What’s a Graphic Design Brief?

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A graphic design brief is a detailed document that outlines a client’s expectations and wishes for a project. It helps the designer develop rough drafts and ensures everyone’s expectations are understood. The brief should discuss what is needed, the desired look, the company, financial information, and expectations for prices and deadlines. It can be used to resolve disputes and should be clear and detailed.

A graphic design brief is a detailed document provided by a client to outline the expectations and wishes of a project. The designer uses it to develop rough draft drawings, which the customer can review and discuss with the designer to arrive at a final version that meets the need. Clients and designers rely on briefs to keep track of a project and make sure everyone’s expectations are clearly understood at the outset of the project. This document goes in the client file for future reference.

Some graphic designers provide their clients with a list of questions or requests for answers. These help the designer by ensuring everything needed is on the brief. Others may simply ask clients to prepare a brief and provide some insight into the type of material to include. It is also possible to develop a brief together in a series of meetings in which the designer talks to the client about the project and takes notes, bringing them together in a coherent document.

In this document, the client should discuss what is needed, which could be a logo, business card, advertising material or other projects. The graphic design brief doesn’t stop there. The client can talk about the desired look and should provide design examples that match the client’s ideas for the project. The designer does not copy them, but can help provide a sense of the desired aesthetic. If a graphic design brief states that the client likes minimalist, modern design, for example, the graphic designer can avoid busy or demanding projects.

This document should also discuss the company. The customer can talk about the products and services offered by the company, the type of image he wants to project and the markets he wants to reach. A graphic design brief may include some financial information to give the designer an impression of size and ability to grow, which can be important for design development. The customer must also specify expectations in terms of prices and deadlines. Designers can use this information to prepare a quote and can show the client what types of options are available at different price points.

If a dispute arises during the design process, both parties can go back to the graphic design brief. It is important to ensure that this document is clear and detailed. Customers can add anything they like and should make sure to list any questions or concerns. Having this information upfront can help the designer avoid common pitfalls and will reduce the chances of a designer producing a finished product that the customer doesn’t like.




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