Our Process
​
From Concept to Completion — it is in our process where the magic happens.
At Graphique, we consider our process a collaboration. We are not just order-takers—we are partners. Partners comprised of creatives, analysts, scientists, psychologists, producers, and marketers—figuratively speaking. More importantly, we are a second mind on the project — a different perspective. As the saying goes, "sometimes, two heads are better than one." In the end, the final decision is of course, always up to you, but we feel it is our obligation as experienced professionals to advise, educate and provide you with the best creative solutions possible. Therefore, please understand, it is possible that through our process, you may find that what you initially envisioned may not be the best option after all. What seemed like a good idea on that napkin, when put to application may not turn out quite as you had originally planned. Rest assured, we offer options!
Graphique takes great care in the research and preparation we perform for each project. We take from our experience and couple it with a comprehensive research strategy to explore every angle of a project. That may include conducting market research, running a competitive analysis, devising style boards for your consideration, brainstorming, experimenting, discussing printing options, etc. Each step is employed to proactively head off any potential problems early on, so in the end you may walk away with the confidence in knowing that you have explored all possibilities and arrived at the best solution for your needs.
Having said that, we understand every project and every client is unique. Some may be more well-versed in design needing less advisement, while others may need a little bit more. Both approaches are welcome. That is why we customize our process to not only fit the project, but also the client. At the start of every design, a detailed description will be presented to you outlining what to expect throughout the process. This description will include specifics on what you will get for each stage of the process along with a production schedule and itemized estimate for your consideration. But, to give you a little insight as to where we start from, please see our following 10 step process.​
​
1
INITIATION
DEFINE GOALS I DISCUSS OBJECTIVES I DETERMINE PARAMETERS
This is our initial consultation where we will review the scope of the project and get to know each other better. We will also define the goals, identify sources of inspiration, and determine which deliverables you will need completed.
2
PREPARATION
GATHER INFORMATION I MARKET RESEARCH I DIG DEEPER
During this phase we will gather information on the subject, and dig a little deeper by conducting market research on the target audience and the competition, asking questions and reviewing what is and isn't working currently so we can better understand which direction will be best to pursue for our creative strategy.
3
IDEATION
BRAINSTORM I CONCEPT I STRATEGIZE
At this time, we will review our research findings, then brainstorm different ideas and concepts that we feel might be worth exploring. Meanwhile, we will gather various design styles and techniques along with sketches, stock photos, fonts and other inspiration we see fitting for those concepts, and present to you a series of vision boards for your consideration.
4
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
MAP OUT CONTENT I ANALYZE ASSETS I DETERMINE IF ADDITIONAL CONTENT IS NEEDED
The next stage is a very important in setting up the design. Here, we map out the content noting where we may need to add or omit content to adhere to any restrictions we might have on a project due to budget or printer specs. We also use this time to analyze the quality, availability and any permissions needed for provided content (photos, content, etc.). Once we do this, we can determine if any further assets are needed (stock photography, licensing, or additional writing) to complete the design.
5
EXPLORATION
EXPLORE LAYOUT I DEFINE CREATIVE DIRECTION I DETERMINE IF OUTSIDE HELP IS NEEDED
During this phase, we explore various layouts, colors, font styles, imagery, hierarchy of content, etc. to determine which direction will work best to accomplish client goals. At the same time, we can determine if any outside help from illustrators, photographers for photoshoots, writers, editors or anyone else will be needed to complete the job. At this time, we also would suggest enlisting your friends, family, colleagues or small focus groups for opinions. Sometimes, it can be hard to make a decision, so these samplings can be a good process of elimination for you, as well as offer great insight as to things to consider in your design. Better to do this now, rather than waiting till the end where changes to the design or direction would be more costly.
6
IMPLEMENTATION
LAY IN CONTENT I GIVE DIRECTION TO OUTSIDE VENDORS I IMPLEMENT TECHNIQUES & STRATEGIES
Now, we put the approved design direction and strategy into action. Ideally, specs have all been finalized with the printer, publication or online distributor so we are designing in the correct dimensions and format. All content is then laid into place adhering to the approved design direction. Additional direction is given to any outside vendors (illustrators, writers, photographers, etc.) to complete necessary additions/deletions. Finally, all techniques and strategies are then implemented.
7
EVALUATION
ANALYZE I REFINE I REVISE
Once we have all content in place, we can now assess as a whole. Do we have consistency? Does it flow right? Is there hierarchy? Do we have alignment? Can we adhere to the specs (page count, live areas, size, etc.) If not, we note where we need refinement and revise as needed. It is as simple as that.
8
PROOF
CLEAN UP & REBUILD HI-RES ART I PREP ART FOR DELIVERY I PROOFREAD
Perhaps the most important stage of all. Once all art has been laid out, refined, revised and confirmed, now we need to clean up photos and layouts, rebuild art with the purchased/licensed, high resolution stock photography, retouch if needed, prep for delivery, and finally, proof. We recommend both proofing yourself and hiring a professional proofreader to review the art—preferably one with experience in proofing text and layout would be ideal. This will ensure we have a fresh pair of eyes trained to catch any errors or omissions that may have come up along the way. As hard as we try to catch, when you look at the same art for as long as we do, mistakes are bound to come up. Not to mention, many authors at this stage do not want to reread yet again. Proofreaders are such a welcomed resource.
9
DELIVER
APPROVE I DELIVER I ARCHIVE
Now that we have everything complete, we will submit the final art to you once more for final approval. Upon your approval, we will deliver art for its final production—that is, to the printer, publication, manufacturer or online distributor. Deliverables will likely need to be proofed once more to ensure all files transferred successfully. If any further revisions are needed, we will assess at time of request and complete as needed. Once art is in production, we will then provide FINAL ART to you digitally for your archives.
10
NEXT STEPS
WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO FOR YOU? I FEEDBACK I REVIEW I REFER
As one final step, we will ask you if there is anything else we can do for you? Are you in need of further design to accompany your marketing and promotions of your product or service? Who better than the original designers that set up the foundation to begin with. If not, we would like to ask for your feedback. If there is anything in particular you liked about our service or more importantly think we can work on, we want to know! Constructive criticism is imperative in ensuring we are providing top-notch service at all times. In addition, if you were highly satisfied with your experience, can we ask you for a testimonial? Having your positive review is so helpful for prospective clients looking to hire Graphique for their own design. The more references we can offer them, the more opportunity we have for business. Finally, if you have any friends or colleagues you think would be a good fit for us, please send them our way. We know you have many choices when you hire a designers, so we want you to know how much we appreciate you and our relationship. Thank you for the opportunity and for trusting us with your project.