MarComm delivers high-quality designs that meet your marketing and communications goals. To ensure smooth collaboration and timely delivery of materials, we follow a standardized design process.
Whether you’re creating a new piece or refreshing existing materials, this process ensures clear communication, agreed-upon expectations, and an exceptional final product.
Steps for Design Projects
- MarComm Intake & Initial Meeting
- Submit a MarComm service request for design. After receiving your submission, our design team will reach out to schedule a meeting. During this meeting, we will:
- Discuss the project’s direction, goals and timeline.
- Review the content to be included in the design.
- Provide an estimate for the project.
- Collect examples of designs or materials you like for inspiration.
- NOTE: A meeting may not be necessary for simple changes to existing materials, such as copy updates on a flyer.
- Submit a MarComm service request for design. After receiving your submission, our design team will reach out to schedule a meeting. During this meeting, we will:
- Design Concepts
- The designer will create two or threeinitial design concepts based on the intake and initial meeting. These concepts:
- Are not finished designs—they may include placeholder text or images. Think of them as sketches to establish the creative direction.
- Will be presented for you to select one concept for development before moving to the next step.
- In cases where you have a strong vision, you may elect to skip this stage and have the designer work on just one concept from the start. However, be aware that changing direction later will add to the scope, cost and time of your project.
- The designer will create two or threeinitial design concepts based on the intake and initial meeting. These concepts:
- Content Submission
- To keep your project on track, please provide final content—such as text, images, and logos—before design work begins on your selected concept.
- Round 1: Design Draft
- Using the agreed-upon design concept and submitted content, the designer will create the first full draft of your project and deliver it for your review.
- Round 1: Client Feedback
- Review the draft thoroughly and gather input from all stakeholders. Consolidate this feedback into one clear response to ensure efficient revisions.
- Round 2: Design Draft
- The designer will apply the requested changes from Round 1 and provide an updated draft for your review.
- Round 2: Client Feedback
- This is your final opportunity to review the design and request changes. Any further revisions will incur additional charges and may delay delivery.
- Final Design Approval
- The designer will make the requested changes from Round 2 and submit a final design for approval.
- File Delivery
- Once the design is approved, the designer will finalize the files for publication. Files can be sent to you or directly to the printer, depending on need.
Tips for a Successful Project
- Two Rounds of Revisions: To keep projects moving efficiently, we limit revisions to two rounds. The bulk of the feedback should come on the first round to keep the project progressing efficiently.
- Clear and Consolidated Feedback: Collect and organize feedback from all stakeholders before submitting it to the designer. If stakeholders provide conflicting direction, it’s up to you to resolve differences before submitting feedback to the designer.
- Prepare for Your Project: Providing finalized text, on-brand images and clear direction at the start of the project helps ensure a smooth process and timely delivery.
By following this process, we can collaborate effectively to bring your vision to life while maintaining the highest standards of quality. If you have any questions about the design process, please contact Creative Manager Kelly Grulkowski at grulkows@uwm.edu.
We look forward to working with you!