DETAILS
my creative process begins and ends with details.
research is extremely important. Defining the design problem involves understanding the client’s needs and goals, the message that must be communicated and the audience the design must reach.
This step always takes me to interesting places. I have learned about so many bizarre, exciting and odd topics through researching for design projects. I love learning new things, so to me this is one of the most rewarding aspects of design.
developing the concept begins with brainstorming. I determine the main adjectives the project should represent or convey, keeping the audience in mind. I use word mapping, stream of consciousness writing and other word-based methods to answer important questions: What am I saying? Why? What action or reaction am I aiming to incite?
At this stage, I often explore different directions at the same time. Sometimes I follow an idea until I determine that it is not an effective solution, in which case I must return to my brainstorming notes and develop a different direction entirely. I have often found, however, that those problems which are most difficult to solve end up being my strongest design solutions in the end.
sketching the visual solution looks different for each project. Generally, I begin with small, simple sketches to get a sense of my general ideas. Before selecting an idea to expound upon, I carefully consider whether it is in service to the concept.
Once I select an idea to develop further, I often create more detailed sketches before digitization.
digitizing allows for more precise editing and the addition of color.
Attention to detail is crucial at this point; just as thorough research supports the concept, careful refinement subtly contributes to stronger design.
the steps of my process often blend together and change to meet the needs of each specific project, yet what remains consistent is my careful attention to detail each step of the way.
DETAILS A Process Book by Tara Stewart
tarastewartdesign.com 716-435-7191 tarastewartdesign@gmail.com
The details are not the details. They make the design. charles eames