My Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Client Briefs

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head over a client brief, unable to decipher what exactly they're asking for? 🧐

Or perhaps you've delivered a design you were proud of, only to find it wasn't what the client had in mind at all.

I've been there too, trust me.

But over time, I've developed a super simple guideline to understand and execute client briefs accurately, every single time.

Today, I'm excited to share that system with you.

Step 1: Deciphering the Brief

The first step to nailing a client brief is understanding it.

Here are my top tips:

• Read it multiple times. Sometimes, clarity comes with repetition.

• Highlight the keywords. These usually hint at what the client really wants.

• Write a brief summary in your own words. If you can articulate what's needed, you've understood it.

Back in my early freelancing days, I received a brief for a logo design. It was filled with industry jargon and vague phrases.

After reading it multiple times and highlighting the keywords, I realized the client wanted a modern, minimalist logo that represented growth and innovation.

Step 2: Clarifying Doubts

Never hesitate to ask questions. It’s always better to clear doubts at the beginning than to redo the entire design later.

Here's what I usually do:

• Prepare a list of questions. Be specific.

• Schedule a call or send an email. Choose a method that works best for both parties.

• Document the answers. Crucial information should always be noted down.

I remember a time when a client brief left me confused. I wasn't sure if they wanted a complete redesign or just a few tweaks.

I scheduled a call and asked my doubts directly. It turned out, they only wanted a few elements updated.

This saved me a lot of unnecessary work!

Step 3: Executing the Brief

Once you've understood the brief and clarified your doubts, it's execution time.

Here are my strategies for this stage:

• Create a plan. Outline the steps you'll take to deliver the design.

• Regularly refer to the brief. This keeps your design aligned with the client's expectations.

• Seek feedback. Don’t wait until the end to get client's input.

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It helps me understand and manage client briefs efficiently. Maybe it'll help you too 🙂

Remember, every client brief is a learning experience. With time and practice, you'll develop your own strategies to nail them.

Until next time ✌🏾