How to brief a designer for your logo, poster or wedding card

The clearer your brief, the fewer rounds of changes you need and the faster you get a design you love. Here is what to share before the design starts.

What it is for

Explain the purpose: a logo for a new shop, a poster for a fundraiser, an invitation for a ruracio. The purpose shapes every design decision.

Who will see it

A poster for young people looks different from one for church elders. Tell the designer who you are trying to reach.

The exact wording

Send the final text: names, dates, times, venues, prices and contacts. Check spelling carefully, especially names on wedding cards. Changing text after the design is done costs time.

Where it will be used

Printed A3 poster, WhatsApp status, roll-up banner or all three? Each needs a different size and file type.

Styles you like and dislike

Share a few examples you like and say what you like about them. Things you dislike are just as useful.

Your deadline, including printing

Printing takes time too. If you need cards in hand by a certain date, include the printing time when you set the deadline.