From brief to print-ready file: the workflow
How to manage a graphics task from start to finish
The graphic craft is as much process as aesthetics. A designer who controls the workflow delivers on time, avoids expensive mistakes and builds trust with the customer. Here are the phases you should have under control.
§Briefing and research
It all starts with a good brief: Who is the target audience? What is the message? Which medium? What tone and what guidelines (logo, colours, fonts) must be followed? The better you understand the task from the start, the fewer costly detours later on. If information is missing, ask — guessing is the source of most misunderstandings.
§Idea, sketch and design
Start broadly with several sketches rather than falling in love with the first idea. Then develop the chosen direction with typography, colour, images and layout so that it lives up to the brief and any design guide. Keep track of layers, naming and structure in your files — it pays off when changes need to be made.
§Proofreading and approval
- 01PLACEHOLDER_104
- 02Send clear proof versions and note what the customer should pay attention to.
- 03Get documented approval before going into production.
- 04Version your files so you always know which edition is current.
§Preflight and print preparation
Preflight is the technical control that ensures the file can be printed without problems. Here, among other things, color space, image resolution, embedded fonts, crop marks and bleeds are checked, so no white edges appear when cropping. A thorough preflight is the difference between smooth production and an expensive reprint.
§Delivery and archiving
Delivers in the agreed format, and save both the print-ready file and the editable working document. Proper archiving with clear file names allows you to find and reuse the material when the client comes back with a new task.