why I only present one branding concept
june 22, 2022
Category: branding
why I only present one branding concept
It comes down to this — when you hire a designer you’re hiring them as the expert on the project.
If you’ve been thinking about working with us you might be wondering, “How many options will you give me when we start branding?” And you might be surprised to know that my answer is — ONE!
Now before you’re like what the heck, that's not enough… let me explain.
So why just one??
I don’t know who made up this rule, but it’s been a theme in design to present several options and let the client pick one.
When I first started my business, I used this approach. I presented three different options — even though I knew ONE was the best option for the client. I forced myself to throw together ideas just so a client could see another version. I didn’t feel confident in what I was presenting and I felt this pressure to give them as many options as I could so that they would hopefully like at least something.
What I didn’t realize was that the one-concept approach allowed me to step into my role as the expert in the design project and work through my creative process naturally.
I’m now able to work through my ideas, pursue the ones that I think could work and then ultimately completely flesh out an entire identity that I believe is the strongest. I’m able to spend more time perfecting one SOLID concept than three mediocre ones.
I also found that clients liked the idea of meshing concepts together when given options. They didn’t realize that these concepts worked because of the elements on their own, not when they’re combined together. I think we often forget that there is such thing as “over-designing” and that forcing elements in the creative process never leads to results.
So now, with one concept being presented, we’re able to work through and refine the elements instead of forcing things to mesh together. I’m also able to flesh out an entire presentation that shows them what the branding looks like across their social media channels, packaging and website.
I believe it’s my job as a designer to serve as the guide for my client, and *hopefully* build a relationship of trust where they don’t need to see all the options!
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Ready to go all in and invest in a brand identity that will give, give, give to your business for years to come!? Reach out! We’d love to get to know you and make all of your branding dreams come true.
