graphic design project description sample

Expert Tips for Writing a Project Description With Free Templates

By Kate Eby | May 25, 2021

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Link copied

A strong project description provides a roadmap for stakeholders and communicates the vision without getting bogged down in details. We’ve compiled expert tips and sample project descriptions to help you get started. 

In this article, you’ll find a project description outline , steps for writing a project description , expert tips , and examples of project descriptions by industry .

What Is a Project Description?

A project description is a high-level overview of why you’re doing a project. The document explains a project’s objectives and its essential qualities. Think of it as the elevator pitch that focuses on what and why without delving into how. 

You typically draft a project description early on, during the project initiation phase of the project management lifecycle.

The project manager often writes the project description. However, if you are working for an agency that seeks grant funding or writing a research proposal, you might need to learn how to write a project description in a project proposal.

The project description should include an overview of the following:

• Project goals and objectives
• Stakeholders and their roles
• Metrics for measuring success
• Estimated budget

The tricky part is figuring out what doesn’t belong in the project description. The description should focus on goals, objectives, and the overall approach, but you don’t need to include lists of tasks, an extensive background, or research analysis. In general, the project description is broad; you’ll include more detail in the project plan.

Project Management Guide

Your one-stop shop for everything project management

Ready to get more out of your project management efforts? Visit our comprehensive project management guide for tips, best practices, and free resources to manage your work more effectively.

View the guide

Project Description Outline

The parts of a project description will vary depending on the type of project. However, your project description should contain the following elements:

Parts of a Project Description Outline

• Project Title: Aim for a short, unambiguous, and memorable title. 
• Overview: This is a high-level summary (no more than one or two paragraphs).
• Project Justification: Explain the problem or opportunity and why the project is necessary.
• Objectives: Set specific and measurable project goals.
• Phases of Work: Break down the project into phases that describe the desired outcome for each.
• Metrics for Evaluating and Monitoring: Include the metrics you’ll use to evaluate the project’s success. 
• Timeline: Outline the timeline for each phase, including the basic tasks that you will accomplish, with start and end dates.
• Estimated Budget: Include the budget and projected costs.

How to Write a Project Description

Although writing a project description will vary somewhat depending on the type of project, the basic process is the same. The following 10 steps are key to writing a good project description.

• Summarize: Write a one- or two-paragraph explanation of what the project aims to accomplish. Avoid delving deep into background or past projects. A good project summary will not only serve as your elevator speech, but will also help you clarify larger issues with your plan.
• Define: Describe the problem or opportunity and how the project will address it.
• Specific: Answer who, what, when, where, and why.
• Measurable: Include metrics for defining success.
• Achievable: Set goals that are possible to accomplish with the available resources.
• Relevant: Goals should be aligned with your organization’s mission.
• Time-bound: Include intermediate and final deadlines for each goal.
• Explain: Briefly explain your methodology. Include any key technologies or project management techniques you’ll use and why they’re appropriate.
• Measure: Identify the project deliverables . How will you measure success and evaluate the project?
• Schedule: Include a general timeline, with project phases and milestones. Be sure to note any important deadlines.
• Budget: Include the total estimated cost of the project and how much you have budgeted. (Note that this shouldn’t be a line item budget.) Use a project budget template for a more detailed breakdown of budgeted and actual project expenses.
• Get feedback: Seek feedback from key stakeholders, customers, and anyone impacted by the project for feedback. Ask them to explain the project in their own words to get a sense of how clearly you’ve communicated the vision.
• Proofread: Have someone else proofread the project description. In addition to spelling and grammatical errors, ask them to look for missing details that are significant to the project.
• Revise: Update and revise the document as the project progresses. Treat the project description as a living document.

A 10-Step Checklist for Writing a Project Description

Now that you know how to write a project description, use this checklist to help you focus on the key details.

Types of Project Descriptions With Examples

In this section, you’ll find a variety of free, customizable project description templates. We’ve completed them with sample information so that you can get an idea of how to write a description that fits your needs. You can also download a free project documentation template to help you track its progress.

Architectural Project Description Template

Download Architectural Project Description Template

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs

An architectural project description should start with a summary that explains the need for the project. Briefly identify the site, any key design features and aesthetic considerations, and a broad timeline. Keep it simple, and write for the general public. Here’s an example of an architectural project description summary for a downtown parking garage:

After you summarize the project, use the architectural project description template to create a customizable action plan. Include a breakdown of work by phases. Note any communications and approvals needed to ensure success.

Client Creative Project Brief Template

Download Client Creative Brief Template

Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet

Create a client creative project brief  to ensure a project strategy aligns with client goals. Creative briefs are frequently used for projects involving graphic design, videography, or marketing campaigns. Start by briefly describing the project, objectives, and deadlines. The following client creative project brief provides an overview of a holiday marketing campaign.

The format will vary based on the type of project. In the client creative project template example above, you’ll find a number of kickoff questions about the campaign’s target audience, key components, and messaging. If this template doesn’t meet your needs, check out other Smartsheet client creative briefs and marketing project plan templates .

Grant Project Description Template

Download Grant Project Description Template 

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF  

When you’re applying for grant funding or planning a grant-funded project, it’s essential to identify the target population and how they’ll benefit from project activities. Focus on why the project is necessary, rather than on the needs of your organization. The following example describes a grant project for a program seeking funding to combat childhood hunger:

This grant project description template breaks down the description into separate sections for the problem to be addressed, goals and objectives, target population, project activities, and key staff. It provides additional space for background information, measurable outcomes, and a timeline and budget, and it includes separate columns for income sources and expenses.

Interior Design Project Description Template

Download Interior Design Project Description Template

Microsoft Word | Google Docs

An interior design project description is similar to a client creative project brief. You’ll use the project overview to spell out a vision for the project that syncs with the client’s needs. The following interior design project description summarizes a residential kitchen remodel project.

Use the remainder of the interior design project description template to document the client’s likes and dislikes in greater detail. The template includes space to note the client’s preferences for general style, as well as colors, patterns, textiles, furnishings, and more. You’ll also find space to include measurements, a floor sketch, a project schedule, and a budget.

IT Project Description Template

Download IT Project Description Template

Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

An IT project description should start with a basic summary that condenses key background information and what the project entails. Keep it simple, and explain the project in lay terms. The following IT project description summary provides an overview of a plan to develop a mobile ordering app for a fast casual restaurant:

This IT project description template includes space for goals, assumptions, measurements of success, and risks. Additionally, the template includes space for a breakdown of the scope of work, including processes impacted by the project, milestones, costs, and resources.

Software Project Description Template

Download Software Project Description Template

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

A software project description should start with an overview that explains the type of software that will be developed, the problem it will solve, and the benefits to users and the business. The overview shouldn’t focus on the technical aspects of the project, but instead on the final product and its benefits. This software project description example gives an overview of a point-of-sale (POS) system under development for a brewery.

Once you’ve completed the overview, use this software project description template to explain purposes and goals in greater detail. The template includes sections for obstacles, risk factors, hardware compatibility, and software employed. Other features include a detailed breakdown of the project’s timeline and cost structure.

For other project description templates, please refer to our Free Project Description Templates article .

PMP Project Description

If you’re a project manager seeking the Project Management Professional certification, you’ll need either 36 or 60 months of professional experience leading projects, depending on your education level. 

The Project Management Institute (PMI) requires you to submit each project as its own entry on the application and include the following:

• A one-sentence project objective.
• Your role in accomplishing project deliverables in each of the five phases of project management : initiating (IN), planning (PL), executing (EX), monitoring and controlling (MC), and closing (CL).
• A brief description of project outcome.

You can use this PMP application project description example for guidance:

• Objective: Redesign Company XYZ’s website to improve lead generation by 25 percent.
• Project Deliverables: I was the project manager for Company XYZ’s redesign. I drafted the project charter and recruited a team of four IT staffers to complete the project (IN). I created the work breakdown structure, timeline, and budget, and I met with stakeholders to assess project contingencies and risks (PL). I coordinated between departments, provided quality assurance, and managed the four-person team throughout the project (EX). I conducted risk audits and communicated results to stakeholders (MC). I obtained stakeholder feedback, archived project documents, and held multidepartment training once the redesign was completed (CL).
• Outcome: Company XYZ’s website redesign was completed $10,000 under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule. Lead generation increased by 30 percent within six months.

How to Write a Project Description in a CV or Resume

Writing a project description for successful past projects can give you an edge when you’re a job candidate or looking for new clients. When writing a project description for your CV, resume, or portfolio, clearly state the project objective, your role, and the outcome.

Continuing with the example above, here’s a project management project description sample to avoid in your resume because it’s vague. The second project description is a more effective example. It also highlights the most significant accomplishments and responsibilities first.

Project Description Before Example

IT Project Manager, Company XYZ Project: Website redesign

• Managed a highly successful redesign
• Provided leadership throughout the project
• Updated key stakeholders in a timely manner
• Coordinated communications and staff trainings
• Completed the project under budget and ahead of schedule, resulting in improved sales

Project Description After Example

IT Project Manager, Company XYZ Project: Website redesign with goal of increasing lead generation by 25%

• Managed website redesign that resulted in a 30% increase in lead generation
• Completed the project $10,000 under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule
• Recruited and managed a team of four IT staffers
• Created the work breakdown structure, timeline, and budget; assessed project contingencies and risks
• Communicated with key stakeholders throughout the project; trained staff across departments once the project was complete

Tips for Writing a Good Project Description

To write an effective project description, draft early in the process. Keep it high-level without going into too much detail or background. Use the description to generate interest among a broad audience. Keep it brief and free of jargon.

• Clear: Keep writing straight to the point and don’t include unnecessary jargon. 
• Concise: Focus on the project itself, rather than on background information.
• Complete: This can be a challenge when you’re also aiming for concision. Regardless, the description should include the key points your audience needs to understand the project. 
• Credible: Only cite authoritative sources and the most up-to-date information.
• Draft the Project Description Early in the Process: Gregory Carson, PMP, is a biomedical engineer, attorney, and patent agent with more than 20 years of project management experience and who owns Carson Patents . Carson suggests drafting the project description early, ideally as soon as the idea occurs to you or your team. The description will serve as the summary roadmap to refer back to throughout the project. “All of the other details have some direct relationship to the project description, so having the project description well drafted before you begin the execution planning can save you time and frustration, in particular as changes need to be included,” Carson says. At the end of the project, you’ll want to refer back to the document to show that the project fulfilled the goals and objectives.
• Make a Memorable First Impression: Alan Zucker, PMP, is a project manager with more than 25 years working with Fortune 100 companies and founder of the website Project Management Essentials . He says that a project description should motivate. The goal is for people to understand and support the project after reading the description. “When crafting your pitch, remember that most people will form their initial impressions about the project within the first 30 seconds. Lead with a strong statement and a powerful image of the project’s benefit,” Zucker says.
• Write for a Broad Audience: A common mistake when writing a project description is targeting too narrow of an audience. “There is usually no lack of attention on the stakeholders that are funding the project, and they are important audience members for the project description to focus on,” Carson says. “But particular attention focused on the stakeholders who will benefit from the project often leads to helpful insights for the project.” Getting feedback on the description from a broader audience is also helpful. Zucker suggests reviewing the description with key stakeholders, customers, and those impacted by the project. “After reading your description, see if they can restate it in their own words,” Zucker suggests. “Was the restatement what you intended? If not, then continue to revise the description based on the feedback.”
• Avoid Excessive Details, Especially Early On: Your project description should convey a vision, rather than provide a detailed implementation plan. Don’t worry too much about planning out details in the description phase —  Zucker suggests that you simply make sure there’s a clear understanding of the project’s goals and why you want to proceed. “The description will evolve as we learn more about the project,” Zucker says. “Don’t worry about committing too early. Part of that evolutionary process is sharing the description and getting feedback on it.” Keeping a high-level focus will help generate buy-in for the project. Carson says it’s key to describe the project so that others “can understand and appreciate your marvel.” “You don’t want to pontificate to the point where people stop reading or get confused about any of the goals and objectives,” he says.
• Ask Someone to Proofread Your Project Description: Proofreading and editing are essential when you finalize your project description. But if you wrote the description, recruit someone else to edit it. “Too often as we write, we ‘remember’ what we were writing about and can miss little details, even spelling and grammar, that can impact the meaning and importance of a project and its description,” Carson says. Don’t be surprised if you need to revise and rewrite a few times. It’s all part of the process of crafting your message.

How to Write a Brief Description of a Project

Focus on the project and the problem it addresses. Avoid delving into background info or referencing other projects. Emphasize the what and why without excessive detail about the tasks it requires. This can be your pitch to sell the project.

What Is a Project Description in a Project Proposal?

A project description in a project proposal is a brief summary of the goals, the objectives, and the need for the project. It shouldn’t be more than one or two paragraphs. The project proposal will provide more detailed information.

What Is a Project Description in a Thesis?

A project description in a thesis outlines the research you’re undertaking, typically as part of graduate studies. It includes your working title, your research goals, basic methodology, and why the research is needed.

Effectively Track and Manage Your Projects with Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet

From simple task management and project planning to complex resource and portfolio management, Smartsheet helps you improve collaboration and increase work velocity -- empowering you to get more done. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover a better way to streamline workflows and eliminate silos for good.

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure for more.

8 Essentials for Every Graphic Design Proposal You Send (+ Example)

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

What is a graphic design proposal?

Why is a graphic design proposal important, how to put together a graphic design proposal in 8 steps, graphic design proposal example, final thoughts.

Are you trying to start your own graphic design business? If you are, here’s a little secret: you’re going to need more than just experience and an outstanding portfolio to land a design job from a new client. Landing gigs also means you’re going to need a standout graphic design proposal, too.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned graphic designer, the graphic design industry is competitive and a bit shrouded in mystery, especially for people who can’t tell the difference between an Illustrator, a Graphic designer, and a UI/UX designer.

A graphic design proposal explains your value proposition and convinces the client why you are the best fit for the job, even if you’re looking for an agency job, an in-house position, or a freelance gig.

Whether you’re into graphic design to start an online business or just putting your creativity to work, a graphic design proposal lands you a design job with relative ease. That said, how do you go about drafting the perfect graphic design proposal? I’ll be teaching you all that and more in this article. Let’s get cracking!

A graphic design proposal is a document that sells your value proposition to a client.

It summarizes everything you can offer regarding a new design project. It also includes proof of your previous work — otherwise known as your portfolio — and the costs that you think you’ll incur while doing the project.

However, a graphic design proposal is not a sales pitch .

When we say “sales pitch,” we’re referring to a verbal attempt to sell your services to a client. Yes, it requires a mastery of its own, but it’s only the second step in the bidding process. Creating a graphic design proposal comes first.

So, technically speaking, you can say a graphic design proposal is a hard-copy sales pitch sent after you’ve discussed with a client, not before. This means your proposal must be top-notch, convincing, and engaging from the first page to get the client to the negotiation table.

A Facebook page called “Clients From Hell” shares horror stories from freelancers and creatives. Many of these stories feature some sort of client claiming that they shouldn’t be paying for services that they believe don’t require any real talent.

While clients like these are fortunately in the minority, many clients will balk at your price as a freelancer until you show them what you can do.

Unlike digital marketers or data analysts who quantify their claims with charts and statistics, the game’s different for us designers. You need visual proof that shows you understand and can deliver what the client expects. A graphic design proposal showcases your previous works and gives your clients an idea of what you can do for their business.

As a graphic designer, your proposal must answer these questions to a client’s design project:

• What does your project intend to do? Talk about the design project’s problems, goals, and objectives.
• How can you help the client? Explain your proposed solution.
• Why are you the best fit for this project? Show your portfolio.
• What will it take to do this project? : Outline your expected costs, including any work you expect to outsource to others .
• What can your client expect?: — Finish up with the deliverables, including the timeline for each item.

As you create your proposal, you need to keep in mind that you’re not the only one who can do the job. This is why you need to add your touch to the proposal and showcase what makes your designs unique.

Defining your unique selling proposition as a creative worker helps you stand out as a graphic designer and opens you to a whole new world of opportunities.

Now we have that out of the way, let’s look at how you can draft a winning graphic design proposal that reflects your value as a designer.

Clients ask for proposals. Not because they don’t trust you can do it, but because they want to compare, and your proposal might be all that breaks or makes the deal.

Hence, to ensure that you’re not missing the critical bit of a proposal, you must have a custom freelance design proposal template you can whip out when the need arises.

You have to understand that other designers are a competition. So your job is to communicate (with your proposal, of course) why you’re a better hire for their business, even though you might be way expensive.

It shows you understand the project in question and have the confidence and expertise required to execute the job flawlessly.

Below, I’ll cover the steps you need to draft a graphic design proposal. Read on.

1. Discuss every detail of the project with your client

Your proposal should never come as a surprise to your client. Before you send a proposal, you’ll want to discuss every detail of their project beforehand. It’s a collaboration, which means you’ll need to know where to come in and use your design expertise to tackle the problem.

While designers used to discuss projects with their clients face-to-face, it’s not practical at this point. Instead, you may email the client to ask for more information, then set up a video call where you can discuss their requirements.

The key to great project calls is to be prepared to go over each detail of the project and listen actively.

2. Do proper research

If all goes well with your client call, you’ll hopefully get their go-ahead to send a proposal. To allow you to send a proposal that meets their requirements, you need to do intensive research on the potential client and their needs.

You must find out more information on your own to understand everything about this prospect’s brand, services, or products. Ask for any branded materials or documents that shed light on the situation and get to work.

You can also research their competitors to see how they stack against the prospect’s brand. Analyzing information from their social media and how effectively they compete in their industry can be invaluable as you put together a proposal.

Proper research helps you know what you’re going into, so you don’t underestimate yourself and the services you hope to offer. And, at the same time, it gives you a glimpse into the scope of the project and the amount of time and effort you’ll put into it.

3. Determine the proposal software you’ll use.

When your research is done, the next step is to get your proposal started. But you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

Thankfully, there are different freelance tools that can help you create a terrific graphic design proposal quickly and easily. While most of these tools offer paid plans you’d pay monthly or annually, some offer freemium services such as invoicing.

However, to get the most features when drafting your graphic design proposal, you might want to consider a paid version. Here are some software tools to help you get started:

Fiverr Workspace

Fiverr Workspace offers an efficient suite of smart and seamless freelancer tools. It has all the essential features that help you with invoicing, customized proposals, contracts, and more.

What’s more, it is easy to set up and use in just a few clicks. Plus, if you’ll need a legally binding contract along the way, Fiverr Workspace allows you to embed the Standard Freelance Contract from the Freelancers Union with one click.

Other features include:

• Automatic reminders
• Smart alerts
• E-signatures
• Automatic invoices, and much more.

Fiverr Workspace is also free to sign up for and doesn’t charge you for standard contracts if you’ve got just one client. This makes it perfect for first-time freelancers.

If you’re not keen on using complex proposal creation tools, then HoneyBook’s easy-to-use interface might be what you need. It has tons of basic options to create a graphic design proposal without requiring any HTML coding knowledge.

All you need to do is create sections and move blocks around those sections for each part of your proposal. These blocks let you add images, text, and other handy options to your proposal. Creating proposals doesn’t get any easier than this!

Bonsai’s proposal creation feature offers you multiple and flexible proposal templates you can customize for every client. The proposal package also lets you upsell services to your clients by allowing you to edit a previously-created proposal.

Along with these remarkable features, you can track when clients view your proposal and make scheduling decisions right away. The best thing about using these tools is that you’ll save a lot of time and energy that you could use for more useful activities.

4. Describe the problem

Remember when I said to do some proper research in step 2? Yes? Now is the time to put your research to use. Having a good grasp of the client’s problem gives you the following advantages:

I. It shows the client you fully understand their problem and that your solution will address their needs.

II. It gives you a framework for your proposal.

If you’ve done your homework, this should be a breeze. Be specific. Use relevant stats, data, figures to buttress your “problem statement.”

Here’s an example of a concise problem statement, stating a specific problem.

This example ticks the box when it comes to being concise. That way, there’s no room for ambiguity.

By stating the client’s problem in your own words, you show a thorough understanding of the issue being faced by the client. If done correctly, this section should help convince your prospect that you’re the right person for the job.

5. Address the main goals and objectives

This is where you give a situation appraisal by describing the goals and objectives (you’ve surmised from the research) of the problem. To stay on course, you must clearly understand what success looks like for the graphic design project by using SMART goals :

This framework serves as a jump-off point for measuring and assessing your goals. You might even score bonus points if you assess the situation from another angle that the client didn’t think of. Aim for something short — two, three paragraphs at most. After this, move on to proposing a solution.

6. Provide your solution + next steps/deliverables

The solution strategy section is the core of your graphic design proposal. Think of it as the key to your client’s conversion. If your client got this far, surely, they’re interested in what you have to offer. Don’t disappoint them.

How do you write a solution section that will bring you closer to landing the job? You can follow the outline below:

• A detailed plan of action that describes the steps to achieving the solution.
• Hard facts, data, and statistics that back up the proposed course of action.
• Consistent and defined opportunities to assess the solutions you proposed. In other words, you are providing a feedback mechanism for your client.

I’m not saying other sections of your graphic design proposal are not as important, but this is the meat of it. When it comes to deliverables, do not leave room for imagination. You must visually communicate by explaining what goes on behind the scenes. For example, you can include initial sketches, design revisions, and mood boarding.

This is also where you incorporate your portfolio into the proposal, with the relevant pieces.

For instance, if you’re trying to land a book design project, include previous book designs in your portfolio. Likewise, if you’re bidding for a print ad campaign, showcase previous print ads.

That said, for this section to be successful, all data, statistics, and outlined solutions must culminate into an actionable plan that tackles and benefits the client in the long term.

7. Outline the costs involved

Many designers aren’t comfortable setting their rates, possibly because they don’t know their worth. However, you should be careful not to sell yourself short if you already have a comprehensive portfolio.

I’ve found that asking for the client’s total budget for the project helps outline graphic design services’ costs. Many clients are skeptical about graphic design rates but can be flexible if you can assure them that your work is worth every penny.

Here are the steps you need to follow when you do pricing for a graphic design proposal:

1. Estimate the complexity and timeline of the design project. If you’re a seasoned graphic designer, you should be able to predict the number of hours you’ll need to complete specific types of deliverables.

2. Come up with an hourly rate based on your previous work, the industry standard, and the client’s budget.

3. Multiply the total number of estimated hours for the project by the hourly rate. This will form your initial costing.

4. Consider upselling your services for different project options.

You may plan to add a certain number of revisions or different image sizes for multiple platforms. You can also identify gaps in the client’s marketing using the research you performed earlier in the process. For instance, you can offer web design services if you feel that the current site needs a makeover.

8. Call to action — sign, deposit, etc.

After stating your case as the best person for the job, you’ll want to end the graphic design proposal with a solid call to action.

Give clear and specific instructions on the next steps and how to execute the agreement. These instructions help your prospect move to the next stage with ease.

If you created your graphic design proposal document on a PDF, embed PayPal buttons so clients can pay online. A tool like Fiverr Workspace allows your clients to attach e-signatures and enable invoice payments.

You may also promote yourself one last time by telling your prospect why they should hire you. This is less of a hard sell and more of sharing your excitement about working with clients and delivering what they need. This will end the proposal on a positive note.

Struggling to get better-paying clients as a freelance designer? Then, check out this next section to see how to use all the tips we’ve discussed so far below.

Now that we’ve discussed the elements of a graphic design proposal, let’s look at a sample proposal that could help you land new clients .

As you see, this example stated the problem specifically. In addition, it demonstrated a thorough understanding of the design project, which is to overhaul the client’s brand identity to target new customers in Northborough.

Goals and Objectives

Strategy and Solutions

For this section, list out the strategy you intend to use for the project. That could include research, design, implementation, and evaluation. Demonstrate your design prowess by making the strategies and solutions; SMART, to solve the problem.

Deliverables

The “deliverables” should be a continuation of the “solutions’ section. List out the milestones you hope to achieve and deliver. It must be as straightforward and visually appealing as possible.

Costs and Pricing

State out the implementation costs of the entire graphic design project. Ensure it includes your terms for implementation, such as the payment timeline for the first deposit and discounts, if applicable.

If you’re upselling your services by offering bundle package(s), use this section to explicitly state the prices of each service, in a table, like in this example. Then, make it scannable by highlighting the most important parts like the total amount and service description.

Call to action

Finish off the graphic design proposal with a straight-to-the-point CTA and next steps.

When you follow these outlined steps, you’ll earn your way into the heart of your client. What’s more, you now have the edge over those who don’t bother with proposals. This’ll allow you to land more projects and increase your freelancer cash flow.

There are many steps to being a professional graphic designer. Aside from knowing how to design, you also need to know how to find clients. Learning how to create a graphic design proposal will allow you to reach out to potential clients and showcase your work.

Creating a graphic design proposal starts with initiating a discussion with the potential client and continues with in-depth research about the client’s needs and what they intend to get out of the project. These insights will allow you to use professional tools to put together a proposal that addresses the client’s needs and gives them a clear idea of your vision for their campaign.

Finally, learning how to compute cost estimates will help set you apart from the competition as a graphic designer who doesn’t overcharge nor underestimate their value.

A well-curated design portfolio, accompanied by a comprehensive project plan, a reasonable price model for deliverables, and a strong CTA will help convince your clients that your design services are worth every penny.

Keep the conversation going...

Over 10,000 of us are having daily conversations over in our free Facebook group and we'd love to see you there. Join us!

Freelancing Growth

Written by Jimmy Rodriguez

Staff at millo.co.

Jimmy Rodriguez is the COO of Shift4Shop , a completely free, enterprise-grade ecommerce solution. He's dedicated to helping internet retailers succeed online by developing digital marketing strategies and optimized shopping experiences that drive conversions and improve business performance.

Jimmy's Articles

Reviewed & edited by Adam Wright , at Millo.

At Millo, we strive to publish only the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for freelancers. You can learn more by reviewing our editorial policy .

3+ SAMPLE Graphic Design Project Proposal in PDF

Graphic design project proposal, 3+ sample graphic design project proposal, what is a graphic design project proposal, different types of graphic design project proposals, basic components of a graphic design project proposal , how to create a graphic design project proposal, what are some examples of graphic design project proposals, what are the fundamental elements of the graphic design project proposal, what are different types of graphic design projects, what are some common types of designers.

Graphic Design Project Proposal Specialist

Graphic Design Project and Branding Services Proposal

Graphic Design Project Work Proposal

Graphic Designer For Special Projects Proposal

1. visual arts and graphic illustration project proposal, 2. publication graphic design project proposal, 3. graphic design project and branding services proposal, 4. environmental graphic design project proposal, 5. user interface (ui) and user experience (ux) graphic design project proposal, 6. motion graphic design project proposal, step 1: define the specific design project goals, objectives and outcomes, step 2: include a brief overview of the graphic design project, step 3: present design solutions and methodology, step 4: indicate the graphic design project timeline and budget, step 5: emphasize the unique value, step 6: prepare the final draft, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 25+ sample construction company proposal in ms word.

Navigating the intricate world of construction demands a seasoned company with a proven track record. Our comprehensive guide on the Construction Company Proposal is your blueprint to understanding the…

8+ SAMPLE Drama Proposal in PDF

Julia Child said: “Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper. Everything can have…

browse by categories

• Questionnaire
• Description
• Reconciliation
• Certificate
• Spreadsheet

Information

• privacy policy
• Terms & Conditions

Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies

Powerpoint Templates

Icon Bundle

Kpi Dashboard

Professional

Business Plans

Swot Analysis

Gantt Chart

Business Proposal

Marketing Plan

Project Management

Business Case

Business Model

Cyber Security

Business PPT

Digital Marketing

Digital Transformation

Human Resources

Product Management

Artificial Intelligence

Company Profile

Acknowledgement PPT

PPT Presentation

Reports Brochures

One Page Pitch

Interview PPT

All Categories

Top 10 Design Project Proposal Templates with Examples and Samples

If you're a graphic designer, you'll need to put together a design project proposal for some of your potential clients. However, if you've never created a design proposal before (or if your previous design proposals aren't getting the job done), the process might be overwhelming.

Which details should you include? What separates a winning design proposal from all the others? The answers are less complicated than you might assume.

A well-constructed proposal provides a platform for transparency in terms of costs, timelines, and deliverables. It sets clear expectations, fostering trust and confidence between the designer and the client. In fact, 85% of clients indicated that they feel more comfortable working with designers who present detailed proposals.

While crafting a proposal may appear challenging, it is feasible with the right guidance and resources. SlideTeam has curated Top 10 Proposal Templates to streamline the process.

Craft a Winning Design Project Proposal

SlideTeam has curated pre-designed and 100% customizable and editable PPT Templates on Professional Development Proposal. The structured layout of these presentation designs simplifies conveying objectives, methodologies, and roles. With our content-ready slides, you get a headstart with the much-needed structure and flexibility that allows you to tailor your proposal presentations.

Let's explore these templates now!

Template 1: Graphic Design Project Proposal PowerPoint Bundle

This PPT Template, a complete deck in 22 slides, starts with an introductory slide on graphic design project proposal. This slide is followed by a cover letter, table of contents and project summary. The next slide focuses on addressing the methodology and pricing model for the project and the design  process, which has to be clutter-free. There is a separate slide on activity schedule, investment, background and sample work, range of services and terms and conditions for the graphic design project. Get this informative PowerPoint Bundle today!

Download Now!

Template 2: Graphic Design Project Summary

This PowerPoint Slide provides the context of a graphic design project covering details about client requirements with solutions that the sender proposed. The vertical layout has two divisions titled project context and project design. Download Today!

Template 3: Addressing the Methodology and Pricing Model for Graphic Design Project

This PowerPoint Slide conveys the sender's approach and cost structure. It includes sections outlining the sequential  methodology for the design project, detailing the creative process and workflow. Additionally, it provides a breakdown of the pricing model, encompassing design fees, revisions, and  extra costs, if any. This slide offers an overview of how the project will be executed and what financial considerations the client can expect. Download today!

Template 4: Design Process for Project PPT Slide

This PowerPoint design illustrates the sender’s graphic designing process covering five stages. These stages are gathering, which involves collecting information about the business and its target audience; brainstorm, which  is a meeting between the designer and the client  to understand expectations; concepts, which means working on the initial draft and send for review; modify, which involves making changes based on the feedback and finally delivering the final designed product. Download Now!

Template 5: Graphic Design Project Activity Schedule PPT Template

This PPT Slide showcases the detailed schedule and timeline of a graphic design project. It offers a structured overview of  tasks, including time taken to complete an activity and number of activities in hand. This aids in effective time management, ensuring that designers  stay on track. Download this PowerPoint Bundle today!

Template 6: Investment for the Project PowerPoint Template

This PowerPoint Template outlines the financial aspects of acquiring freelance graphic design services. It features sections detailing the investment, such as a description of the services required, the price per hour for the designer's work, the quantity of services needed, and the resulting subtotal for each item. This template allows you to depict  cost breakdowns in a simple manner, making it easier for the company to understand and allocate funds for the design project. Download now!

Template 7: Background and Sample Work for the Project

This PPT Slide showcases information about the designer. His/her name, education qualification and experience. Additionally, it provides a curated selection of sample work, offering a glimpse into their creative capabilities and style. It's a concise and impactful way to establish credibility and showcase the designer's suitability for the project at hand. Download now!

Template 8: Range of Graphic Design Services Offered

This PPT Template divides its offerings for graphic design services into two slides. The first slide showcases services like professional logo creation services, print marketing services, branding services to reach target audience and design consultation services. The second slide encompasses design services like brochures, business cards, adverts, leaflets, flyers, logos, posters and corporate ID folders signs.  Get this PPT Template bundle now!

Template 9: Client Testimonials for Graphic Design Project

This PPT Slide showcases the credibility and positive impact of the graphic design project. Included on it are testimonials from previous clients, along with their names and positions. These testimonials act as social proof, encouraging trust in prospective clients  with the emphasis on real-world success stories and approving the designer's initiatives. Download Now!

Template 10: Terms and Conditions for Graphic Design Project

This PPT Slide showcases terms of contract termination, payment and services terms, and other topics. This presentation template serves as a reference for both designer and clients, assuring contract transparency and clarity. It's a useful tool for managing expectations and keeping a professional, planned approach to the proposal. Get it today!

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted project proposal ppt is the cornerstone of any successful collaboration between a designer and a client. It is a powerful tool for aligning the client's vision with the designer's creative expertise. It not only establishes a solid foundation for the project, but also sets the stage for a collaborative and successful partnership. SlideTeam’s PowerPoint Template for design project proposals is essential for consistency and professionalism in presentations. It ensures that all proposal-related information is cohesive, making it easier to understand and follow. Our templates also save time due to the pre-designed layouts and graphics, improving efficiency.

FAQs on Design Project Project

What is a design project proposal.

A design project proposal specifies its  objectives, scope, approach, time frame, and budget. It is a plan that defines the client's requirements, the designer's proposed solutions, and the projected results. This document  contains information on the project's aims, target audience, creative concepts, deliverables, and any resources  required. It is used to obtain project clearance and finance, to set clear expectations between the client and the designer, and to offer a roadmap for effective project implementation.

How do you write a design project proposal?

Begin with a concise introduction stating the objective and aims of the project. Describe the work scope, including deliverables and deadlines. Highlight the qualifications and relevant experience of your team. Detail the budget, including expenditures and resources required. Address possible issues and threats, and provide solutions. Finish strong with a summary and a call to action, soliciting acceptance and participation. Maintain a brief, well-organized proposal that is suited to the client's demands, demonstrating a solid awareness of the project's requirements and a persuasive explanation for your team's selection.

What are the elements of a graphic design proposal?

Introduction: A brief overview of your company and the purpose of the proposal.

Client's Needs: A detailed description of the client's requirements, objectives, and expectations for the project.

Scope of Work: Clear delineation of the design project's scope, including deliverables, timelines, and budget.

Creative Approach: Explanation of your design concept, style, and strategies to meet the client's goals.

Portfolio: Showcase relevant past work and experience.

Pricing: A breakdown of costs, including design fees, revisions, and any additional expenses.

Terms and Conditions: Payment terms, intellectual property rights, and project milestones.

Timeline: A proposed schedule for design phases and project completion.

Contact Information: Your contact details for further discussion and acceptance.

Conclusion: A call to action and request for the client's signature or approval.

Related posts:

Must-have design proposal templates with samples and examples.

• Top 10 Work Proposal Templates To Win You Contracts (Free PDF Attached)
• Must-Have Brand Identity Proposal Templates With Examples and Samples!
• Top 10 Project Description Templates with Examples and Samples

Liked this blog? Please recommend us

Top 10 Security System Proposal Templates with Samples and Examples

Top 14 Digital Marketing Agency Proposal Templates with Examples and Samples

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Digital revolution powerpoint presentation slides

Sales funnel results presentation layouts

3d men joinning circular jigsaw puzzles ppt graphics icons

Business Strategic Planning Template For Organizations Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Future plan powerpoint template slide

Project Management Team Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Brand marketing powerpoint presentation slides

Launching a new service powerpoint presentation with slides go to market

Agenda powerpoint slide show

Four key metrics donut chart with percentage

Engineering and technology ppt inspiration example introduction continuous process improvement

Meet our team representing in circular format

• Business Templates
• Sample Proposals

FREE 10+ Graphic Design Project Proposal Samples in PDF | DOC

Graphic designers provide visual answers to specific challenges such as firm brand crises or image modifications, in addition to sketching designs. They frequently work for corporate clients, advertising agencies , public relations firms , and publishers as freelancers.  Advertising and marketing jobs are becoming more plentiful, as such, graphic designers are in high demand because of their serious skills.  Graphic designers use computer software or their hands to develop visual designs that inspire, instruct, and engage customers. If you’re looking for attracting potential clients with your amazing skills, look no further! For your convenience, we provide with free and ready-to-use samples of Graphic Design Project in this article that you could use. Keep on reading to find out more!

Graphic Design Project Proposal

10+ graphic design project proposal samples, 1. graphic design project proposal template, 2. graphic design project proposal, 3. graphic design branding project proposal, 4. graphic design layout project proposal, 5. graphic design services project proposal, 6. graphic design work project proposal, 7. organizational graphic design project proposal, 8. graphic design special project proposal, 9. graphic design project request for proposal, 10. graphic design production project proposal, 11. graphic design communication project proposal, what is a graphic design project proposal, how to make a graphic design project proposal, 1.include an overview of the problem in the executive summary., 2. provide details about yourself or your design company., 3. describe your plan/solutions., 4. make sure they’re aware of your pricing., is graphic design difficult, is it possible for graphic designers to work from home, is there a demand for graphic design.

• Google Docs

Size: 67 KB

Size: 126 KB

Size: 114 KB

Size: 176 KB

Size: 157 KB

Size: 433 KB

Size: 161 KB

Size: 278 KB

Size: 77 KB

A graphic design project proposal is delivered to potential design clients in order to provide information about design and branding work. Any freelance designer , design agency, or other design firm will always employ a graphic design proposal. It represents the company that puts it out, a design project proposal must be concise and professional.

Graphic designers use it to promote their design skills to potential clients. It’s a formal proposal that outlines a freelance graphic designer’s or creative agency’s talents and how they’ll meet the needs of a potential client.

Graphic design services are required by any organization or corporation that need content design, website redesign, logo design, marketing collateral design, or any other type of design. If you’re drafting a proposal for design services and need some assistance, here are some suggestions you could consider as well as free templates provided above you may use:

This area gives your clients the impression that you understand them and their graphic design needs. Write a quick description of your prospective clients’ problem issues, as well as what they will gain by using your services. Make sure it’s as sharp as possible. Regardless of how great your product or service is, your customer will only buy it if they believe they require it. Explaining how your product or service solves a consumer problem is a good technique to demonstrate need. This is an important aspect of understanding how to develop a design proposal.

It must be well-written and professional, and it must include information about your distinct brand. This is one of the most important areas for your clients to understand your organization and services. Mention the company’s values, vision, mission, expertise, and competitive advantages. You can also include client testimonials to boost your brand’s credibility.

Your answer should describe what you intend to accomplish (for example, create a logo) and how it will solve their problem. To reinforce your argument, include how it will lead to corporate success on a larger scale. Bringing up the broader business benefits will demonstrate to your client the value of your graphic design services and will help to raise the perceived value of your work.

Before you begin working on your proposal, find out what your client’s overall budget is. Create pricing tables and list each service along with its cost. A detailed pricing breakdown aids the client in comprehending the project’s cost. Once you’ve decided on a budget, the breakdown of your expenses should be thorough but succinct so that you can understand it fast.

Graphic design is not difficult to learn, but it does involve creative thinking, a flair for art and design, as well as time and commitment. Graphic designers must practice and improve their design talents on a regular basis, which takes time and effort.

Working as a graphic designer gives you the freedom to work from home or anywhere else in the world. One of your responsibilities as a graphic designer is to bring ideas together and produce visual visuals to communicate those ideas.

Graphic designers are expected to lose 4% of their jobs between 2019 and 2029. Graphic designers’ employment in computer systems design and related services, on the other hand, is expected to expand.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out and win work as more graphic designers enter the profession every day. Download our easily customizable and printable samples of Graphic Design Project Proposals today to ensure that you will land your new project with a great client!

Related Posts

Free 7+ restaurant marketing proposal samples in pdf ms word ..., free 10+ theatre proposal samples [ grant, production, project ], free 22+ sample bid proposals in pdf ms word | pages | excel ..., free 13+ sample web design proposal templates in pdf ms ..., free 46+ project proposals in pdf ms word | pages | google docs, free 11+ photography proposal templates in pdf ms word ..., free 6+ sample web design quote templates in pdf, free 9+ design document samples in ms word pdf, free 7+ sample project quote templates in pdf ms word, free 16+ sample interior design proposal templates in pdf ms ..., free 10+ film festival proposal samples [ short, sponsorship ..., free 5+ sample graphic designer cover letter templates in ms ..., free 9+ sample quote proposal templates in pdf ms word, free 7+ sample graphic design cover letter templates in ms ..., free 9+ website proposals in ms word pdf | pages | google docs, free 7+ website project proposal samples in ms word google ..., free 10+ design quote templates in word excel | pages ..., free 15+ sample software development proposal templates in ....

Graphic Design Project Plan Template

Organize all the pieces of your graphic design project

Start your next graphic design project with a plan template. It's ideal for managing the various stages of the graphic design process.

Create a plan detailing the creative brief, research, next steps, inspiration, design ideas, sketches, notes and timelines to help consistency and flow with the project.

Milanote helps you share concepts early on and collect suggestions and feedback from a client so you can bring together ideas, inspire and stay on track.

This template is part of the Graphic Designers collection.

• Explore ideas

Organize visually

• Share with your team & clients
• Gather feedback
• Export to PDF

Collect everything in one place

Milanote is the visual way to collect everything that powers your creative work. Simple text editing & task management helps you organize your thoughts and plans. Upload images, video, files and more.

Milanote's flexible drag and drop interface lets you arrange things in whatever way makes sense to you. Break out of linear documents and see your research, ideas and plans side-by-side.

Collaborate with your team

Milanote boards can be a private place to think, or a shared workspace for collaboration—you're in total control of who sees what. Instantly see your team's changes, leave comments, and never miss a thing with smart notifications and alerts.

Set the project goals & deliverables.

Visualize the style for your logo design

Define your plan and priorities for the upcoming week.

Plan the perfect website structure.

Creative professionals from these companies use Milanote

Start your graphic design project plan.

Plan all aspects of your next graphic design project

Sign up for free with no time limit

Milanote is where creative professionals organize their most important work.

Free with no time limit

Create your account

How to Write a Graphic Design Brief: 5 Must-Have Elements

A graphic design brief is a document that provides detailed instructions and requirements for a graphic design project. It serves as an agreement between the client and the designer, setting clear expectations about project scope, timeline, budget, and success metrics before work begins.

A design brief is a blueprint that guides the graphic designer's creative process from start to finish. Just as an architect can't build a house without first consulting the client's plans and specifications, a graphic designer can't effectively develop a logo, brochure, website, or other design materials without first understanding the client's goals, target audiences, brand style, technical needs, and further vital details—all of which should be captured in the brief.

Table of Contents

Why Graphic Design Briefs Matter

You're probably wondering—why go to the trouble of creating a formal design brief ? Can't I verbally tell my designer what I need or provide a loose description? Here's why taking the time to develop a thoughtful design brief pays off:

• Saves time and money. With clear instructions upfront, designers don't waste effort going down the wrong creative paths or using incorrect brand elements that then require rework.
• Manages expectations. The brief ensures all stakeholders are “on the same page” about what will be delivered and when.
• Drives better results. Designers can tailor their work directly to your strategic business objectives rather than guessing your needs.
• Reduces miscommunications. Unlike verbal conversations, the documented brief minimises confusion about requirements.
• Provides helpful reference. Designers can refer to the brief frequently to ensure they remain on track to serve your goals.

In other words, the upfront investment to create an intense design brief gives clients and designers the clarity, focus, and alignment needed for efficient and successful projects.

Elements of an Effective Graphic Design Brief

Design briefs range from single-page to multi-page documents. But every well-constructed brief contains these key elements:

Project Background

• Goal – What does your business aim to achieve with this design project ? Be specific. Example goals: Increase website conversions by 20%. Make our brand identity cohesive across all materials. Educate consumers about our new eco-friendly packaging .
• Objectives – Break down the overall goal into smaller measurable objectives. Example objective: Drive 10% more traffic to our product pages.
• Business/brand overview – Provide brief context about your company, products/services, brand personality and position in the market. Help the designer understand your “why.”

Audience Profile

• Primary/secondary target audiences – Detail demographic and psychographic qualities of who precisely you want to reach. Prioritise primary targets.
• Audience needs/values – What does your audience care about the most? What would compel them to engage with your brand?
• Audience media habits – Where and how does your audience consume information and make decisions? Online? In stores? Word-of-mouth?

Project Details

• Project scope – High-level description of the end design deliverable(s). Example: A tri-fold brochure to distribute at trade shows.
• Timeline – Key project milestones and target completion date.
• Budget – Total available budget and payment schedule, if applicable.
• Success metrics – How will you evaluate if goals are met? KPIs? Conversions? Sales? Surveys?
• Mandatories – Is anything required or prohibited? Fonts , colours, elements?

Creative Direction

• Tone – Personality attributes your brand should express. Fun? Reliable? Helpful? Providing adjectives helps designers make appropriate choices.
• Style preferences – Visual aesthetics, typography, colour palette guidance. Provide examples if possible.
• Sample layouts – Sample sketches indicate the preferred format for print projects like brochures .
• Mandatory assets – Logos, brand guidelines , and image libraries are available.
• Mandatory text – Boilerplate statements are legally required.
• Open questions – Are there any unclear or TBD decisions requiring designer input?
• Internal team – Key staffers who will review/approve deliverables. Info helps manage the process.
• Decision process – Steps for providing feedback and granting approvals at milestones. It helps set clear expectations.
• Payment process – When and how will the designer be paid upon completion?

In Summary…

…a thoughtful graphic design brief sets clear client expectations, gives designers critical context and constraints to spark creativity, aligns stakeholders, and ultimately results in better work that effectively serves your brand and business goals. Skimping on the brief jeopardises the whole undertaking, while an investment here pays dividends throughout your project and partnership.

Now, let’s explore how to craft an effective design brief for standard projects:

How to Write a Logo Design Brief

A company logo is the cornerstone of your brand identity, symbolising your business at a glance. Your logo appears ubiquitously across websites, business cards, signage , packaging, uniforms, advertisements, swag, and more.

Given a logo’s tremendous visibility and influence, providing detailed direction to your designer through a thoughtful creative brief is essential. Follow these best practices when writing your logo design brief:

Set Clear Objectives

Articulate what precisely you want your new logo to accomplish. Common goals include:

• Establish our brand identity
• Communicate our core values
• Convey a particular personality trait like “innovative” or “approachable.”
• Visually differentiate from competitors
• Expand into new markets
• Commemorate a milestone
• Aid recognition and recall

The more details you provide about strategic intent, the better designers can tailor shapes, symbols, typography, colour palettes and other elements to meet your needs.

Describe Your Brand Identity

Help designers deeply understand your brand identity so the logo seems an obvious fit:

• Products/services – What does your business offer? Share capabilities, processes and expertise.
• Brand attributes – What qualities or personality traits represent your brand? Detail adjectives.
• Position – How do you differentiate vs. competitors? What makes you unique?
• Mission and vision – What societal needs do you meet? What future do you envision?
• Values – What core principles or beliefs guide your business?
• Voice and tone – If your brand were a person, how would it speak? Provide examples.
• History – Share interesting context about your origin story and milestones.

Profile Your Audience

The more designers grasp your target consumers, the better logos they can create to resonate:

• Audience demographics – Age, income, geography, gender, education level, occupation, family status
• Psychographics – Attitudes, values, interests, hobbies, desires, preferences
• Nearest competitors – Detail brands your audience also engages to inform design choices

Share Brand Style Preferences

Ideally, compile 3-5 logo examples you like and explain why, detailing:

• Colour palette – Which hues appeal? Should the logo use brand colours or a new palette?
• Symbolism – Does abstract imagery or representative symbols better suit you?
• Typography – What fonts or font styles synchronise well with your brand personality?
• Style adjectives – Sophisticated? Minimalist? Vintage? Masculine? Feminine? Fun? Modern? Rustic?

Also, indicate styles and visuals to avoid.

Specify Technical Needs

Clarify any functional requirements, so your logo excels across applications:

• File formats – Do you need files like .JPG, .PNG, .EPS, .SVG? At what resolutions?
• Applications – Where will the logo appear? Web, print, signage, merchandise, video, etc?
• Size/scaling – Does the logo need to scale up for building signage and down to the mobile icon?
• Future uses – Are there any expected new market or product expansions to consider?

Following this formula for your logo design brief sets up informed designers for the best chance at striking visual gold!

How to Write a Website Design Brief

You only get one chance to make a first impression online. An amateurish or outdated website handicaps conversion hurts credibility, and damages brand perception .

Invest in a professional site makeover guided by a robust creative brief capturing these details:

Start with Strategy

Articulate the business objectives a website redesign aims to serve:

• Attract new customers and leads?
• Drive more ecommerce purchases?
• Improve client retention/loyalty?
• Enhance brand awareness ?
• Communicate recent growth or capabilities.
• Spark engagement on new products or content?

Establishing strategy spotlights which elements designers should emphasise and metrics to gauge success.

Introduce Your Digital Real Estate

Orient designers on specifics of your current web presence:

• Site architecture – How is existing information structured? What works well/poorly?
• Hosting details – Where is a site hosted? CMS used? Restrictions?
• Analytics data – Share traffic volumes, popular pages, conversions, engagement levels
• SEO elements – Detail optimisation practices and search visibility
• Pain points – What problems need solving? Slow load times? Bad mobile experience? Declining subscribers? High bounce rates?

Providing this landscape overview identifies the best upgrade opportunities.

Profile Your Audience Personas

Detail target visitor segments with these descriptors to personalise design choices:

• Basic demographics – Gender, age brackets, income ranges, geography, interests
• Motivations – Why does each segment visit your site? What value do they expect?
• Common objections – What barriers or concerns stop each group from converting?
• Stage – Are groups new visitors or repeat customers? Are you informed or just exploring?
• Goals – What actions should each complete on-site? Purchase? Sign up? Request quote?

Outline 2-3 primary visitor personas at minimum. The more authentic your targets feel to designers, the better the experience gets tailored to convert them.

Set Functional Requirements

Clarify must-have technical elements, capabilities and components expected in the new website:

• Compatibility – Browser, mobile, accessibility standards needed
• Capability – Custom forms? File uploads? Videos? Animations? What complexity?
• SEO – What usage levels are needed for metadata, alt text, headings, site speed, etc.?
• CMS – Preferred platform if using one? Existing licenses or budget constraints?
• Architecture – Information hierarchy and navigation schemas
• Interactivity – Live chat? Activity feed? User accounts/logins?
• Integrations – With CRM, marketing automation , payment systems, etc

Any absolute musts or prohibitions? Clarifying the technical scope upfront prevents cost overruns or missing essential functions down the road.

Share Style Preferences

Just like crafting a brand style guide , share aesthetics and experience inspiration to jumpstart designers:

• Brand attitude – What feeling do you want site visitors to have? Welcomed? Impressed? Intrigued?
• Adjectives – Buzzwords that characterise your brand identity and desired visitor emotions
• Example sites – Provide links to 1-3 sites exemplifying visual style, layout or functionality you like
• Brand assets – Supply logos, font guidelines, graphical elements, iconography, photography and required copy
• Mockups – For a home page or essential templates to illustrate layout preferences

Pictures speak louder than words, so images and prototypes convey aesthetic vision fastest.

Outline Deliverables & Timelines

Finally, detail the required phases and final website components so all stay aligned on scope:

• Content strategy – Audit and recommendations for copy, photography, videos, graphics
• Sitemaps and wireframes – Blueprint of site architecture and page content/layouts
• Creative concepts – Homepage and secondary template visual designs
• Site build – Programming fully functioning, tested site compliant to standards stipulated
• Launch plan – Migration, testing, redirects, analytics implementation, marketing rollout

Build project milestones into your schedule to ensure satisfactory progress and stay on time and budget.

By instructing website design empowered with such detailed criteria and considerations upfront, you’ll land an engaging digital presence positioned to thrive across functions from branding to conversions.

How to Write a Brand Style Guide Brief

Your brand identity extends beyond visuals to encompass every touchpoint, conveying your company’s essence consistently and compellingly to audiences. Brand style guides centrally codify all brand identity and design system elements so any content, communications or assets faithfully represent core values and personality.

Here’s what to cover in a creative brief when hiring a branding agency or graphic designer to produce your style guide:

Establish Purpose

Define why you're investing in formally documenting brand identity now. Is it to:

• Unify disparate aesthetics – Pull together conflicting brand applications like retail storefronts, web properties, and sales collateral under one harmonised system.
• Fuel growth – Facilitate logo extensions, sub-brands and cohesive use across new global regions, products and campaigns at scale.
• Enable partners – Supply external agencies, channel sellers, integrators and other third-party visuals to work on-brand.
• Guide internal usage – Equip all employees to stay on-message with brand-compliant templates for decks, emails, signage, swag and more.

Whatever the case, spotlight your “why”, so stylistic choices directly support desired outcomes.

Clarify Audience

Whose design decisions and content creation will the style guide influence?

• Internal team members – Marketing, Sales, Product Managers, Executives, Support Agents, Graphic Designers…
• External partners – Ad/PR Agencies, Freelancers, Resellers, Developers, VARs, Distributors…

Understanding all intended users' shapes guides content for maximum adoption and impact.

Set Specifics

Detail key elements you require in your finished style guide:

• Logo – Logo files – colour/black versions, file formats (.EPS, PNG, etc.), approval to alter for contexts
• Colours – Primary/secondary palettes, codes (#FFF, RGB), appropriate usage guidance
• Typography – Font alternatives/hierarchy for headlines vs. body text vs. buttons, letter spacing , line height
• Voice and tone – Guidelines and examples bringing brand personality into content
• Photography – Composition, editing, filter, and subject matter guidance to harmonise visual media
• Illustration style – Characteristic vector, animation, or infographic style
• Iconography – Symbolic visual motifs that represent your brand
• Graphical elements – Signature shapes, background textures, decorative dividers, etc.
• Editorial – Boilerplate language about the company, products, and culture for consistent messaging
• Imagery – Photo library of people, environments, and products depicting idealised brand

Clarify any must-have or prohibited items given strategic objectives, and provide examples, if possible, for each category.

Expectations

Close your creative brief by detailing:

• Deliverable(s) – Will the style guide be a slide deck, online web pages, printable document, or other format?
• Guidelines guide – Do you expect the designer to educate internal teams on using the guide effectively via training materials, videos or documentation?
• Deployment plan – Where and how will the guide be distributed internally and externally for adoption?
• Updates – Over what period does pricing/contract cover making revisions as the brand evolves?

Getting clear on expectations up front sets the stage for smooth guide development and company alignment, benefiting your brand immediately and for years to come.

We’ve just explored design briefs, why they matter, key sections to include, and specifics to cover for everyday projects like logos, websites, and brand style guides to optimise creative outcomes.

The core takeaway? Thoughtful design briefs set clients and creative partners up for success by replacing guesswork with clarity on the audience, strategy, mandatories, technical needs and success metrics.

You should invest substantial time upfront in research, stakeholder discussions, audits of existing properties, analytics analysis, and competitive benchmarking to produce an insightful, creative brief. But consider the significant return on investment down the road by:

• Guiding designers efficiently so no effort gets wasted exploring worthless directions
• Building consensus internally around goals to prevent scattered, ineffective efforts
• Delivering creative work precisely tailored to business objectives and audience needs

In closing, resist the temptation to short-change the brief as a meaningless formality. Treat your brief as the blueprint for design excellence and a portal to deeply engage your most strategic partner in expressing your brand's full potential.

Graphic Design Brief FAQs

Do you still have questions about maximising design briefs? Review these frequently asked topics:

What exactly goes into a design brief?

At a minimum, an effective graphic design brief clearly defines the target audience, objectives, specifications, timelines, budget and success metrics. Additional context about the background, priorities, aesthetic preferences and calls to action also prove helpful.

Why does a design brief matter if we provide examples of what we like?

While visual style examples can be helpful, they don't articulate the strategic rationale behind design choices. A brief fills this critical gap by defining target audience needs, emotions to elicit, brand alignment requirements and other imperatives that drive impactful design.

Who should be involved in creating the design brief?

Ideally, bring together company stakeholders who oversee strategy, marketing, product and budget. Designers can also provide input from their unique creative lens during brief creation.

When's the best time to put together a design brief?

The earliest phase of client-designer discussions presents the ideal window to align around shared objectives within a formal design brief. However, stepping back and creating alignment through brief development is never too late.

Can we use the same design brief for different projects?

While some background context and brand strategy can be reused, each project's unique objectives, audience, aesthetics, timelines and success metrics warrant tailoring specific details within the brief. Don't rely solely on outdated templates.

Stuart Crawford

Need help building your brand.

Let’s talk about your logo, branding or web development project today! Get in touch for a free quote.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Trusted by businesses worldwide to create impactful and memorable brands.

At Inkbot Design, we understand the importance of brand identity in today's competitive marketplace. With our team of experienced designers and marketing professionals, we are dedicated to creating custom solutions that elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.

713-623-6444

Get in Touch

• Internet Marketing
• SEO Services
• PPC Services
• Social Media Marketing
• Graphic Design
• Logo Design
• Print Design
• Trade Show Displays
• Signage Design
• Branding Services

Subscribe to our feed

How to Write a Design Brief for Graphic Designers [w/ Template!]

A good design brief template is like a map. Without it, you’re going to get lost. Writing a design brief for graphic designers requires attention to detail as you attempt to communicate the scope and goals of your project.

Before jumping in with both feet, you need to have a firm understanding of what’s required on your end to craft a highly effective graphic design brief.

At the end of the article, we will provide a template you can use for your own projects in the future.

What Is a Design Brief in Graphic Design?

A design brief is an outline that focuses primarily on the business objectives, outcomes, and results of project design, rather than the actual design itself.

You, as the client, are not responsible for creating the design (leave that part to the professionals at MARION ). It’s your job to focus on your objectives and to provide guidance for the graphic designer.

What Information Is Included in a Design Brief?

Design briefs are straightforward. The information you need to provide will give your graphic designer an intimate look into your business. As a general rule of thumb, the more information you provide the better.

What does a design brief include?

• Who your audience is
• The scope of the project
• The tone of the project
• How you intend on measuring the success of the project
• The problem you’re solving
• Your competition
• Aesthetic design ideas
• Any other relevant information about your business

Your graphic design brief should give your graphic designer everything they need to hit the ground running.

Want to work with the professionals? Take your project to the next level by working with MARION for graphic design in Houston .

5 Tips for Writing a Design Brief for Graphic Designers

Now that you have a firm understanding of what a graphic design brief entails, let’s look at 5 tips for successfully writing a design brief for graphic designers.

Keep in mind that you may need to specify the channel you intend to communicate with the design. For example, our Houston web design process may end up looking very different from a design intended for print collateral.

1. Highlight your specifications

What are the specifications of your project? Do you have a brand style guide that must be followed? What size do you need the design to be? Will you require business cards? Flyers? Posters? Web banners? Car decals? Do you have any existing .PSD files from previous designs?

Do you need help creating a brand style guide? Download this free brand style guide today, and take a step toward building a more professional brand!

Provide as many specifications as you can. The more details, the better. Chances are, if you leave some important details out for the sake of being concise, you’ll end up with more time-consuming back-and-forth later.

2. Identify your target audience

Give an in-depth breakdown of your target audience. What is their income bracket? Do they own businesses? Where do they shop? How often do they purchase from your business? What’s their age range?

Try to paint a customer profile so vivid that your graphic designer can practically see the faces of your clientele.

3. Set a budget

One of your top goals should be to maximize the amount of money you intend on pouring into your project. Setting a budget lets your graphic designer know what they can and can’t do.

Having a budget in place also lets your graphic designer know if you can afford their time and creativity – top freelancers and agencies won’t consider your design brief if you don’t have an adequate budget.

Your project deserves a top tier graphic design team. Why don’t you try working with Houston marketing agencies like MARION! Our design team has been serving Texas-based businesses for nearly 40 years. We have provided countless Houston and Austin custom website designs , collateral creation, branding services, and more!

4. Create a corporate profile

Identify as many details about your business as possible. How long have you been in operation? What’s the size of your business? What’s your reputation? The best design briefs get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to in-depth details about your business.

Make sure you leave the sales pitch at the door. You’re not trying to sell your business in your design brief; you’re making sure your graphic designer understands every aspect of your business so they can sell it visually.

5. Set a deadline

As with any project, you should set a realistic deadline for work completion. Consider every step along the way and give your graphic designer plenty of leeway to finish the project without feeling rushed (that way they’ll deliver a higher quality end product).

You should avoid rush jobs if possible. However, if you need a project done ASAP, be upfront with your expectations. That way your graphic designer will know what they’re signing up for.

Creative Brief Examples for Graphic Design Projects

It’s one thing to explain the details of a creative brief. It’s quite another when you can see examples for yourself. If there was any singular theme in this article, it’s that the more details you add to your brief the better. Here are a few examples we’ve found that will give you a good idea of what an excellent creative brief entails.

Design Brief Case Study #1:

This example does a lot of things right. It gives an adequate company background, notes the objective, highlights the execution requirements and more. What this creative brief accomplishes exceptionally well is the description of the target audience. In essence, this brief is “customer-centric.”

Design Brief Case Study #2:

This particular example hits all of its pain points pretty well, but where it stands out is its unique design. This creative brief makes it clear that it doesn’t matter how the content is presented. What matters is that the information is communicated effectively.

Get Expert Graphic Design Help Today!

Knowing how to write a brief for a graphic designer requires attention to detail to ensure your project is completed to your specifications.

If you’re in need of graphic design in Austin or Houston that will breathe life into your projects reach out to MARION today to see what we can do for you.

About Tony Mastri

Tony Mastri, Digital Marketing Manager at MARION, is an experienced agency and in-house digital marketer. With a proven background in content strategy, relationship-based link building, and technical SEO, he makes data-informed decisions that drive client growth.

Let's Get Started Today

The first step we need to take is for us to understand your needs, so give us a way to reach out to you and let's get to work.

• Name * First Last
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Filter by Keywords

How to Write a Design Brief in 8 Steps with Templates and Examples

Haillie Parker

February 27, 2024

No matter how many hours we spend staring into our dog’s eyes, none of us are mind readers. 🔮 🐶

Luckily, there are ways to combat our lack of telepathy in the workplace—especially when it comes to design concepts that we imagine so vividly in our heads, but have no idea how to recreate IRL.

What’s the solution? Writing detailed and practical design briefs, of course!

Like placing an order at a restaurant, design briefs tell the designer what you want out of a request. It’s how they understand what the project is, what the task requires, and where to start.

The key to a highly effective design brief is to be both clear and concise—which is challenging when you’re dealing with complex tasks or multiple non-negotiable project requirements . But we’re here to help with tips and examples to take your design briefs to the next level. 💜

Whether your design team is looking to standardize your briefs and requests, or you’re part of a design agency commissioning a company project, this article has you covered. Read along for a fresh take on writing efficient design briefs including the essential elements, how-to breakdowns, a customizable template, and more! 

What is a Design Brief?

Design brief vs creative brief, step 1: choose your design brief project management software, step 2: the design brief project description, step 3: the design brief objective and smart goals, step 4: the design brief’s target audience, step 5: your budget and timeline, step 6: the expected project deliverables, step 7: anything else you deem important , step 8: share it with the team, design brief examples, design brief template.

A design brief is a written project management document that lays the design thinking for a design project with the outlined goals, project scope, and approach for the request. Similar to your project roadmap , the design brief is a designer’s guiding light when it comes to the where , what , when , and why of a specific request. 

A well written design brief typically passes through many hands before it lands on the designer’s to-do list. With approvals from all project managers and stakeholders , the brief should be thorough but to the point, identifying the approved timeline, end product, and budget (if applicable).

On a deeper level, briefs are also a way for the designer to connect and align with the person making the request. In this sense, try to use your project brief as a collaborative tool for eliminating the general confusion that comes with additional back-and-forth phone calls, messages, and emails.

But while it’s important to include core details and context to your requests, your design brief should still be, well, brief . You want it to be long enough to describe the project and communicate your request without overwhelming the designer with a multi-page pamphlet that runs margin-to-margin. 🥵

How do these ideas come together in a design brief? We’ll show you! 

The main difference between a design brief and a creative brief is the target audience. A design brief is directed towards designers, while a creative brief focuses on marketing teams or other individuals involved in the creative process.

A design brief includes more technical details like timelines, budget constraints, and specific requirements for the project. On the other hand, a creative brief may focus more on brand messaging, tone of voice, and target audience for the project.

Both types of briefs serve a purpose in the design process and should work together to provide a complete understanding of the project’s goals and objectives.

How to Write a Design Brief (With Examples)

In an exciting turn of events, there’s no set-in-stone format you must stick to when writing an effective design brief. 🤩

Your team will find the type of brief that serves your design project management style best in terms of length, detail, and work style. Small requests or smaller-scale projects may not require as hefty of a brief, but there are still key elements that all briefs share. 

Relying on a template, a survey-style request, or a standardized document structure are all great ways to collect the necessary information to build a design brief. The key is to keep it consistent! Here is our step-by-step guide for writing effective design briefs with real-life examples. ✏️

Follow these eight steps from top to bottom—or skip to the next section for a free customizable template to make the design process even easier! 🤓

Design projects are collaborative by nature and your ideal design project management software will have the features to support that! Powerful design tools will alleviate some of the stress and streamline daily processes involved in your design workflow with the ability to organize, edit, share, and manage projects of any size. 

And since design briefs are commonly formatted in a document, your chosen project management tool will likely include a built-in document editor or integrations to bring all of the right information together across apps. 

Think of your design brief as a reliable source of truth—a document that you can refer back to at any time for the most accurate information and progress updates. The best example of this? ClickUp Docs . 📃

ClickUp Docs are your destination for all things text-based in your Workspace. In true ClickUp fashion, Docs offer a ton of features like AI, nested pages, Slash Commands , styling options, embedding, and advanced settings to customize the look and functionality of your Doc.

ClickUp AI is a powerhouse tool for design briefs. You can use AI to generate ideas quickly, allowing you to brainstorm and refine concepts with little effort. With a few simple clicks, ClickUp AI can generate hundreds of ideas in no time at all. From there, you can filter out irrelevant content, find the best fit for your design brief, or narrow down the selection to create a cohesive brief.

You’ll also love how far your can take your design briefs with real-time editing, @mentions in comments , and secure sharing and permissions via a simple link. Plus, Docs can be connected to your workflows so any updates that happen in your document are automatically reflected in related tasks and other areas of your workspace. 

Context is everything and this section of your design brief should give exactly that! 

Give a brief but descriptive project overview section of what your project is and what it will be used for. This doesn’t have to dig too deep, but a sentence or two that clearly states your request and what you’ll be using it for is a great starting point for the designer.

This section may also include a bit about the company or client commissioning the design. What the company does, its primary services, values, and brand identity are common details to find in this section. 

Our social media marketing agency is redesigning our website to feature a new home page, blog section, and portfolio. We are a small team of eight members who work with 50 businesses in our area, and all of our work is currently clustered together on our outdated webpage. We have matured as a brand since we created our initial website and grown as a company, and we want our new website to reflect that. 

Describe the problem this project will address and the big-picture idea that you’re hoping to achieve with it. Be direct with the purpose you want the project to serve and use this section to align the design team with the client’s overall vision and objective through SMART goals . 

P.S., SMART stands for Specific , Measurable , Attainable , Relevant , and Time-bound . 

Want to learn more about SMART goals and why they’re so important? Check out our goals resources to write and implement goals across departments! 

We want our redesigned website to reflect our brand identity better, drive more traffic to our services, and increase email newsletter sign-ups by 25% by the end of our next fiscal quarter. 

The next section of your brief covers the who of it all. Not so much related to who you are as a company requesting a design, but who the project is targeted to.

This is where the client commissioning the project will describe their ideal customer, audience, user personas , and use cases . This design is like your first impression—a way to show customers that you have a solution to a specific problem they are facing and that your project meets their needs.

It is crucial for the designer to understand their client’s target audience through this request to meaningfully connect with those customers’ needs. 

Our target market audiences are female entrepreneurs in the San Diego area in the 25-34 and 35-44 age ranges. These clients want to grow their business by investing in paid ads on social media platforms and want resources to improve and increase their online presence. 

Now we’re starting to move into the details and logistics sections of your design brief. ⏰💸

Make sure the timeline provided is realistic and feasible for what the brief is asking. If there are any budgetary or resource constraints, this is the time to lay them down. 

Designers need to know when the project is due for its first round of edits, when they can expect feedback from the client, and any key milestones , task dependencies , or deadlines tied to the request. This will help establish clear communication between the designer and the client so all of their expectations are met, and avoid potential bottlenecks while the project is in progress.

Pro tip: Also note if there is any flexibility with the expected budget and timeline.

Our ideal timeline from start to finish is six months. We are announcing our new website at an event in March but want to quietly launch the website a month prior. This extra month will give us some wiggle room if there are any setbacks. We would like to approve the mockups and wireframes, and go through two rounds of edits before we launch.

This section is all about the file details and formatting in which you want to receive the project. If necessary or applicable, specify the size, file type, naming process, and project deliverables you’re expecting. AKA, what is your preferred type of video, image, or software to work with and how should they share it with you?

We will approve initial ideas and designs from our digital whiteboard software and review all wireframes in Figma.

To make sure that all of the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, add any other relevant information to the end. This may include key contacts to reach out to if the designer has any urgent questions, approval design process details, key dates, client mockups, and more!

This is a great time to specify anything that you do not want to see from this project and inspo images to give the designer a clear idea of what to work off of. 

Check our virtual whiteboard for recent work we’ve done with our clients, rough sketches of what we’re imagining for our new website, some research, media, and more!

Our suggestion? ClickUp Whiteboards ! 🎨

ClickUp Whiteboards are highly visual, collaborative, and productive! What’s more, they’re also the only whiteboard software on the market that can convert any object on your board into a customizable task and connect it to your workflows. 

With tools for drawing, uploading media, embedding, styling, and real-time editing, ClickUp Whiteboards are built to capture your ideas the moment they happen so you can act on them instantly. Seriously, Whiteboards are every designer’s dream. ✨ 

Plus, your Whiteboard stays updated at all times, wiping out the need for multiple tabs, constant refreshing, and confusion caused by lengthy text-based descriptions. 

RE: Step 1—design briefs are collaborative! 

You need the ability to quickly share, edit, and update your design briefs via custom permissions and convenient sharing options like a simple link. This will get the entire team quickly get on the same page (literally) and stay on target. 🎯

Design Brief Example 1: Rebranding a Local Coffee Shop

Background:.

A local coffee shop, seeks to rebrand itself to attract a broader customer base while maintaining its loyal clientele. The café wants to emphasize its commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and high-quality, locally-sourced products.

Objective and SMART Goals:

Our goal is to refresh the cafés brand identity to reflect its values of sustainability and community involvement. We aim to increase foot traffic by 30% and boost our social media engagement by 50% within six months after the rebrand launch.

Target Audience:

Our primary audience includes eco-conscious individuals aged 20-35 living in the urban area near the café. These customers value sustainability, community, and quality in their coffee and café experience.

Budget and Timeline:

We have allocated $10,000 for the rebranding project, hoping to complete it over the next four months. The timeline includes initial concept development, design iterations, and final implementation across all platforms.

Expected Deliverables:

• A new logo reflecting the café’s commitment to sustainability and community
• Updated packaging designs for our to-go products, focusing on eco-friendly materials
• Revamped menu design highlighting our locally-sourced ingredients
• Digital graphics for social media campaigns promoting the rebrand

Key Contacts and Constraints:

Please refer to our Virtual Whiteboard for inspiration, brand assets, and contact details for the project manager. We do not want the rebrand to stray too far from our original color scheme to ensure brand recognition among our current clientele.

Design Brief Example 2: Mobile App Design for Task Management

A startup focusing on productivity tools, seeks an innovative and user-friendly mobile app design. The app aims to help professionals manage their tasks and projects efficiently, with unique features enabling collaboration and prioritization.

The objective is to design a mobile app that stands out in the crowded productivity market by focusing on ease of use, collaboration, and customization. We aim to acquire 10,000 active users within the first three months post-launch.

Our target users are professionals aged 25-45 who juggle multiple tasks and projects. They are looking for a comprehensive but straightforward solution to improve their daily productivity and work collaboration.

Our budget for the app design project is $15,000, with a timeline of five months from concept to final design handoff. This includes user interface and experience design phases, with feedback cycles after each major milestone.

• Complete UI/UX designs for the mobile app, including all screens and interactive elements
• A style guide specifying typography, color schemes, and UI components
• Prototype demonstrating key functionalities and user flow
• Assets package ready for development

For more details on the app’s features and functionalities, visit our Digital Whiteboard section. We are open to innovative ideas but must ensure the app remains intuitive for new users.

Like in a bad game of telephone, inconsistent design project briefs gloss over key ideas and eventually lose the main point of the project entirely. But customizable templates are a surefire way to guarantee every detail is clearly stated.

Think of pre-built templates as a springboard for standardizing the way you write your design briefs. They’re created to simplify and streamline the design brief process so everyone involved can focus on what matters most—the project itself. 

The Design Brief Template by ClickUp is your one-stop solution for writing thorough and valuable creative briefs . This template applies a designated List to your Workspace with separate views for managing tasks, timelines, and your overall direction. 

In your design brief List view , you’ll find pre-made customizable tasks for everything from client sessions to gathering assets , and seven custom statuses for total transparency. But the coolest feature of this template is definitely the creative brief Whiteboard with colored sections, sticky notes, and diagrams to solidify your project vision, brand, resources, notes, and more. 

This template also comes with a thorough how-to ClickUp Doc to walk you through every feature to ensure you’re using it to the fullest extent. 

Pro tip : The Help Doc in the Design Brief Template shows off a ton of styling and formatting features to use as inspiration when writing your design brief Docs in ClickUp. Set banners at the top of your Doc and throughout the page for a clear outline of information, embed videos, add a table of contents, and more. Or, layer another one of ClickUp’s pre-built templates on top of your Doc to keep the process moving along.

Manage Your Upcoming Design Project With ClickUp

There you have it! Not only are you set up for success with the eight essential steps for writing design briefs, but you’ve got a flexible, free , and customizable template to lighten the load. 

The take-home idea though is not just how to write a functional brief, but how to make the most of it. And that’s where ClickUp can help you take your processes to new heights. ✅

ClickUp is the ultimate productivity platform for teams to bring all of their work together into one collaborative space, no matter your use case or work style. Its feature list is loaded with hundreds of time-saving tools to make work management easier and more convenient than ever—with 15 ways to visualize your projects, over 1,000 integrations , in-app chat, and more! 

Access everything you need to write effective design briefs including ClickUp Docs, Whiteboards, 100MB of storage, unlimited tasks, and more at absolutely no cost when you sign up for ClickUp’s Free Forever Plan . 

And when you’re ready to boost your productivity even further, unlock even more advanced features for as little as $7 .

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

Receive the latest WriteClick Newsletter updates.

Thanks for subscribing to our blog!

Please enter a valid email

• Free training & 24-hour support
• Serious about security & privacy
• 99.99% uptime the last 12 months

Example Logo Design Project Brief

Are you looking to hire a logo designer? Visit our freelance marketplace to post up a job and top quality logo designers will contact you with their rates.

For more Business Tools, check out the Business Toolkit…

What is a Design Brief?

What is a logo  design brief ? How do I construct a design brief template so the person I hire can make me a quality logo?

Here’s a design brief definition:

An effective design brief will contain an overview of your entire project, which includes:

• Logo style wanted – include a sample logo or two if you can!
• Key dates & deadlines
• Audience for project
• Deliverable outcomes
• Project goals

The key to getting the logo design you want is to make sure your client brief template is fantastic,  including everything your creative freelancer will possibly need. The truth is, it can be hard to know what to include in these design briefs when you’re planning your project. If you have no idea how graphic design brief templates work, how are your creative freelancers supposed to know what’s needed of them?

How do I get Logo Design ideas?

To gain some real logo design inspiration, check out our archive of freelance logo designer portfolios , or follow us on Instagram   – where we share the latest and greatest in illustration projects!

Example Logo Project Brief:

Luckily, we’ve provided a graphic design brief example , so you’ll know  how to write a design brief and bag yourself one strong logo!

This brief will provide your freelancer with everything they need to know about both your project and your business. If you’re struggling to get off the starting block, feel free to use it as a template for your own brief:

Name: Twenty Seventeen company logo project

About our company: We are Neville and Ben, two independent filmmakers. Recently we set up our film production company, Twenty Seventeen. We make corporate videos for SMEs. The company is brand new, and we currently have a roster of 5 clients.

What do we need?: We need a logo for our company.

Why do we need it?: We’re looking to quickly grow our video business and need a company logo to get us going. We’ll use it to raise brand awareness and take us forward into the industry.

Our vision for the project: We don’t have any existing brand assets, so the logo needs to be created completely from scratch. It needs to represent our core brand values and be suitable for the industry we reside in. The logo needs to be attractive to our target audience. We’d like something slick, modern, robust and trendy but with a touch of corporate restraint. Since our company name is a number, we’d like to try out interesting ways of incorporating numerals into a logo.

Here are some examples of styles we like: https://dribbble.com/shots/256575-Sixbase-logo-proposal https://dribbble.com/shots/2761992-Turner-Broadcasting-TNT-Logo-Concepts https://dribbble.com/shots/2090950-clean-minimal-style-logo-design-monogram-workhouse-alentho

Where will the logo be used?: Firstly we’ll use it on our social media profiles (we don’t have a website yet), but eventually, it’ll be used on everything from websites to t-shirts to car livery.

What file types are required?: We’ll need to use the logo in both digital and print formats so please provide files that cover this, plus the original source files, should we need the logo edited in the future.

Target audience: Our primary customers are SMEs.

Deadline: We need this logo as soon as possible so we can get started with our business properly. Therefore we’ve set a deadline for two weeks’ time – 14th August.

Budget: $500

Point of contact: You’ll be dealing with both Neville and Ben.

Now, let’s break the brief down section-by-section so you know exactly how it works: 

Your freelancer is probably working on lots of different freelance projects, so give yours a name to distinguish it. It’ll help you keep organised too.

About our company: We are Neville and Ben, two independent filmmakers. Recently we set up our film production company, Twenty Seventeen. We make corporate videos for SMEs. The company is brand new, and we currently have a rosta of 5 clients.

Why does the freelancer need to know about you and your company? Giving them the whole picture helps the freelancer create the most appropriate design for you. A family-run business may want a very different logo style to a huge corporation. Tell your freelancer what you do and how you do it.

Be specific about what you want. Is it just a logo you need, or will you need extra branding such as a colour scheme or business card? Let your freelancer know upfront and this will help them work out how long your project will take to complete.

This might seem completely obvious to you, but sometimes spelling out the motivation for your project can be really helpful. It gives the freelancer extra insight into why you need a new logo; do you want to reach new customers, are you changing your business, is your current logo unsuitable? All this extra information will help your freelancer do a great job.

If you already have an idea of how you want your logo to look, write it down in your project brief. This will help the freelancer hit the ground running and could shorten the delivery time. You and your freelancer can develop the logo concept together. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want yet – mention this to your freelancer and you can talk through ideas together.

Sometimes it’s hard to describe a style you like, so show your freelancer the type of thing you like. Include images, links to other logos you’ve seen, colour pallets, fonts – anything that will help your freelancer get a good idea of what you want your finished logo to look like.

Where will the logo be used? Firstly we’ll use it on our social media profiles (we don’t have a website yet), but eventually it’ll be used on everything from websites to t-shirts to car delivery.

Where you want to use your logo can affect the kind of design the freelancer creates. Try your best to future-proof your design. Even if you only need to use your logo on a website at the moment, who knows where you’ll need to use your logo in a year’s time. Your freelancer should design your logo in a way that it can be used in any media or medium you require. The last thing you want is to rehire the freelancer in the future to adjust your logo for use on a t-shirt.

What file types are required? We’ll need to use the logo in both digital and print formats so please provide files that cover this, plus the original source files, should we need the logo edited in the future.

Granted, this may not be information that you know. But, depending on where you need to use your logo, you’ll need different file types. If you’re not sure about this, it’s something to ask your freelancer.

Your target audience is a vital piece of information that your freelancer should know. It’ll help them design a logo that specifically targets that section of the market and helps you draw in custom.

When do you need your project to be completed? Don’t forget this crucial detail.

How much will you pay for the project? If you have a budget in mind, include it in your project brief. If you have no idea, you can discuss costs with your freelancer.

Who will your freelancer be dealing with? Make it easier for remote workers to communicate with you by making it clear who their point of contact is during the project. There will be extra questions and work that needs to be signed off, so make sure your freelancer gets straight through to the right person.

When you post a project brief on Twine , you can add a fully comprehensive project description. This will help you find the right creative freelancer and ultimately get the project you want.

We  vet all of our logo designers  and match them to clients using over 10 different criteria. This allows both parties to gain maximum results at the most effective price. We’re here to help along every step of the way and will do everything we can to make sure you have an awesome experience. 

So, there you have it! A top-quality graphic design brief template for your logo design project. If you’d like any extra help, here are a few other articles we’ve written on the topic:

• Find out what makes a good project brief
• How to write the perfect project brief
• 11 tips on writing the perfect brief

To find a logo designer for your project, click here

After studying English Literature at university, Vicky decided she didn’t want to be either a teacher or whoever it is that writes those interminable mash-up novels about Jane Austen and pirates, so sensibly moved into graphic design.

She worked freelance for some time on various projects before starting at Twine and giving the site its unique, colourful look.

Despite having studied in Manchester and spent some years in Cheshire, she’s originally from Cumbria and stubbornly refuses to pick up a Mancunian accent. A keen hiker, Vicky also shows her geographic preferences by preferring the Cumbrian landscape to anything more local.

You may also like

Motion Graphic Designer Job Description Template

As businesses increasingly rely on captivating visuals and animations to engage their audiences, the demand for skilled motion graphics designers continues to rise. If you're looking to hire a talented motion graphics designer, crafting an accurate...

How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost?

Explainer videos have become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes to effectively communicate their products, services, or ideas to their target audience. These concise and engaging videos are designed to quickly capture the viewer's...

How Much Does 3D Animation Cost?

The captivating world of 3D animation brings ideas to life with stunning visuals and fluid motion. But before you dive into this creative realm, a crucial question arises: how much does it cost? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as 3D animation...

Speak To Our Freelancers

Our freelancer and expert consultants offer over 250 different services in software development , graphics and design , marketing , video and animation , music and audio , and more:

• Digital Marketers
• Graphic Designers
• Illustrators
• Motion Graphic Designers
• Music Composers
• SEO Experts
• Social Media Freelancers
• UI Designers
• UX Designers
• Video Editors
• Videographers
• Voiceover Artists
• Web Designers
• Web Developers

Or browse 250+ freelance roles .

Recent Posts

Efficient Model Training With Image Annotation Outsourcing Services

3D Animator Job Description Template

Hire expert freelancers.

• Hire a Freelancer

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

• Graduate Stories
• Partner Spotlights
• Bootcamp Prep
• Bootcamp Admissions
• University Bootcamps
• Coding Tools
• Software Engineering
• Web Development
• Data Science
• Tech Guides
• Tech Resources
• Career Advice
• Online Learning
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Tech Salaries
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• University Admissions
• Best Schools
• Certifications
• Bootcamp Financing
• Higher Ed Financing
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Best Coding Bootcamps
• Best Online Bootcamps
• Best Web Design Bootcamps
• Best Data Science Bootcamps
• Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
• Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
• Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
• Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Browse All Locations
• Digital Marketing
• Machine Learning
• See All Subjects
• Bootcamps 101
• Full-Stack Development
• Career Changes
• View all Career Discussions
• Mobile App Development
• Cybersecurity
• Product Management
• UX/UI Design
• What is a Coding Bootcamp?
• Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
• How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
• Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
• Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
• Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
• What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
• How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
• Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
• Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
• Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
• Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
• GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
• Tech Intevriews
• Our Enterprise Solution
• Connect With Us
• Publication
• Reskill America
• Partner With Us

• Resource Center
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

Top Graphic Design Projects to Sharpen Your Skills and Build Your Graphic Design Portfolio

The graphic design industry continues to harness the creativity and innovative ideas of graphic designers . As a result, it is crucial to be equipped with the right skills to place you in high demand. Embarking on graphic design projects is an excellent way to develop top-tier skills and build a robust graphic design portfolio.

We’ve compiled various graphic design projects for designers with different experience levels that can help sharpen relevant skills. In addition, we’ve included some of the skills, techniques, and tips to revamp your portfolio and land high-paying jobs. No matter what kind of graphic design job or design team you want to work for, there are plenty of projects available to instill you with essential graphic design principles.

Find your bootcamp match

5 skills that graphic design projects can help you practice.

If you look around you, you will see the obvious signs of a graphic designer on virtually everything. From books to packaging wraps to software interfaces, it is evident that they subtly play an essential role in our lives. The design principles and the skills utilized define their identity and are integral to our appreciation of the world of graphic design. 

• Creativity: A creative mind is central to the development of great designs. While creativity can be subjective, it is the foundation of every design concept, no matter how haphazard that concept is in the beginning. 
• Communication: This describes the wholesome ability to listen to a client’s needs, process feedback, and effectively communicate creative ideas. It also refers to the ability to convey a message with visual materials. 
• Typography: In context, this refers to the ability to represent written text in the form of art. Every designer must know how to tell a story using various text elements like font size, style, color scheme, and layout. 
• Software Skills: Learning Adobe Illustrator , InDesign, and Photoshop is essential. These tools are a basic requirement for many job postings.
• Coding: While many think coding doesn’t have a place in the design industry, having basic experience with HTML can be very useful for designers. Knowing how a website works can help you contribute to the idea generation process and give you an edge in the marketplace.  

Best Graphic Design Project Ideas for Beginners

As a beginner, the first projects you complete should develop your creativity, typography, communication, and software skills. You want to make sure to build foundational graphic design skills and techniques before taking on big jobs from clients.

Photo Editing

• Skills Practiced: Software Skills, Creativity

This project exposes you to basic tools like Adobe Photoshop. Being able to manipulate an image will teach you everything from image cleanups to color schemes to enhancements. Also, you get to infuse some creativity with little projects like photo collages and storytelling.

• Skills Practiced: Creativity, Software Skills, Typography, and Communication

Logos are a representation of what a brand or organization stands for. They speak volumes about what companies do and subtly express their values. Professionals often follow the Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) approach while designing logos, focusing on minimalism and the business’ core values. This fundamental principle is suggestive of the power of simplicity in graphic design.  

Business Cards

• Skills Practiced: Creativity, Software Skills, Typography, Communication

This design challenge will allow you to practice the skills mentioned above. Every business relies on business cards as a means of introduction. They are also an expression of the company’s branding. Therefore, it is vital to capture the company’s essence through excellent typography and some ingenuity.

YouTube Thumbnails

• Skills Practiced: Creativity, Software Skills, Communication

YouTube thumbnails aim is to encourage viewers to click on a video by telling a great story in just one small image. You must have an exciting thumbnail to enhance your content marketing campaign, which requires creativity and communication skills. Given how lucrative YouTube is today, being able to create the perfect thumbnail is an incredibly valuable skill.

Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Graphics

Social media is an integral part of our lives. While we browse through our feeds, we come across various posts that communicate different messages to us, but not all do so effectively. A good graphic is aesthetically pleasing and successfully conveys our messages and values. To create such designs, you can rely on existing templates that meet recommended standards.  

Best Intermediate Graphic Design Project Ideas

At this level, the projects are a lot more technical. They will sharpen your graphic design skills further but require a bigger time commitment. The following is a list of projects you can take on to practice your creativity as well as your software and typography skills.

Invitation Cards

• Skills Practiced: Creativity, Software Skills, Typography

This project requires a lot of creativity. After all, an invitation card is a representation of the host’s class and taste. Creating an outstanding invitation design will test your typography and software skills. The challenge you are up to is to effectively, and aesthetically, communicate the details of the event.

Posters and Fliers  

Digital posters and flyers have to be visually appealing while satisfactorily communicating a message to the public. Creating posters and fliers for public relations and marketing campaigns will expose you to scaling and proper design layouts in digital platforms.

Infographics 

Infographics employ pictures, data visualizations, typography, and statistical graphics to tell a straightforward story or present information. Working on an infographic will give you experience with important tools like Canva and Venngage and allow you to exercise your creativity as you think of ways to represent information in a way that is visually attractive, impactful, and effective.

Book Covers

The cover of a book plays a key role in sales. While it is advised not to judge a book by its cover, the truth is that a book with a sloppy design won’t sell very well. It is always best to aim for a cover design that is stylish and captures the essence of the book.

Magazines and Brochures

Designing the look and feel of a magazine or brochure is a complex project. It involves a range of elements, including advertising, visual representation, photography, art, and graphic design. Working on a magazine design will expose you to the design principles and standards used in print media. 

Advanced Graphic Design Project Ideas

At this level, graphic designers begin to carve a niche and specialize in a particular area. The skills required and practiced here cut across all the technical skills mentioned earlier. In addition, many advanced designers begin to venture into the world of coding, which tends to boost their designer credentials. 

Graphic designers are central to good branding. They define the visual identity of a company, shaping the public perception of it with elements like logos, color schemes, fonts, and slogans. Working on a company’s brand identity is a fun project that will allow you to use your technical skills to change how an organization is perceived by the media.

Mockup Designs

Mockups give you a taste of a concept or design before it is created, helping clients visualize what the final product will look like. Creating mockups involves a fair dose of creativity as well as dexterity with software like Balsamiq, Adobe XD, or InVision.

User Interface (UI) Design

• Skills Practiced: Creativity, Software Skills, Typography, Communication, Coding

The complex field of UI design will test all the technical skills discussed thus far. You will even have to dabble in coding as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills are required to work on the customer-facing side of an application of a website. You will get a lot of fulfillment out of this project: creating an application or website interface is critical to the consumer experience with a digital product.

Product Design

Product design can be considered an extension of branding. However, rather than focusing on the logo or values of a company, the emphasis is on a particular product, its looks, sustainability, and packaging design. To go about this project, choose an existing product that’s interesting from a design standpoint. Reverse engineer this product and then redesign it following every step of the design process.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is animation in which text plays a major role. They are common in ads and movie titles. To work on motion graphics, advanced designers combine their basic graphic design skills with animation and filmmaking techniques. 

Creating good-looking motion graphics requires exceptional creativity, innovation, and storytelling. Typography, communication, and software skills are also vital to developing interesting motion graphics.

Graphic Design Starter Project Templates 

A graphic template is an excellent tool for beginners and even advanced designers that can save a lot of time. Templates allow you to edit predefined graphics and adjust them to your taste. Working with templates could also help to cure a creative block. The following are recommended templates for basic starter projects.  

• Logos : These templates provided by Canva offer complete flexibility with the editing of layers, color schemes, typography, and shape to design the logo that best connects with your brand.
• Social Media Images : Social media posts have to be attractive and engaging. If you cannot come up with posters and fliers that perfectly convey your message, freepik templates can be a helpful tool. 
• Mockups : If you are having difficulty designing a mockup that accurately reflects the design concepts involved, these templates by Template.net should come in handy.
• Business Cards : Designing a business card that represents your brand and business becomes a lot easier when you can simply customize a template. Check out these business card templates by PsPrint. 
• Brochures : A brochure can be tricky to design considering the number of elements and skills involved. However, with these brochure templates by Envato Elements, you’ll have no trouble creating elegant brochures. 

Next Steps: Start Organizing Your Graphic Design Portfolio

The beauty of constantly embarking on design projects is that you’ll sharpen your skill while growing your portfolio. After a few months, you should have a solid portfolio that reflects your skills and experience and that attracts potential clients. Below, we give you a few tips on how to organize your graphic design portfolio. 

Keep It Simple

Simplicity is key when it comes to portfolios. Always go for a cleaner and straightforward portfolio look, remove distracting elements and unnecessary components. This ensures that your projects are accessible and that potential employers or clients can appreciate your creative designs. 

Keep It Updated

Never stop working on your portfolio, no matter how comfortable you get in your current position. Employers and clients won’t pay attention to your portfolio if all its projects are old. You need to be constantly working on new and exciting projects and adding them to your portfolio so that it is relevant and reflects your current skills.

Keep Your Target Audience in Mind

Strive to build your portfolio with items that resonate with your target audience and leave out anything that they wouldn’t find interesting. For example, if you are applying for jobs at a web development agency, your portfolio should be composed mostly of website designs.  

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Include a Brief Profile

Your portfolio should contain a brief personal description in which you introduce yourself and describe your skills and aptitudes. Include information about your level of education, work experience, and notable previous collaborations.

Never lie about your skills or previous experience or exaggerate the facts. If you get a project after having lied about your capabilities, you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when you are asked to do something that you are simply not ready to handle. 

Graphic Design Projects FAQ

First, read through the brief of the project to understand the task. Conduct adequate research, come up with a creative idea, and sketch the concepts. Finally, develop your concepts thoroughly before presenting them to your client.

The number of projects you should include in your portfolio depends on several factors, including your level of experience and niche. However, we wouldn’t recommend including more than six projects.

Focus on projects that allow you to exercise your creativity and communication. You also want projects that involve typography, coding, and different software programs. Finally, consider projects that can be completed quickly or that require you to come up with inventive solutions.

No, you can work with colleagues. In fact, it is advisable to collaborate with other designers on projects because it allows you to learn from other creatives while sharing your ideas. 

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

8 graphic design portfolio examples and how to build your own

• Jenna Romano

Get started by: Creating a portfolio →  | Getting a domain →

A graphic design portfolio is a crucial asset at any career stage—whether you’re a seasoned graphic designer or just starting out. While you’ve likely saved your work on your computer and social media pages, showcasing your experience and talent online with a portfolio website can help potential clients easily find you for their next project.

This article will give you 8 examples of stellar graphic design portfolios and guide you through how to make your own.

What is a graphic design portfolio?

A graphic design portfolio is a curated collection of your works throughout the years. It provides potential clients with a well-rounded vision of your work, style, and other important background information that can help influence hiring decisions.

The bulk of your portfolio will include images and descriptions of your past experience—but an online graphic design portfolio means you can engage visitors in new ways. Continue reading to make a graphic design portfolio website that will stand out online.

8 inspiring graphic design portfolio examples

Kath Anderson

Seasons of Victory

Sonja Van Dulman

Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi

Ryan Haskin

Brad Albright

Fernando Dominguez

01. Kath Anderson

In the graphic design portfolio example below, Kath Anderson adds “design” to her domain name ( www.kathandersondesign.com ) . This detail adds a personalized touch to the browsing experience and keeps the website on-brand.

02. Seasons of Victory

Linda Baritski, aka Seasons of Victory , gives us a great graphic design portfolio example. Highlighting her most recent designs across a diverse group of projects, Baritski keeps her portfolio relevant while showing off her range of skills.

03. Sonja Van Dulman

Organize your examples into categories so visitors can easily find what they’re looking for. Look at the graphic design portfolio example of Sonja Van Dulmen  studio, for example: They’ve divided their work into four categories (“Art Direction & Branding,” “Digital Art,” “Website Development” and “Set Design”), making it easy for visitors to find work that matches their interests.

04. Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi

In this graphic design portfolio example by Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi  (aka Lirona) below, each gallery image includes titles that, once clicked on, open to a unique page with an in-depth project description. She uses this to note projects that received press recognition and award-winning designs, making sure clients can recognize her work at its best.

05. Ryan Haskin

Ryan Haskin ’s graphic design portfolio example (shown below) really lets his personality shine through. Haskin’s custom layout includes scrolling effects, bright vector art and animated visuals throughout the design to keep visitors engaged. On top of his “more-is-more” style, Haskin’s categorizes his portfolio galleries for a seamless user experience.

06. Brad Albright

In the portfolio example below, Brad Albright ’s organized website menu creates excellent user experience—it includes links to important pages and has a unique logo that directs back to his homepage in one click.

07. Wendy Ju

When adapting your design for mobile usage, consider condensing your menu design into a hamburger menu. Or, you might use this menu style from the get-go on your desktop version, like in Wendy Ju 's graphic design portfolio example. To save more screen real estate for her images, t​he designer places an easily-findable hamburger menu at the upper right hand corner of her site.

08. Fernando Dominguez

While Fernando Dominguez' s graphic design portfolio example is extensive, the designer's contact section is short and sweet—including an email address and links to his social media accounts in the website footer.

How to make a graphic design portfolio

Ready to get your work online and figure out how to make a website ? Follow these10 steps to make your own graphic design portfolio. The most efficient way to learn is often by example—especially when you’re visually inclined—so on top of outlining this process step-by-step, we’ll also draw inspiration from the best portfolio websites examples and grab tips from designers with a strong online presence.

Choose a website platform

Pick a template or layout

Find a domain name

Showcase your best graphic design works

Upload images to a gallery

Describe your work

Customize your design

Use the best navigation practices

Include bio and contact details

Publish and share

01. Choose a website platform

The first step in knowing how to make a portfolio is finding the right website building platform. From low-code, no-code platforms to entirely DIY-friendly software, choose a website builder that suits your knowledge, skills and resources. Plenty of platforms combine the best drag-and-drop technology with advanced design features, optimization tools and business and eCommerce solutions for streamlined solutions that’ll please even the most discerning pros.

Tip: For users who want to build a custom website type in record time, try creating an AI-generated website with Wix. Born from the latest tech and Wix ADI , our AI website builder allows you to create a bespoke website, simply by chatting with AI. Still need an extra hand? Hire a professional designer through the Wix Marketplace to quickly get your graphic design portfolio up and running.

"Portfolios are ideal for professionals, individuals or businesses who want to showcase their work in a visually engaging manner to attract clients or enhance online presence."

Hani Safe, Product Manager at Wix

2. Pick a template or layout

Your website’s layout will lay the groundwork for your graphic design portfolio. Professional website templates can help you speed-up the process, since the layout is already provided. You’ll generally start with an easy-to-use and customizable template that includes the pages and design elements you need.

Many platforms offer portfolio templates designed for the needs of self-creators and freelancers. Choose one that speaks to your personal and professional style, and upload your own content from there. A template is not set in stone, so you can delete design elements you don’t like—such as imagery, color or fonts—before you hit publish.

If you design a website from scratch, create the framework by deciding on your layout type. Symmetrical layouts are a popular choice for portfolio website designs . If there was a vertical line running down your webpage, a symmetrical layout would imply that the visual weight is equal on both sides of that line.

But an asymmetrical layout can help create a sense of hierarchy, movement—or simply foster a unique composition that stands out from the rest—as seen in Juliette Van Rhyn ’s graphic design portfolio example below. Van Rhyn says of her portfolio: “I wanted to develop a look and feel for my website that reflected the characteristics of my work; I opted for a playful, offbeat layout, using colors found in some of my posters. My aim was to make my website feel like one of my designs in its own right, to create a cohesive identity that gives a strong sense of what I offer as a designer.”

Although the arrangement of content may be different on each side with an asymmetrical layout, balance is achieved as long as the visual weight of elements is equal.

For more inspiration check out these UX portfolio examples .

3. Find a domain name

Finding a domain name is one prudent step toward launching your professional graphic design portfolio. A domain name is the address people type into a browser to reach a specific site, which will give your site some sharp branding, and make it easy for clients to recognize.

When choosing your domain name, keep it short and to-the-point. Designers and other creative professionals commonly use their first and last name for their domain.

Tip: If you want to give audiences a preview of your site to build the hype, consider making your domain live while it’s still in production and adding a website under construction page.

4. Showcase your best graphic design works

As a graphic designer, you probably have a diverse collection of works to show future clients, from book cover ideas to wedding invitations. But one of the best design portfolio tips is to choose quality over quantity. When curating your graphic design portfolio, use your keen eye to hand-pick a selection of your best works that concisely represent your style.

5. Upload images to a gallery

Getting your work online requires uploading images to your graphic design portfolio and setting up a gallery . First, make sure you have high quality images of the works you want to show. While custom photography can be expensive, today's mobile devices can fulfill many of your website's photography needs–just make sure the photos look professional and the files are high-resolution.

6. Describe your work

Portfolio websites contextualize the visuals for visitors. Add concise descriptions about each work included in your own graphic design portfolio, including at least the medium you worked in, the date and the client (if relevant). To further contextualize your project, especially personal ones, you can even add your inspirations for the project. Be sure to also include alt text for individual images, which is not only a key practice in web accessibility, but also optimizes your site for organic search. This text should concisely describe the content on your site to help visitors using screen readers.

7. Customize your design

According to the latest web design statistics, design has a 75% influence over a website’s credibility, according to WebFX. So use your designer's eye to give your online portfolio the most professional look and feel. Most importantly—give it personality to help it stand out. This means having a cohesive design, strong branded elements and, of course, providing visitors with a great user experience.

If you use a template, you could have everything you need for your site to function—but you’ll probably want to make visual adjustments to fit your work and personality. For example, you can replace your site’s color scheme, font and imagery style in your template with visual features more characteristic of your personal brand.

8. Use the best navigation practices

Whether it’s your contact details, portfolio gallery or your CV—make sure visitors can easily find what they’re looking for on your site. The best way to do this is adding a website menu as a central navigation point for your graphic design portfolio.

Typically, you’ll place this on your website’s header (at the very top of your site). When mapping out your menu, add the most important web pages of your portfolio or rather, the ones you want visitors to reach first.

9. Include bio and contact details

While your work alone may sell potential clients, visitors to your graphic design portfolio will most likely want more information before they reach out. You can expand on your work by including an About page with your CV, bio or other details that shed light on your professional background. You could even add a touch of personality by adding fun facts, like your role models or favorite graphic design magazines .

When making a professional portfolio , you always want to have contact details published, too. Once visitors decide they want to hire you, they should easily be able to find an email address or a contact form on your site to get in touch.

10. Publish and share

Now that you’ve covered these essential steps, it’s time to publish your graphic design portfolio. You may want to run through our website launch checklist, too—which includes 50 things to review before, during and after publishing to help your website live its best life.

Once it’s live, share your website with both your personal and professional networks, including: family, friends, colleagues and, of course, your social media followers.

Graphic design portfolios FAQ

How do i start a graphic design portfolio.

There are many ways to start your portfolio. First, we recommend collecting together your design examples and establishing a theme for how you want to showcase it. Think about who you want to see it, and why. Is it more personal or professional as this can affect the theme and design. Next you'll want to choose a portfolio website builder, like Wix, which can help you take your portfolio from start to finish, and help you be able to find ways to promote it if necessary.

What should a graphic design portfolio include?

Related posts.

Best art portfolio examples in 2024

30+ of the best new Wix website templates

How to make a professional portfolio

Was this article helpful?

Sign up and get 33% off on Linearity Pro yearly plan!

• Products Design assets 30% faster Animate graphics in a single click
• Business Marketing Teams ic-brush icon Creative Teams Tech ic-effects-tab icon Startups ic-world icon Creative Agencies Education Linearity for Business ic-brush icon Content Creation Asset Management ic-effects-tab icon Branded Templates ic-world icon Business Resources

Meet Alex: The 16-year-old animator crafting an entire movie with Linearity Move

Your next career move: motion graphics vs. animation

How to animate a logo in After Effects

• Shape Builder
• Illustration
• PDF Editing
• iPad Graphic Design
• Business Cards

Copyright © 2024 Linearity GmbH. All rights reserved

• Social Media
• Marketing assets
• Announcements
• Linearity Curve
• Linearity Move
• Marketing Teams
• Creative Teams
• Creative Agencies
• Linearity for Business
• Content Creation
• Asset Management
• Branded Templates
• Business Resources

How to create a graphic design portfolio + 16 best examples

• Design tips
• Marketing design
• Design history
• Design opinions
• Inspiration

Articles and Insights

Inside linearity, get inspired, ben barnhart.

• 22 June 2021
• 23 min read

In this article

As a creator who has to prove their capability through evidence, a business card or sales pitch won't cut it. You've got to show who you are and what you can do.

The portfolio can totally be a source of anxiety at times, especially when you're starting out, but there's really no need for that!

We can look to fellow designers' portfolios to get inspired by fresh ideas and what's possible for our own careers.

Have you ever spent time browsing famous designers' portfolios? You might have done so while studying graphic design, or maybe you browse now and then when you need a little inspiration.

There are worlds upon worlds of projects, styles, layouts, and niches to explore on the internet. We've listed a few of our favorites below, plus some tips on how to create your portfolio that will really help if you're just starting out, and even if you're a veteran who might just need a breath of fresh 'folio.

Jumpstart your ideas with Linearity Curve

Take your designs to the next level.

Why graphic designers need portfolio websites

Graphic designers need a portfolio to showcase their work in order to gain potential clients or jobs. Your portfolio is an opportunity to share your design experience and give potential leads an idea of what your design style is like.

Designers are highly in demand, and the industry is super competitive, so your online portfolio is a great opportunity to differentiate yourself and show potential clients why they should pick you.

Whether you're a professional or simply a digital artist keen to share your work, an online design portfolio gives you the motivation to express who you are and inspire others.

How to create a graphic design portfolio

With the help of website building software or professional web development, you can create something unique out of your online design portfolio. It's another opportunity to showcase your skills as a creative.

While there's a lot of freedom in what you can do, it's good to follow some best practices for creating a design portfolio. Check out the insights and tips below.

Personal website vs a hosting platform

There are a few options when it comes to building your online portfolio. The most professional way to go is to get a custom domain and host your personal website on a hosting platform. The best hosting platforms for a personal design website are:

• Square Space

There are some great websites dedicated to supporting artists and designers in getting their work out there, connecting with clients, and building community.

While the platforms listed below are pretty customizable, this route is more limiting than building your own website.

Targeted platforms for hosting your design portfolio:

• PortfolioBox
• Coroflot Portfolios

A personal website can really aid your business strategy. It provides the opportunity to broaden into teaching elements like online courses, and marketing elements like a newsletter. You can include personal content creation in the form of a blog on your personal website as well. Your website essentially becomes an online studio representing your business.

Filling up your portfolio

Designers who are just starting out know how difficult it is to get the ball rolling with portfolio designs. It's the chicken before the egg situation: you need a portfolio to get work, but to build a portfolio you need work.

This is the time when you need to take initiative - reach out to small businesses, friends, and family members and see if you can do some work for free or create your own stuff just to share your skills.

You could create an entirely imaginary brand just to use as an example. In fact, this is fantastic practice for improving your craft and experimenting. Having the space to experiment will prepare you to deliver your best work when you are hired. You could even rebrand or create a mock project for a brand that already exists.

If you don't feel like coming up with ideas yourself, there are plenty of design challenges you can find online to get the juices flowing.

Types of graphic design portfolios

The umbrella of graphic design includes many types of design. Some designers choose to focus on one niche, while others work on a variety.

This is really up to you as a designer, where your career takes you, and where you decide to direct it.

Types of graphic design portfolios include:

• Logo design
• Typography/ Lettering
• Editorial Design
• User Experience
• Interface Design
• Packaging Design
• Environmental Design
• Branding and Visual Identity
• Product design

Some designers even opt to have two websites: one for their personal art and one for their professional work.

Practical tips for your online portfolio

For a really stellar, effective design portfolio website, there are a few fundamentals you should include and basic guidelines you can follow to make sure it stands out and communicates everything necessary to keep the gigs rolling in.

We've listed some design portfolio tips below for you.

Make it user-friendly

Let's start with the basics here. You don't want your portfolio to be some kind of Avante Garde labyrinth of obscure artwork. You can create a separate site for that.

Choose a layout that showcases your work with ease and simplicity. When putting it together, you can employ basic UX best practices and put yourself in the perspective of the potential client visiting your profile.

Express your identity

This is an opportunity to express your originality as a designer. Clients are always looking for something unique to bring to their brand or project in this competitive space, so it will serve in your favor if you can show that you have something truly authentic or a signature style to contribute.

Easily accessible contact and social details

Another back to basics tip here, that might seem obvious- but make sure your contact details are easy to find and that you include links to your relevant social media platforms. Linked in, Instagram, and any other places you might share your work will be a good idea. Make sure that the links work, and that you show your social spaces love by keeping them up to date.

Include a bio

Your bio is a good place to share a bit more about what you do and who you are. Potential clients or employers will be more drawn to you in they can feel a connection with who you are. Your bio or about page should include:

• A bit about your work and what motivates you
• A bit about who you are personally and what inspires you
• Why you are unique
• A profile picture

Keep it short and impactful!

Put some love into the wording

While a graphic design portfolio is visually driven, some clever copy here and there will guide the experience of your portfolio website and help bring the visuals to life.

Create case studies

Including case studies that explain your work are an important part of the graphic designer portfolio.

A case study needs to:

• Showcase a project you've completed in full
• Define the "problem" of the brief
• Share the thinking behind your solution
• Describe the design process that led to the end result

Consider your ideal client or job

It will be hugely beneficial to the trajectory of your career to get clear with yourself on the kind of work you'd love to create, the types of people and companies you'd like to work with and the range of clients you'd like to have.

Share your side hustle

Your portfolio is a place for your artistic expression. Yes, it's about getting work and being professional, but most creatives like to create their own personal projects as well. Showcasing your personal art projects will only give anyone who's viewing your portfolio deeper insight into who you are - and hey, you might end up getting more work based on this!

Show variety

It's a good idea to show some variety in your projects and skills. Choose the best from as diverse a range of projects if you can.

Show your best work

While you want to showcase a variety of work, don't put projects you're not proud of up simply for the sake of variety. Of course, you're not going to feel like every project is perfect and you'll have to have some lesser favorites up in the beginning but be sure to keep updating your site to make sure it's full of only your best work.

Be confident

The point of your portfolio is to show that you can deliver on a job. Show that you trust yourself through the wording you choose and be confident in the pieces you choose to show.

Take the layout seriously

The layout is pretty much everything. If you have the skills, you can get creative with it, but you want to do your work justice by having it presented simply and cohesively. A layout with a white background or muted colors works best. You can browse lots of layout options in the examples we provide below.

Don't forget the favicon

In case you don't know, the favicon is the little icon on the left-hand side of a browser tab. It's usually represented by the logo of the website. When you don't customize this, it will show up as a placeholder of whatever web builder you're using like WordPress and looks unprofessional.

The favicon is another opportunity to get creative and showcase your skills as a designer with something that represents you. Remember to keep it simple.

Include your awards

If you're an award-winning graphic designer, shout about it (with humility). List the awards you've won on your site and provide details about the projects.

Include your resume

This isn't absolutely necessary, it's really up to you but it's an idea. You might want to provide the option to download a PDF version of your resume. You could include it as a page on the website, too. You'll see some examples below.

Include a call to action

Make sure you're opening up a conversation with any potential or fans clients browsing your site and provide a call to action such as to get in touch with you or sign up to your mailing list.

Consider mobile viewing

When designing your online portfolio, take into consideration that people might be browsing on a mobile device, and that the user flow of your site works for mobile.

Consider a blog

Including your own blog in your portfolio is an opportunity to share your thoughts, expertise and personality. You can position yourself as a thought leader in your field through blog content, improve your discoverability online and give others the chance to feel personally connected with you.

Share testimonials

Client testimonials are a very effective way to share your credibility and build trust. It's definitely a good idea to ask clients if they wouldn't mind writing a short testimonial and sharing it on your portfolio website.

Bring Your Ideas to Life with Vector Illustrations

Explore the endless possibilities of vector art. Our comprehensive guides and tools are perfect for creating vibrant, stunning illustrations.

Graphic design websites for inspiration

When creating your graphic designer portfolio, like with any project, it helps to start off by getting some inspiration, and taking a little time to really study what's out there.

Once you start putting it together, you might need some extra assets to make it stand out as well. We've listed a few of our favorite websites for design inspiration below.

Color Hunt is an open collection of various color palettes , created by popular designer Gal Shir .

It started as a personal small project to share trendy color combinations between a group of friends.

The platform has scaled over time and is now used daily as a handy resource by thousands of designers all over the world. This is a great place to start when you're coming up with ideas for the look and feel of your portfolio website.

Lapa Ninja is a gallery featuring the best landing page designs from around the web for anything from e-commerce to events to restaurants. You can search landing pages by category, including an entire portfolio category where you can browse other awesome portfolios for inspiration.

Waveguide is a massive design knowledge bank with curated design content and thousands of artificially enriched examples of high-quality product design and brand purposes. It is completely free and covers a wide range from landing pages to app interfaces!

SiteInspire

Put simply, SiteInspire is a showcase of the finest web and interactive design . Every day their catalog of eye-catching designs is updated from the several hundred submissions they receive daily. For instance, this is a great place to go when trying to figure out how to get started on a project.

Inspiring graphic design portfolio examples

Part of growing as an artist, and the creative process itself involves looking to others in the community for inspiration and expanding our ideas about what’s possible.

From there, we differentiate ourselves through style and offering according to what's unique and authentic to us.

Check out the portfolios we've listed below for some inspiration!

1. Wade Jeffree

Wade Jeffree is an art director and designer with a very distinct, quirky style reminiscent of sprawling landscapes from childhood imagination. He describes it as “music to your eyes.”

Jeffree collaborates with Leta Sobierajski, and the two have worked on some amazing projects together from street installations to wallpapers for Google, and VR experiences.

This portfolio is a vibrant burst of color and patterns, balanced out by a simple one-page scroll-down layout.

Front and center when you first land on the page is a very simple bio that simply states who Wade is and who he collaborates with. He provides clear links to social channels immediately.

Each project presented contains a small caption underneath that takes you to a deeper description of the project once clicked on. The user flow works well.

The site also showcases a few projects in a style different from his quirky “music to your eyes" theme, demonstrating variety in his abilities.

2. Robby Leonardi

Robby Leonardi uses interactive design to make his portfolio website an exciting, gamified experience. This is a great example of interactive design bringing a project to life!

Robby is a freelance designer focused on illustration, design, and animation. He combines design and illustration to specialize in “illustrative design.”

When you land on the website, there are three options to view three separate resumes: an interactive resume, an illustration portfolio, and a design portfolio. Segmenting a portfolio like this makes for simple browsing.

The interactive resume is inspired by the classic Super Mario game, and is a personal project of Robby's in and of itself.

As you scroll down, the character (Super Mario-ified Robby supposedly) passes through each level, communicating a section of information about his skills and personal details.

Once you arrive at the end, you're given the option to send Robby a message via email.

This portfolio is a fantastic example of:

• Taking initiative by creating a personal project
• Maintaining brand consistency through theme and demonstrating a distinct style
• Creating an engaging user experience
• Showcasing personality

3. Kate Moross

Kate Moross is an illustrator, art director, designer and keynote speaker. Their portfolio exemplifies a distinct style coming together in a captivating color theme that you just can't take your eyes off. They draw you into their rainbow-painted world with a collage as soon as you land on the site.

As you scroll down, Kate's projects are laid out in a simple gallery view. Once you click on a cover image, you’re taken to the project page where there is ample visual evidence of their work as well as a short description.

The project descriptions aren’t exactly in-depth case studies but the visual layout is good and worth drawing inspiration from.

The + symbol in the top right corner of the website reveals a menu that breaks down the projects into themed segments, which is a good idea to help guide potential clients towards work within the particular category they might be searching for.

Kate also has a link to their personal shop , which is an awesome revenue stream for designers to have. You might want to think of what you could sell in your own online shop as part of your business strategy as a freelance designer!

4. Gavin Strange

Gavin Strange is a director and designer with a rich and diverse spread of work. He is a creative all-rounder with many side projects to be inspired by, from his book to music projects and more!

Gavin’s portfolio is a fantastic example of someone who works for an agency and uses their portfolio as a place to store and share their creative work from both day job and "moonlighting."

This is a place of personal creativity, which has its very own name - “Jam Factory,” which is totally something you can do with your portfolio, as long as all the personal relevant contact details are there and it remains professional.

The landing page of Jam Factory gives a succinct description of who Gavin is, making use of some clever copy and guiding the browser through a story of who he is, where he’s been, what he’s done.

Top tip from this portfolio: Remember to use your words in conjunction with visuals to bring your portfolio to life.

5. Anthony Burrill

The profile on his portfolio website reads, “Graphic artist Anthony Burrill combines a knack for simplicity that packs a punch with analog craft skills and powerful, positive messages.”

The layout and flow of his website capture the essence of Anthony's work. When you scroll through, each project is presented in a simple gallery view on a white background. The minimalist style of the website helps keep the focus on the work itself.

Once the image is clicked on, a comprehensive written and visual description is provided.

How will you combine the theme, layout and messaging in your portfolio to reflect your design style?

Ready to create brand assets that pack a punch?

Visit our Academy for free marketing design courses.

6. Maria Marie

Marioly’s romantic, fairytale-esque website exemplifies both how storytelling and a cohesive theme can be woven into a captivating personal brand, as well as the many business opportunities available through design work.

When you land on the page, you’re presented with a few images that capture the essence of Marioly’s style, which is then encapsulated in a line of copy the reads “finding beauty in the unexpected.”

Following this is a bio that’s just as enchanting as the rest of the site. Her use of wording mirrors the sense of romance in the visual identity of the site.

If you explore some more, you’ll find that Marioly offers online courses and creative mentoring. She sells Lightroom presets and even has a blog on her site too. These are all awesome ideas you might want to integrate into your portfolio for creative expression and business opportunities!

7. Brooke Perryman

Print and digital designer Brooke Perryman creates a variety of work from logos, book design, packaging, and more.

When you land on her portfolio page, the work is nicely segmented into each category, immediately reflecting her variety of skills and making browsing easy. She has a section for her personal projects, as well as testimonials.

This helps new clients decide that working with you will be a good decision.

Brook also provides the option to download her resume, as a PDF from the website- another great idea!

There is a consistent theme throughout the website, an easy-to-navigate menu and a well-written story style bio that gives a lot of insight into who she is and what she can do.

This is a good portfolio example for anyone with a lot of variety in their work and needing ideas on how to provide all the information on yourself on just one website.

8. MR Bingo

MR Bingo is, according to his website, an “artist, speaker and twat.”

His bio reveals that he was a commercial illustrator for 15 years working with clients such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, TIME, CH4, The Mighty Boosh & The New York Times, however, “An archive of the thousands of illustrations from this period doesn’t exist online because he got bored once in a motorhome and deleted his entire portfolio website.”

This is a good example of a bio that clearly states what you can expect from the artist.

It's a pretty edgy portfolio that positions MR Bingo as an artist who has moved on from the days of his client illustration work, but you'll find that he does in fact link to another site showcasing some client work

This portfolio is a good example of expressing personality and how to distinguish you, the artist, from you the professional designer.

9. Julie Bonnemoy

This portfolio is hosted on Behance . Going the Behance route definitely isn’t a bad choice. Plenty of designers rely on this platform as their online portfolio space.

As we mentioned earlier, Behance has plenty of tools to help you create a unique and informative graphic design portfolio.

Julie Bonnemoy’s Behance portfolio is a great example of using storytelling to guide and enhance the experience. When you land on her page, an enticing line of copy reads “Hello stranger, it’s ok, you can scroll down.”

Once you scroll, she introduces herself, followed by each piece of work. She ends off at the bottom with a gentle but clear call to action.

There is a menu at the top right giving further information on her projects (showing beautifully laid out case studies), and an “about me” section with contact details.

The site is brought to life by motion effects throughout- a really nice touch!

10. Anna Dunn

Another awesome Behance portfolio! This is an example of how the platform can successfully be used in its most simplistic form, allowing the work to speak for itself.

11. Tiffany Larson

This is a good example of a simple portfolio from a younger designer hosted on Crevado .

Tiffany provides a nice bio right on the landing page and showcases her variety of work well. From UX/ UI design to marketing, personal art, and logo, this is a good portfolio to get some guidance from if you're just starting yours up and if you're curious about what you can do with Crevado.

12. Tobias Van Schneider

Tobias Van Schneider is a designer "working at the intersection of digital product design and graphic design."

Van Schneider has worked with some seriously big brands, so his portfolio is a good place for any graphic designer to get inspiration. He's a co-founder, a creative director, and a partner. He even did a stint as art director for Spotify.

The projects in this portfolio are presented in an easy one-page scroll-down layout. The visuals for each project are uploaded as a slider banner that can be scrolled through sideways, with project write-ups underneath each.

Ready to learn something new?

Check out our list of great design courses online.

What's really cool about Van Schneider's website is the option to sign up for his newsletter. Van Schneider's newsletter has an audience of 30 000+ and is totally worth signing up to for industry-related insights.

You'll see that there are a bunch of testimonials about the newsletter. You might want to consider including testimonials and reviews about your work in your online portfolio, too. User-generated content that boosts your credibility is ultra-valuable!

It's not a bad idea to think about an email marketing strategy and having a little newsletter sign up on your portfolio site.

13. Pawel Nolbert

Pawel Nolbert is "a visual artist and image-maker. He explores color, expression & visual languages."

Nolbert's portfolio is a good place to get inspiration if you're a graphic designer who wishes to stay true to who you are as a visual artist and make your mark on brands with a signature style.

Nolbert's vibrant designs speak loudly against the clean design of the website.

14. Peter K Studio

Peter is a branding and identity designer, illustrator, and awesome logo creator. His portfolio website is very simple. The landing page displays a collection of logos, which helps the viewer identify his niche and style quickly.

His bio section includes a picture, which is an idea you might want to implement in your portfolio too, as it helps the browser connect with you as a person.

15. Timothy Goodman

This online portfolio is an awesome place for any designer to find inspiration! Goodman is an illustrator, muralist, environmental designer, through-and-through artist with an awesome personal brand that communicates positive messaging.

When landing on the site, you're greeted with a lively, interactive illustration.

If you explore further, you'll find all kinds of awesome ideas for how to present your projects and possibly turn your design work into a personal brand. Have a browse around and check out his shop!

16. Anton & Irene

This portfolio is pretty awesome. Go play around with the interactive photograph on the landing page and see for yourself!

This is a combined portfolio site for "agency directors turned hand-on designers" Anton Repponen and Irene Pereyra.

Many designers collaborate by creating duos and collectives, so having a site together with your partners will increase your reach and chances of getting work.

There are wonderful examples of case studies on this website, so if you're looking for some comprehensive case study guidance, check it out.

Businesses + brands with websites to inspire you

To get an even more comprehensive understanding of design portfolio websites, it's worth having a browse through some agency and design studio websites, too.

They always do a great job of combining clever copy, exemplary web design and flawless branding.

These are our three favorite design firm websites:

1. Pentagram - Clean, classy, comprehensive.

2. The Chase- five-star landing page.

3. nclud- Seductive design

Professional case study examples

Whether it's for visual design, brand identity, 3D interaction, UX, environmental design, or any other kind of design, including comprehensive case studies about your projects is often the most dreaded and boring part, but totally important.

You'll notice that some designers get away with minimal case study information in their portfolios, but the more detail you can give regarding your design process and how you solve problems, the better.

Check out the case studies below for some guidance:

• The Making of Octicons
• Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

Online communities for graphic design

Whether you're a design student or have been in the game for decades, every creative needs a place to connect and engage with a like-minded community.

Check out these graphic design communities if you're looking for an online space to connect and share your work:

Graphic Design Forum (GDF)

GDF is one of the oldest and biggest graphic design forums around with over 20k members. The community is very active, significantly large and consists of a variety of general categories that can help you with whatever it is that’s bothering you.

Designer Hangout

Designer Hangout is a dedicated, invite-only network of UX designers and researchers who discuss trends, give advice, share stories, uncover insights, and even connect in-person. If you’re into UX, you need to join.

Web Designer Forum

This is a popular community graphic design website where you can find answers to your questions and discussions quickly. The community is long running with membership in the thousands and constant new posts regarding trends and updates. In addition, the forum is split into useful sub-sections, so you can discuss design, get development help for any web programming language, or find what you need.

What's next?

Building and maintaining your designer portfolio is an exciting, ongoing endeavor. The more love and attention you give it, the more work you'll get and more likely you are to get work that's aligned with what you truly want- which is why we're in this game to start with, right?

Keep it up to date, stay inspired and use it to branch out on your revenue streams. And don't forget to check out Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator) if you're a graphic designer who might be interested in checking out some new Vector Graphic software- it's free and simple to use!

Share this!

• Copied to clipboard

Ben is a Content Lead for Linearity living in Berlin. His hobbies include board games, cooking, reading, and writing.

What to read next

How to vectorize an image in illustrator, how to make animated social media posts, how to animate a logo with a zoom effect, get started with linearity today..

Linearity runs on iPadOS 14 & iOS 14 and later, or macOS Big Sur and later (with native M1 support).

Get Started with Linearity

All the tools you need for truly great design.

• App Store screenshots
• Scalable templates
• Animate graphic designs
• Animate illustrations
• Background Removal
• Design mode + Animate mode
• Adobe Illustrator
• Affinity Designer
• Vectornator is now Linearity Curve
• Get started with Curve
• Bring motion in house
• Privacy Policy
• ic-bilibili icon