Designing for Results: A Collaborative Guide to Crafting a Brand That Sells
Sep 27, 2024
As a designer and strategic partner, I thrive on collaboration, and I love working with clients who are ready to dive into the process. When we bring together YOUR expertise as the client with MY creative vision, that’s where the magic happens! And yes, sometimes things don’t click perfectly the first time—that's ok. Design is about refining, improving, and evolving, which is why we’ve created a specific, streamlined process that keeps us moving toward your goals, step by step.
Giving feedback on design proofs can feel overwhelming at first—whether it’s for your branding, packaging, or website design. But these tips can make the process smoother and more effective, helping us create a brand that works for you and your business.
1. Be Honest and Specific
When something doesn’t feel right, let us know exactly why. If a serif font isn’t working for you, explain what about it feels off—is it too traditional for the vibe you want? The more insights you can share, the better we can adjust the design to fit your brand. Instead of prescribing fixes, focus on explaining what’s not hitting the mark, and we’ll guide you from there.
2. Keep Your Goals in Mind
Every element we design is aligned with your brand strategy and audience. If you find yourself unsure about a design choice, revisit the goals we outlined in the beginning. This keeps the focus on creating a brand that’s intentional and not just based on personal preferences.
3. Limit Outside Opinions
It’s tempting to get feedback from friends or family, but remember—you're the expert when it comes to your business. Too many outside opinions can lead to confusion. Instead, stick to the objectives we’ve set and trust the process. Not everyone needs to love your brand—it just needs to resonate with the right audience.
4. Ask Questions
If you’re curious about why we’ve made a particular design decision, don’t hesitate to ask. Everything we create serves a purpose, and we’re happy to explain the reasoning. Whether you’re wondering how we’ll use a color palette or how certain elements fit into the bigger picture, we’re here to guide you.
5. Think Like Your Audience
While personal preferences matter, keep your target audience in mind. The goal is to create a brand that speaks to them. If something doesn’t quite resonate with you but aligns with your audience, that’s okay! The focus is on attracting the right clients to grow your business.
6. Review Twice
Take your time when reviewing a proof. It’s exciting to see your brand come to life, but it can be overwhelming too. Review your proof, capture your initial thoughts, then step away and revisit it again. This helps refine your feedback and ensures nothing gets missed.
7. Focus on the Essentials
Your branding presentation is meant to showcase how your brand could look in the real world, but focus on the core design elements—logo, typography, color palette, etc. The other details are fun to imagine, but the main design elements are what need your attention and feedback.
8. One Clear Point of Communication
Whether it’s through email, feedback forms, or app notes, make sure all your feedback is compiled in one clear message. This prevents any contradictions and ensures we’re all on the same page as we move forward.
At Rebecca Peterson Studio, our goal is to create branding that not only looks amazing but also drives your business forward. By following these tips, we can work together to create a brand that feels like an authentic reflection of you and helps you attract the high-ticket clients you’re aiming for. Let’s make something beautiful and strategic, together!
