Pre-Evaluation

THE PROCESS

Initiate the design process by meeting with you to understand your project, objectives and the criteria for its success

Phase 1 

Project Evaluation

Create a comprehensive creative brief detailing the purpose, scope of design, target audience, project parameters and success criteria; further research is then conducted to explore audience preferences, competitor landscapes and current design trends

Phase 2

Concept Development

Brainstorm visual concepts to effectively convey the message; translate sketches into compelling designs; present a representative sampling of the concepts; a direction is chosen; create detailed designs for all project materials; deliver Adobe Acrobat PDF files for client review

Phase 3

Project Refinement

Make edits based on feedback; justify that the design elements, typography and imagery support project objectives; Two rounds of revisions allow for necessary tweaks or changes; upon completion, a final draft is presented to client via email; this is the final opportunity to make revisions prior to releasing the files

Phase 4 

Project Production

Thoroughly prepare design files for production; coordinate with vendors and agency partners to supply all necessary assets; receive and verify deliverables; ensure requested files are provided in the correct formats; conduct a review of the design process with the client.

About

We recently followed up with Amanda Mans to find out what’s changed since the last time we spoke. Here’s what we learned:

Name: Amanda Mans  
Title: Morton Salt, Inc., Manager, Packaging Design + Graphics and Blueprint Design Group, Inc., Founder + Principal Designer 

Experience:
In addition to over 25 years of design experience, I've immersed myself in both tactile and digital design mediums. Some say I was born with a clipboard in my hand and crayons in my heart.

How do you relate to your clients? 
I've always believed that relationships with clients are genuine partnerships. Design interpretation varies based on individual perspectives shaped by unique life experiences. My role is to bridge these differences, forging connections between clients and their intended audience. Once that connection is established, the design can create a lasting impact.

What distinguishes you from others in your field? 
Many designers can create visually appealing designs, but making a lasting impact requires more than just aesthetic appeal. Every aspect of the design must serve a purpose and align with project objectives. Each component should contribute intellectually, aesthetically and emotionally. Building a strong connection with my clients is crucial to truly understanding their needs and achieving this level of design integrity.

In every project, I leverage my design expertise to articulate the insights gained from my clients and integrate them with the research I've conducted on their audience.

Inspired by? 
Charley Harper, Paul Rand, Wes Anderson, Edward Hopper, Chip Kidd, William Eggleston, Olle Eksell, Bob Dylan, Hervé Morvan, Vivian Maier, Thich Nhat Hanh, Saul Bass, Cliff, Louie & Frank

Favorite design program? 
It's difficult to choose, but if I had to pick one, it‘d still be Adobe Illustrator, but what continues to excite me is the initial design process that unfolds before I even touch the computer. Brainstorming and creating thumbnail sketches generates fresh ideas that inspire me throughout the digital phase of a project. Design starts with careful planning and sketches and only then is finalized on the computer. As a project advances through its early stages and digital phase, essential shapes, the color palette, patterns and typography gradually take shape, culminating in the final solution where all visual assets are revealed.

What do you think about crowdsourcing?
Crowdsourcing, like many things, has its pros and cons; however, in the design industry, I believe the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Some businesses and organizations opt for crowdsourcing as a fast and convenient method to obtain a logo. What they often receive, though, is a logo that closely resembles something seen repeatedly. While it may be quick and convenient, crowdsourced designs often lack originality and fail to distinguish a company from its competitors.

What aren’t you doing that you wish you were?
Where do I start? I'm constantly seeking out new and challenging projects. I believe that if I stop absorbing new information, my work will stagnate. To foster growth, it's crucial to maintain curiosity and continually challenge myself to learn and expand my knowledge.

What’s next for you?
I want to thrive and further develop my design expertise. I strive to avoid complacency by exploring new avenues of creativity. I believe in avoiding obvious solutions and consistently offering a fresh perspective.