Do you create sketches before your design?

Here is a link to the discussion we had about a month ago regarding this topic.

http://creativebits.org/concepts_sketching_vs_immediate_computer_production

Honestly, it all depends on the type of project. Identity and illustration work turns out better when you explore and sketch a ton of ideas before using the computer to finalize. On the other hand, you don't need much when laying out a handful of images and a block or two of type for a brochure. In those cases, I find it more efficient to design a layout or two on the computer and be done with it. I have a pile of different base layouts already completed for different formats... similar to http://www.stocklayouts.com. [They come in handy for those down and dirty quick turnaround jobs]

You have to take into consideration the shelf life of the piece being designed. A logo and identity will be around for a long time and need considerable thought. And let's not forget that the budget has something to do with it. A $250 logo needed in two days based on 3 concepts and 1 revision normally doesn't turn out as well as a $2500 logo that takes 3-4 weeks with 30 concepts and unlimited revisions.

The great designers know when to jump right in and when to pound a concept out on paper. In my world a client tends to get what they are willing to pay for.

I appreciate your comments and experience. I think it's important to get different designers' perspective and to see what works best for them when they're creating new projects.

Thanks!

suzanne maestri-walters :: graphic designer :: www.onegirlcreative.com

I hadn't even noticed that somebody else posted the same exact thread. I'm sorry to be repetitive. Thanks for giving me the link, Creative_NRG.

I have been so busy this past month, that I haven't even had a chance to peruse CreativeBits like I normally do. However, busy means work which means money. So that's always a good thing. I all of a sudden became really swamped. It's amazing. I love it!

Sorry for being repetitious guys! =P

suzanne maestri-walters :: graphic designer :: www.onegirlcreative.com

I know this is different for everyone, but I find that I really only sketch out mock-ups in 2 instances:

- when I'm away from a computer (rare, but it happens)

- when I have several ideas and am afraid of not remembering them all or getting them mixed up (the mock-ups are really rough, but good enough for me to understand later and much faster than going to Photoshop)

that previous thread is a good one, i'm sure you've now been reading it.

with that said, something stood out in your questions..
"insist on creating sketches" I don't insist, I just do it, cause i know in the end it's worth it and makes for a better product. However, I will say that requiring 50 before hitting the computer is a bit much. I doubt i've EVER hit 50 sketches before getting to the computer, I know I've hit that number alot of times once i get there and print things out and then keep sketching based off some of my prints, but before that no way.

Hope this thread and the previous one helps answer some of your questions!

I sketch out at least one idea before starting any project, it's part of my planning process. Even the tightest deadlines can only be made with a litte planning and foresight so you can avoid pitfalls along the way.

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Powerpoint is not a design application

I think everyone finds different ways to work. In my planning process, very rarely, I sketch out and I think like jensantarelli, if I don't find the way to create my design on the computer then I use pencil and paper...

I really appreciate all of your input. So far, it seems that everybody works differently. Regardless of their process. I like that.

suzanne maestri-walters :: graphic designer :: www.onegirlcreative.com

I rarely sketch out designs but I've been trained to want to do that first. Often times I'll begin sketching a few ideas and then jump to the computer with one before I'm done sketching. Some ideas I can better articulate with the computer than with the pencil. The value of sketching analog first is great though. As mentioned before, the bigger or more important the design is the better it is to start with more rough ideas. One thing I've found to be a great help in layout especially is forcing yourself to draw out every idea you can think of no matter how bad you think it will be. Many times I would think something wouldn't work but when I roughed it out it actually was the best idea.

Yes I do sometimes... To get idea though... Like you've said, sometimes it's an option thing to do, I wanted to explore right on the computer to see the layout and etc instead of sketching it which takes time...

Because of the nature of my work and the variety of my jobs I have a library of books of ideas and figures and marketing analysis but, the sketches are very very rudimentary before I attack it from within PS of Ai simply because I'm chained to my keyboard most of the day.

I.e: Today I spent the time in the office projecting the income and investment needed attached to the move to new premises and working out that by doubling the investment in staff and utilities we could end up pumping out £6m ($12m) in revenue by 2010, but then tonight I'm home and editing and revamping sites for various clients and that tends to flow organically on the computer.

New projects always need a sketch or two but it depends on workload and circumstances.
Right now I'm focusing on my Analyst/consultant business role and design is coming second due to cost, time and need.

I go where the money is and while sometimes I hate to do it jumping straight in to PS can be a really good time saver and particularly if you're with a client they can visualise things better than with pen and paper sketches. Not that the design isn't then refined but I find PS ad good a pad and pen as any hard medium particularly with a graphics tablet and the right mind set.

Anyhoo,

I'm off to work out more figures and move on to my third notebook of analysis for the day job, promise I'll return more soon.

Kev.

I have never had any formal training so everything I know I had to learn myself which oftentimes has led me to think about the question, "Would drawing things out on paper make things easier"? Although the question enters my head, I always end up sitting at my computer making layouts in Photoshop.

UNLESS.....

I have a large project, like a big site, then I will use my white board and layout the navigation along with sub menus, etc.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” - Albert Einstein

I was also taught to put out as many sketches as possible in school as well. I think going to the computer at times without sketching first may be a necessary evil in today's fast paced world but at what expense. Sketching beforehand not only keeps our skills sharp but also our imagination. Some of my best ideas come within days of sketching. I can bet you that some of our most esteemed designers did not get where they are today by going with the masses to the computer (i.e Milton Glaser). I am in the throws of an identity project as I type and I have sketches on the left palm of my hand and my tracing paper under my laptop. I also carry in my possission a Moleskin that goes with me everywhere.

If someone wants it yesterday, they must politely move on. I don't want to be known for mediocre work.

It is so good to read everybody's quirks when they work. It's also good to know, that we all seem to agree on some level on how we execute our designs beforehand. I try my very best to sketch out designs before, but sometimes time doesn't allow it. These past few weeks, I have been very busy—which is always a good thing. But since I am on my own, it creates a time constraint, especially since I work part time for a local magazine/newspaper. Obviously, that can always cause time issues. And add having an 8 year old daughter to the mix? Well, don't even get me started.

I just hope I haven't bitten off more than I could chew. I love that I'm getting more work, but I don't love that after being on the computer 5 hours each day, I have to come home and work on the computer even more. But, I made my bed....

Not that I'm complaining, of course. Having more work is NEVER a complaint, just an observation. =P

So in retrospect, being able to step away from the computer for an hour or so and sketch, is heaven to me!

Thanks everybody!

suzanne maestri-walters :: graphic designer :: www.onegirlcreative.com

I try to sketch whenever I do a logo, or a completely new idea, we have a few departmental contests here and I usually sketch out ideas for those as well, ...at least when I'm not completely stumped, I need a new idea source

I have to design a calendar that has to be techie and blue 'cause our coporate logo is blue, and I'm lost, this is the sixth year our department has worked on this project, I haven't won yet, it would be nice to have a cool idea, does anybody have any places I could go to get inspired for a blue calendar?