Introduction to the Design Team, Who are they?
The design team is the creative heart and soul of our team here. They are crucial in ensuring that the company produces high-quality, visually appealing, and custom products for various purposes that keep customers coming back for more of what we offer! Let's now take a look at the roles within the team to see how they operate!
Team Structure
Graphic Designers: Are responsible for creating the visual elements of the cards, including layout, typography, and imagery that strike a balance between pushing creative boundaries and meeting the client's specific needs, preferences or requests in accordance with their guidelines.
Design Coordinator: Are capable of more than our designers as they coordinate the design process, liaise with customers, get their logo, can find encoding information, identify POS systems being used, and more! (Any other responsibilities to emphasize here?)
Team Workflow
Client Consultation: The design process typically begins with a consultation with the client to understand their needs, preferences, and brand identity.
Concept Development: The design team brainstorms ideas and concepts based on the client's requirements, often creating mood boards or initial sketches to visualize the direction.
Design Iteration: Designers create multiple iterations of the card design, incorporating feedback from the client and internal stakeholders.
Proofing and Approval: Once a design is finalized, it undergoes thorough proofing to ensure accuracy and quality. Clients may also review and approve the design before production begins.
Production Preparation: Design files are prepared for printing, including color calibration and formatting for different card sizes and materials.
Collaboration with Production Team: The design team works closely with the production team to ensure that the final printed cards meet quality standards and specifications.
Overall, the design team is essential for us to deliver visually stunning, customized cards that meet client expectations and guidelines. Collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail are key pillars of their success.
Initiating Conversations
Designers play a pivotal role in starting most conversations internally, often seeking answers to propel proofing processes forward. They kickstart communication by submitting Information Request forms, which are then directed to the appropriate recipient for action.
Managing Information Requests
Upon receiving Information Request forms, the first step is to assess whether they should be forwarded to the customer or the representative. Additionally, notes provided by designers are often refined for clarity, professionalism, and third-person perspective to enhance communication standards.
Passing Along Design-related Notes
Any design-related notes not captured via forms are promptly documented in Airtable for easy reference and tracking. Moreover, customer notes received via email at the design department's designated address are swiftly communicated to designers using the "Inform Designer" button. If the customer's proof link remains active, design changes are submitted through the proofing site for seamless integration.
Handling Status Issues
Both designers and representatives have the authority to submit Status Issue forms, addressing various concerns or updates. These forms are diligently forwarded to the appropriate recipients within Airtable to ensure prompt resolution. Occasionally, designers may issue FYI notes for clients or representatives, which are communicated as order update notes to maintain job status consistency. Moreover, representatives often inquire about status updates, which are addressed either as order updates in Airtable or relayed via email to the customer success team if the job has not yet entered the design queue for proofing.