple's campus is known for not turning on his Mac for days and sometimes weeks at a time. Instead, he posts huge reams of paper on his walls and draws all over them, creating ideas and storyboards, linking, adjusting, making notes, etc. He'll usually give the paper or pieces of it to members of his team to take with them after meetings, as well.

I think this is a fantastic way to work. You can't do thumbs on a computer. You might have the tools to, but it's very counterproductive.

My process is similar when it comes to a major project: start on paper. It doesn't even matter if what I start on the computer looks anything like what I drew, just so long as I have a vision worked out. Paper helps tremendously with this.

Also, unplug your internet, or go somewhere that has no wifi. It helps a LOT. Cafes are great; all the Starbuck's here have no wifi and I like the atmosphere.

[TheNutz]

what's wrong with the internet?

[Tressley]

I carry around my Moleskine with me wherever I got and it's full of ideas. Most of the time when I first receive a project I will do a bit of research behind the company or name and sketch out a few concepts before sitting down at my computer. It takes a bit to get the creative muscle working, so I find sketching the best way to do it.

[jbcianci]

I think about my projects a lot before I even begin with the pencil. The next step depends on the project, because the type of project determines the process. Web design begins with information architecture, because a lot of the time the content and navigation and functionality affects layout and design. But really, I never have the same exact process when I design, I just use whatever tools are handy and go with the flow.

[Pazmatt]

I like to research sometimes depending on the project. Get ideas about what works or doesn't work. Also to see if ideas you have are unique or not.

[Justin E]

In my last job I had to learn to use photoshop and design covers for high school kids with them sitting there in an hour or less. That taught me to work up ideas using a computer really fast. The wacom tablet helps. I do however when I am doing freelance work draw things out and think about it for a couple days sometimes before I hit the computer. I had a idea one time for a sports poster that just came to me at the bar so I drew it on napkins for an hour. I won 2 awards for the design. Whatever works for you go with that.

[atondex]

Sketches are always helpful, whether it's a logo, print design like a brochure, or a site layout.

I always begin with a sketch.