Fantastic ideas start with fantastic conversations. That’s why from the start of every project I love to jump inside the heads of my clients, to help draw out the key information that will not only ensure a solid brief but to open a strong and on-going line of communication. I listen to what you have to say and what you want to achieve to ensure he fully understand the message you are looking to convey to your target audience.

The key initial questions I will need answering are:

• Who is your target audience?
• What is the message you’re trying to convey?
• What style of printed communication are you looking to use?
• How many pages is the piece?
• What are the dimensions?
• Do you have a specific budget?
• Is there a deadline for its completion?
• Can you provide examples of design you like?
• Is there an existing corporate brand that needs to be matched?

All this information is what I need to develop a well-defined outline of your project goals.

Once I have a complete understanding of your objectives, and before I leap straight into design mode, the next stage is for me to get my creative juices flowing. Ideas, ideas, ideas! For me, no idea is a stupid idea as I find that from what might seem like a completely out there thought, can grow a sophisticated and standout solution that will really punch above the crowd. I live for that EUREKA moment as it gives me the passion for what I do and it’s what keeps me fresh and my clients coming back for more!

I love thrashing out ideas in brainstorming sessions, creating doodles and drawing inspiration from everywhere, not just books and the internet! Something as obscure as a shape of a building can spark off a great idea.

Dependent on the agreement in the design specification, I will design between 1 – 3 mock-up layout concepts. For a leaflet this would be the cover side and for a full blown brochure, the concept would include a cover design and a DPS (double page spread). If you’re budget allows for more than 1 concept then this will give you some options and allows you to decide if there are particular favourite elements from each, whether that is a certain colour, layout style or particular font choice.

I will then go away and finely develop the design paying particular attention to typography, imagery and layout to ensure the final piece sings with the clarity and originality of its message. You will be submitted with a final digital PDF proof to review and come back to me with any minor amendments.

As far as I’m concerned, once the final design is signed off by you, this is only half our job done. The most well thought out and designed piece can be completely let down by poor print finishing, which is why from the outset I will discuss with you the possible finishing options such as some beautifully embossed typography on a brochure cover, luxury paper choices, the use of speciality cutting techniques or the addition of gloss UV layers to really bring out the printed piece. I have built a strong relationship with my print partners which allows me to not only secure highly competitive quotations for my clients, but as every printer works differently, I have a full understanding of their print process which results in problem free printing.