Graham Smith Design
Bushey
Bushey
My name is Graham Smith. I am an independent graphic designer with over 25 years design experience, having worked for many leading design agencies.
•I specialise in creating original design for print – logos, business stationary, branding, brochures, direct marketing, posters, flyers and general graphics.
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Describe your creative process.
STAGE 1. QUOTE
If you like the look of my services and think we would work well together then give me an outline of what you are looking for and I will supply a quote.
STAGE 2. DESIGN BRIEF
Compiling a detailed design brief defining the objectives. It includes an overview of your company, your target market and competitors.
STAGE 3. CREATIVE
The wheels of creativity are unleashed and the fun begins.
The knowledge gained about your company is infused with my own expertise, intuition, influences and the design process begins.
I’ll initially brain storm as many ideas as I can, whittle them down, until I have a set of solid design solutions I am proud to present to you.
STAGE 4. DEVELOPMENT
I will email these initial designs to you in a low res PDF format. You feed back your amendments or which design you love or would like to develop further.
I continue the design process and I make a second presentation.
STAGE 5. ARTWORK
Once you have approved the final designs and the agreed fee is paid, I then send you a high-res PDF with bleed and crop-marks ready to be sent to a professional printer, along with a range of file types, depending on your needs.
STAGE 6. PRINTING
I can put you in touch with a tried and tested printer who will give you a quote, or you can organise your own printing from the supplied files.
What information do you need from a client before you can start work?
DESIGN BRIEF
The more I know about you, your business, your product, or your service the better I’m able to focus in on a successful design solution. Creating a Design Brief allows me to start from an informed perspective and is geared to help you think through not just what you like but more importantly what will engage a potential customer.
1. WHO ARE YOU?
What is your business, product or service name?
What does your business, product or service do?
Write one sentence about your business that incorporates your values. It helps to know your Unique Selling Point (USP).
2. TARGET MARKET
Who is your audience? Age range? Gender? Business sector? Demographic focus?
3. COMPETITION
Who is your primary national or local competition? What is their brand message. How is your company different from them? Does your biggest competitor use a design style and colour that you should avoid, to make sure you distinguish yourself from them? Or do you want to look like them?
4. EXAMPLE OF DESIGNS YOU LIKE?
Do you have tear sheets, computer screen grabs or can you provide a sketch of an idea. It may not represent exactly what you are looking for, but it can help me get inside your head and understand what sort of designs you like. This is your opportunity to be part of the creative direction.
5. WHAT TYPEFACE BEST REPRESENTS YOUR COMPANY?
Is it a classic serif Font, think of VOGUE. A minimal Sans Serif font that creates a more modern feel like Facebook.
Or something more stylised or individual like a stencil, distressed, digital font or script. eg Coca-cola.
6. WHAT COLOURS WORK BEST FOR YOUR COMPANY?
Do you have any strong feelings towards what colour should be used. A bit of colour psychology is always advisable.
7. PRINTING DETAILS
Size, Quantity, Number of pages, Paper stock, Binding /Folding, Special finishes. All this can be discussed.
8. BUDGET DETAILS
9. DEADLINE DETAILS
What do you love most about your job?
Every job is different and finding a successful design solution via the creative process is always a great challenge, but so rewarding when you know you have finally cracked it.
What inspired you to start your own business?
The freedom. The freedom. The freedom. The freedom!
Why should our clients choose you?
•I’ve a great eye for detail and take great pride in my work and I’m looking for like minded people to work for.
•I’ve been nominated for several design awards including Art Director and Designer of the year for launching Toni&Guy and Arise Magazines.
•Over the past 25 year career I have worked on projects for many large companies and organisations including the BBC, British Airways, Channel 4, Condé Nast, Ferrari, GQ Magazine, Sade, Spandau Ballet, Swarovski, The Guardian, The Times and Virgin Media.
But nothing gives me more pleasure than designing an original and successful logo or brochure for a small, local start up business.
