You need a creative brief

Blog / Article 

WHAT IS A CREATIVE BRIEF?

A creative brief is a document that will serve as a guide for your project. It outlines the deliverables, key details, and your expectations and preferences. Just as you wouldn’t want your contractor to begin constructing your dream house without a blueprint, you wouldn’t want  your designer to start a design project without a creative brief.

4 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A CREATIVE BRIEF

1. Introduces your business and what you do. In order to craft a successful design, your designer will need to understand your business and brand. This is especially important if this is the first time you and your graphic designer have worked with each other.

2. Sets a goal or defines a purpose. Explaining the purpose of the piece and what you want it to accomplish will help your designer understand your goals and craft solutions that address them.

3. Establishes a timeline. You and your graphic designer are busy people. Establishing a timeline will keep both sides accountable while ensuring that the project is completed on time.

4. Describes your preferences. Describing your tone and design preferences will provide your graphic designer with a set of visual parameters to work within and ensure that the design will fit within your established brand.

 

Brand-Materials-Checklist-for-New-Businesses

Download the creative brief survey sample

9 + 14 =

4 BENEFITS OF USING A CREATIVE BRIEF

1. Gets everyone on the same page. Whether it’s just you and your designer or your team and your designer, a creative brief ensures that everyone is on the same page.

2. Saves time. A creative brief will decrease the amount of time needed to complete your project. It kicks off the design process with clear and thorough communication, which can eliminate unnecessary revisions and adjustments in creative direction.

3. Makes the final design more successful. A greater quality design is a direct result of setting clear objectives and expectations at the start of your project.

4. Maintains its value. A creative brief continues to be valuable, even after your project has been completed. The creative brief can be a useful tool in future design projects, serving as a reminder of what went right.

MAKE SURE THERE IS A CREATIVE BRIEF

Whether you, as the project owner, approach your designer with a creative brief already in hand, or if one is written by your designer, make sure to have a creative brief at the start of a project. It will ensure that a quality solution will be crafted with your goals, preferences, and time stipulations in mind.

MORE POSTS

Freelancers & Solopreneurs: Squarespace or WordPress?

What website development platform is best for your freelance business, in terms of custom website design and ongoing website maintenance?

AMC Communication: An Identity Design Case Study

AMC Communication partnered with A. Calvin Design to for her new identity. Check out the case study for the identity design.

Don’t Make These 5 Design Mistakes

Are you designing materials for your business? Make sure you avoid these 5 commonly made design mistakes made by small business owners.

Spring Cleaning for Brand Consistency

Follow these 5 simple steps to review your business’s brand consistency and ensure your style is applied to maximize brand recognition.

Is It Time to Start Seeing Other Graphic Designers?

Is it time to dump your designer? Here are some signs to look for if you think it’s time you and your graphic designer should see other people.

justCURATED: A Website Design Case Study

A. Calvin Design helps small business owner make up for lost time with a website design that truly suits justCURATED’s business and brand.

New Year’s Resolution: Make My Business Look Good

If making your business look good is your 2019 resolution, a brand refresh could be the solution. Refresh a dated or inaccurate brand, here’s how:

What is a rebrand and how do I know if I need one?

Is your logo not working for your business? Perhaps it is time for a rebrand, learn more about what a rebrand entails here.

Promotional Postcard Case Study: Delaware Valley Translators Association

The Delaware Valley Translators Association was in need of a postcard design to replace their old tri-fold, they turned to A. Calvin Design.

Skip to content