Research and Development: search and gather information about subject matter.
Graphic design begins with a visual concept-the main idea behind creating the design piece. Before coming up with a concept, you need to plan a strategy or design objectives that meets your clients’ needs. You need to research information, material, and visuals about your subject, and start writing down your idea. Make changes and decision on those ideas and with the client, and then generate final comps for the intended media or the product.

The whole idea behind designing is being able to solve problems visually that help the client best communicate his or her message. Before you start designing, talk to your client and listen; then keep your client involved in the process.

• Listen to the client to understand the design challenge. Make the client feel involved. Try to assist gently when suggesting changes you feel would create a better product, but do not make the client feel incompetent. You need to fully understand the client’s project in order to help.

• You need to know the market the design is intended for and what the client’s design specifications are. Is this design going to be used for print and electronic media?

if so, then understanding different ways images and text are going to be presented for each medium is crucial to the success of the project.

• What materials are needed for the project, and what is your experience with these materials? What software or hardware are you comfortable with, and whichones will require that you rely on others for expertise?

• Know your budget and guidelines. Complete as much research as possible so you will be able to stay within your estimate. Set a time frame for completion of various components of the project.

http://maddisondesigns.com/2009/03/the-5-basic-principles-of-design/

http://www.ehow.com/list_6739142_phases-design-process.html

http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/process.html

http://inspirationfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Design-Process-flow-Chart-Isaiah-Frazier-Artistic-Designs-013.jpg

https://www.fastcompany.com/3068050/what-it-was-really-like-to-work-at-labor-nominee-puzders-fast-food-empire

https://powerpastimpossible.org/oil-taps-potential/#1

https://pbskids.org/designsquad/pdf/parentseducators/DS_TG_DesignProcess.pdf