10 Tips to Manage Your Graphic Design Projects
Have you ever had a graphic design project that you completely messed up? Maybe it was due to lack of experience, or perhaps you didn't have enough time to finish.
In either case, don't worry, we've all been there. But the good news is that there are some things you can do to make the process easier next time around.
This article will discuss the top 10 tips to manage your graphic design projects more effectively and why you should incorporate Stork.ai in your workplan.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, read on and learn something new!
Table of Contents
1. Stay Organised
Staying organised is not only limited to how you store your files but how you approach your work in general.
A disorganised designer is more likely to make mistakes and will have difficulty finding what they need when they need it.
The best way to stay organised is to develop a system and stick to it. This involves creating folders for different projects, labelling each file, keeping all your documents in one place like Google Drive, or using a task manager like Asana or Trello.
Additionally, make sure to create visual signposts whenever possible. This could be as simple as adding labels to your files to indicate status, i.e.,” AWAITING CLIENT APPROVAL”, using different colours for different types of files, or even creating a custom template for each project.
2. Set Clear Goals
When starting a new project, ensure you set clear goals and objectives. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you and your client are on the same page.
Defining your goals at the beginning of a project will also help you stay organised and focused, which will result in a smoother and more efficient project management process.
3. Plan Your Workload
Create a plan outlining your approach to the project and the tasks that need to be completed to be successful.
Voice messaging apps are a great way to keep detailed records, especially if you want to make updates or changes later. Also, make sure to stick to your plan and use the structure as a road map for success.
4. Be Communicative With Your Client
From start to finish, communication is critical when working with any client. Ensure you're always open and honest about everything going on with your graphic design projects.
This includes updates on your progress, sending files through video messaging for review, and answering any questions they may have.
Not only will this help to build a good working relationship with your client, but it will also help to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications.
5. Use Online Resources
There are countless online resources available for graphic design projects. They range in scope from articles to books, tutorials to masterclasses, and more.
Below are a few to check out:
- Google Trends: A quick way to see what's trending in the world today
- DesignModo: An excellent place for designer news, inspiration, tutorials & freebies
- Smashing Magazine: A high-quality resource of articles and tutorials on design, web development, and marketing
- UX Planet: A website for everything related to user experience design
6. Use Appropriate Software
While not all graphic designers will need to use the same software, it's essential to be aware of what's out there.
This will allow you to make an informed decision and better understand what works best for the project at hand.
When holding project meetings, ensure you use effective screen recording software to capture all the crucial points discussed. You can also use a voice messaging app to communicate with team members in real-time.
7. Delegate Responsibility
If the project involves more than one graphic designer, include them in all planning and preparation stages.
This will ensure everyone is on the same page and help avoid any miscommunications or misunderstandings down the road.
When delegating responsibility to others, ensure you outline tasks clearly. Also, be aware of the various deadlines involved, and get everyone on board with your project management plan early on.
8. Utilise Graphic Design Projects templates
Design templates are a great way to streamline the process and speed up production times. They can save you time in terms of design and can also be a helpful tool for communicating with your client.
This is because they come with a pre-defined structure, which can be beneficial for presenting ideas and concepts.
You can also incorporate them with various voice messaging apps. This simplifies the communication process while also providing a streamlined and organised workflow.
9. Set Milestones & Benchmarks
Regardless of the project's scope, you should complete all stages on time with the work order.
Setting milestones and benchmarks will give you plenty of opportunities to assess the overall progress, ensure deadlines are being met, information is easily accessible, adjustments are made accordingly, and everyone has an equal understanding.
10. Use a Professional Project Management App
There are countless professional project management apps on the market today. While not all of them are necessary for graphic designers, it's essential to be aware of what they are.
If you find yourself falling behind on specific tasks, don't hesitate to re-assign them to another team member that has the time and talent to complete them.
This way, everyone works at their maximum potential while allowing for a flexible workflow.
Why Use Stork.ai
Stork.ai's voice and video messaging software Stork.ai is excellent for real-time vertical and horizontal communication between project managers and team members.
It comes with powerful features like file sharing, annotation, and quick time-savers like QR codes and hotkeys.
Below are the benefits of using Stock.ai.
- Screen Recording: Capture all the important points and keep a record of what was discussed in project meetings
- Voice Messaging: Communicate with team members in real-time
- Mp3 to Text Transcription: Get a transcript of all voice messages and store them for future reference
- Video Recording: Capture all the important points and keep a record of what was discussed in project meetings for future references
Conclusion
Project management is an essential part of graphic design projects, regardless of the size or complexity.
For better voice messaging and project communication needs, utilise Stork.ai.
With its powerful features and an easy-to-use interface, you'll be on a smooth path to streamlining your workflow and collaborating seamlessly with team members.
