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Graphic Design Approach

How we approach graphic design projects with our client-centric process

At TOTEM, we believe that great graphic design is more than just creating visually stunning images. It’s about telling a story, conveying a message, and helping our clients achieve their business objectives. Whether we’re crafting a new logo, developing a comprehensive brand identity, or creating materials for content marketing and email campaigns, our approach is always rooted in understanding our clients’ needs and aspirations.

Let’s take you through our process, shall we?

At TOTEM, we believe that great graphic design is more than just creating visually stunning images. It’s about telling a story, conveying a message, and helping our clients achieve their business objectives. Whether we’re crafting a new logo, developing a comprehensive brand identity, or creating materials for content marketing and email campaigns, our approach is always rooted in understanding our clients’ needs and aspirations.

Let’s take you through our process, shall we?

The initial consultation is all about getting to know you

Every great design project starts with a conversation. We kick things off with an in-depth consultation where we sit down with you, either virtually or in person, to discuss your project. This isn’t just about us talking; it’s about listening. We want to hear about your business, your goals, your target audience, and your vision.

During this chat, we’ll explore questions like:

  • What’s the core message you want to convey?
  • Who is your target audience, and what resonates with them?
  • What’s your brand personality? Are you serious and professional, or quirky and fun?
  • What are your short-term and long-term business goals?
  • Are there any specific design elements or styles you’re drawn to?

This initial conversation helps us understand not just what you need, but why you need it. It’s the foundation upon which we’ll build your entire design project.

Digging deeper to research and discover

Once we’ve got a good grasp of your needs, we roll up our sleeves and dive into some serious research. This phase is all about gathering insights that will inform our design decisions.

We’ll look at:

  • Your competitors: What are they doing well? Where can we help you stand out?
  • Your industry: Are there any design trends or standards we should be aware of?
  • Your target audience: What appeals to them visually? What turns them off?
  • Your existing brand assets: If you have any, how can we build upon or refresh them?

This research phase is crucial. It ensures that the designs we create aren’t just pretty pictures, but strategic tools that will resonate with your audience and help you achieve your business objectives.

Creativity takes flight in concept development

Now comes the fun part – brainstorming and concept development. Our team of designers will put their heads together to come up with a range of ideas and concepts based on everything we’ve learned so far.

This is where we start to visualise how your brand could come to life. We might create mood boards to explore different colour palettes, typography styles, and imagery. We’ll sketch out rough ideas for logos or layout concepts. It’s a period of unbridled creativity, where no idea is too wild to consider.

But don’t worry – we won’t overwhelm you with a sea of half-baked concepts. We’ll refine and curate our ideas, presenting you with a selection of the strongest concepts that we believe best meet your brief.

Presentation of the look, feel and style

With our initial concepts ready, we’ll schedule a presentation meeting. This is where we show you what we’ve come up with and explain the thinking behind each design.

We’ll walk you through:

  • The rationale behind each concept
  • How each design aligns with your brand and objectives
  • How the designs could be applied across different mediums (e.g., website, social media, print materials)

This is your opportunity to provide feedback. We encourage you to be honest and open. Do you love a particular colour scheme? Is there an element that’s not quite hitting the mark? Your input at this stage is invaluable.

Remember, design is a collaborative process. We’re not here to dictate what your brand should look like; we’re here to bring your vision to life in the most effective way possible.

Based on your feedback, we’ll go back to the drawing board to refine and improve the chosen concept. This might involve tweaking colours, adjusting layouts, or even combining elements from different concepts if that’s what works best.

We might go through several rounds of refinement, each time getting closer to the perfect design. It’s a bit like sculpting – we start with a rough shape and gradually chip away until we reveal the masterpiece within.

Throughout this process, we’ll keep you in the loop, sharing progress and gathering feedback. Our goal is to ensure that the final design not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Dotting the I's and crossing the T's

Once we’ve refined the design to perfection and received your final approval, we move into the finalisation phase. This is where we prepare all the necessary files and assets you’ll need.

  • Depending on the project, this might include,
  • High-resolution logo files in various formats (e.g., PNG, JPG, SVG)
  • Brand guidelines document outlining how to use your new visual identity
  • Templates for business cards, letterheads, or social media posts
  • Any other agreed-upon deliverables

We can also provide guidance on how to use these assets effectively. After all, a great design is only as good as its implementation.

Implementation Support: Bringing Your New Design to Life

Our relationship doesn’t end when we hand over the final files. We’re here to support you as you implement your new design across your business. We’re invested in your success, and we want to ensure that you get the most out of your new graphic design.

Why Our Approach Works

You might be wondering, “Why go through all these steps? Can’t you just whip up a logo or a design and be done with it?” Well, we could, but that’s not how we roll. Our comprehensive approach ensures that:

  • The final design truly reflects your brand and meets your business objectives
  • You’re involved in the process, ensuring the result aligns with your vision
  • The design is strategically crafted to resonate with your target audience
  • You have a solid foundation for all your future marketing efforts

In today’s crowded marketplace, good enough isn’t good enough. Your brand needs to stand out, to tell your unique story, to connect with your audience on an emotional level. That’s what our approach to graphic design aims to achieve.

From developing a striking advert that encapsulates your brand essence to creating a cohesive digital campaign that shines across all your marketing materials, our process is designed to deliver results that not only look good but work hard for your business.

Whether you’re a start-up looking to make a splash or an established business in need of a refresh, our approach to graphic design can help you cut through the noise and make a lasting impression.

Ready to elevate your brand with powerful graphic design? 

Let’s chat about your project. We’re excited to hear your story and help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to start your graphic design journey. Whether you need a new logo, a complete brand overhaul, or design support for your content marketing and email campaigns, we’re here to help. Contact us now for a free initial consultation. 

TOTEM: Guide to positioning

This simple guide is designed to equip you with tools and strategies to navigate positioning effectively. Whether you’re new to the concept or seeking to refine your existing strategy, this will serve as your compass in the journey toward a strong positioning and a powerful brand identity.

TOTEM guide to positioning. Tools and Strategies to navigate brand positioning effectively.
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