My own creative process consists of a few steps and A LOT of note taking. Please see the attached diagram to view my current design process.
I am an organizer and a prioritizer. I tend to create endless to-do lists and lists that I follow to a point to create order and make sure I keep myself oriented towards a goal. I often see a solution to a problem that I then have trouble executing to the highest level of workman ship. At work I am told that my boss is the “big idea” and I am the “big execution.” I am new to the graphic design setting so my skill set is not as advanced as many of the students that I know. I was hired out of Undergrad to work for a builder/developer as a sales and marketing assistant. I was really hired to complete interior selections with new home buyers and work as the in-house designer for model merchandising. I began noticing that our advertisement team was doing a pretty crappy job of achieving designs that were cost effective and reflected the quality of work that the builder was looking to achieve. I decided to take on the role and become a larger support to the company which cut out the middle man. When working on a major design project I have to collaborate with different businesses to achieve our goal, I tend to be the ring leader and work on keeping everyone on a tight deadline. My biggest weakness is that to complete a certain project I have to do a lot of research and follow a few tutorials so that I can achieve the goal. Someone may already have that knowledge. I however find that it is sometimes works in my benefit because I am constantly learning something new and benefitting from every design project I take on. I am one who will never stop learning and will always look for more opportunities.
Whitney,
I am with you on being a note taker! I reduce my entire life to lists and outlines. I worry that perhaps I am funding the Post-It company all on my own… But, as for being new to the design world, we all start somewhere. Kudos to you for seeking a higher level of education in your design skill set. The only thing I might add to your process is just before final design. I would add semi-final design presented to the client and relevant stakeholders for review and refinements, then on to final design and output. Oh, and perhaps personal/design reflection at the very end.
You seem to have collaboration involved in your daily process, which is always an asset to a designer. I believe it helps us to not stagnate on our own personal agendas and instead focus on the big picture through a diversity of input/viewpoints.
I agree whole heartedly with your suggestions. My process is constantly changing and I am realizing that it changes with every project based on its parameters. I’ve noticed I also like to use a more cyclic approach compared to the linear one I used above. I imagine the last few steps and being steps that I repeat multiple times until I get it just right.
Thanks for your comment!