We all like to be busy, but sometimes there are just those slow days.  You know the ones, your work has been submitted for comments and you’re left with a whole day with not a singe piece of design to do.  Instead of wasting the day wandering around the house or office wondering what to do, or maintaining your farm on FaceBook, keep a list of quick look options to hand and refer to it for a fast flash of inspiration.  Here are a few things to get you started.

Go for a run

Clear your head, get some fresh air and enjoy those endorphins.  Running is a proven de-stress tactic and a good way to find unexpected inspiration.  If you don’t run then take a long stroll, enjoy your surroundings.  Not only is this great exercise, the break from any type of gadget, gizmo or screen does wonders for well being.  It’s also another way of bumping into neighbours, and perhaps an opportunity to drop your company name into conversation.

File paperwork

I know it’s not exciting but it’s had to make this list.  Take 90 minutes to sort, shred and file those papers that are gradually piling up.  Having an organised work space makes for a cleared head and a more relaxed surrounding.  Plus think of all those hours you’ll save rummaging through a mountain of paperwork to find that all important invoice!

Sketch up an imaginary design

Just because you don’t have an active client to design for, doesn’t mean you have to stop designing altogether.  Write a quick brief and come up with some sketches.  There’s no reason this can’t then be added to your portfolio as a personal project.

Brush up your software skills

This could be linked to the previous activity – by continuing to ‘play’ with your chosen software you continue to refine your skills, maybe even learning some new ones along the way.  Experimenting isn’t usually something you can do whilst working on a client project, so now’s the time to have a tinker, and get creative!

Be social

By this I don’t mean spending a free afternoon at the local pub catching up with friends, as tempting as it seems!  Be available and active on Twitter, FaceBook and LinkedIn.  Here you can help other users with their questions and concerns as well as ask for help with any issues you may have. Of course it’s not just for asking and answering questions.  Twitter is a n excellent way of keeping up with news and trends, there is an ongoing supply of current information and design news.  Just don’t et too carried away when you have actual real work to do!

Get writing

Designing is your thing, your forte and quite possibly your passion.  That doesn’t always mean you should forget other creative outlets.  With the numerous blogs online all offering a wealth if information, there are many places available to write.  Some even offer a payment in return for good copy.  As well as keeping your mind working, guest writing also gains you exposure.

Clients. They all know exactly what they want, don’t they?  We’ve all been there, you’re asked to create a logo to a certain style then when you present your draft it’s just not right.  You spend a further 10 hours and numerous revisions tweaking, re-drafting, and emailing back and forth to ensure you’re on the right track.

Save yourself and your client time and frustration by asking the right questions before you start.  This is not a definitive list but should give you a good starting point and a glimpse into your clients mind.  My suggestion is to take these examples and change them to suit your needs and customer base.  Don’t forget to always leave room for any other comments or ideas that your client may have.  I also use this opportunity to ask for contact details if I don’t already have them by prompting as part of the questionnaire.  If you think it would help your client, consider adding some example answers after each question – this can help to make sure you get the type of replies you’re expecting.

Be careful!

Whilst you want to gather as much information as possible, be careful not to ask too many questions as that could put off potential clients – no-one likes to spend an hour completing a questionnaire so try to ask the minimum you can to achieve the answers that you want.  Clients with established businesses will expect you to have done your own research so avoid questions that duplicate information already on their web site.

• Full name to appear on logo
• Slogan to appear on logo if any
• Where will the logo be used (print, web only, signage, vehicles, buildings etc)
• Should the logo be text only, or text with an image?
• What does the company specialise in?
• Do you have competitors?  If so, please name them below and provide web site links if possible
• Who are your customers?
• If you already have a logo please tell me what you do and don’t like about it
• Do you have existing company colours that need to be incorporated?
• How many colours should be used?
• Have you seen any logos that you like the look off?
• If your logo has an image, will the text and image ever be used separately?
• Do you have a message or feeling that your logo should portray?
• Describe your company in one sentence
• Are there any interesting and unique facts about your company?
• How many people will I be dealing with within your business and who are they?

The final question here is as important as questions about the company and the logo design itself.  If you know early on that you’ll be dealing with four people, you can work out how you will communicate.  When a number of people are involved, it’s much simpler to arrange contact via one representative to avoid any confusion.

Hopefully it’s clear why I have included each question – but if you don’t know why I’ve included a certain item let me know and I’ll provide explanations.

Anything else?

Let me know of any others I haven’t included and please remember to leave a comment if you agree/disagree with anything.  If you plan on using anything from the list, please show your appreciation with a re-tweet!

Be sure to check out the gallery page to see fresh entries including samples of brochure design and stationery.  Keep coming back – it’s being updated regularly!

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