Every graphic design project I take on starts the same way: with a pencil, a sketchbook, and a lot of ideas.
I always begin by sketching—a lot. These initial roughs are loose and spontaneous, helping me explore different directions without getting too attached to any one concept. Sometimes I’ll fill several pages just chasing ideas, pushing shapes, layouts, and type treatments until something sparks.
Once I’ve got a solid batch of sketches, I narrow things down to a few favorites. These are the ones that feel the strongest, the most aligned with the goals of the project (and honestly, the ones that make me most excited to keep going). I refine these ideas with more detailed drawings, working through proportions, composition, and overall feel.
Then it’s time to bring it into the digital world. I build a rough layout in my design software, staying flexible as the piece starts to take shape. If I can, I’ll ask for feedback at this stage—from the client, from peers, or from trusted fellow designers. That fresh perspective can really help fine-tune a concept.
From there, it’s a process of refining, adjusting, and polishing. I’ll continue to iterate until both the client and I are confident that the design not only meets the brief but represents my best work. The goal isn’t just to create something that looks good—it’s to create something that works well, communicates clearly, and feels right.
Design is rarely a straight path, but I love every part of the journey—from that first messy page of sketches to the final product that I’m proud to deliver.
