The first step when creating a design is to understand what we are working with. The graphic designer needs to clearly understand who is the client, what he wants, who his target audience is. It is important that not only the client is satisfied with the piece, but also the people who will be seeing or using it. That is the big difference between an artist and a designer. The artist makes his art for himself, while the designer creates material for others to see and use. Certain types of graphic design will use scenario planning to give the users the best experience possible, by simply pretending to be in their shoes. The next step after understanding what the client wants and what is best for his audience is to start brainstorming initial ideas and concepts for the piece of work. Another important element to take into consideration are the constraints, whether they be time, budget, or production method.

This process doesn’t really sound close to anything I have ever done, but I like the problem solving part of it, and the fact that it requires a lot of communication. I think problem solving and communication would be my bigger assets if I were to become a graphic designer, and I would probably struggle a little more on the creative aspect of it.