The workflow process of graphic design is similar for those designing for professional or personal projects. The process begins with identifying what the project is. You should know where you are going before you begin working.
Next, begin gathering information and ideas. This kind of initial research is going to make the creative portion of the process go quicker. Designing a mock up is very helpful at this stage. A mock up is an early rough draft of the project idea. This is when you should make decisions about colors, object and text placements. Once the rough draft is complete, compare it to the original project idea. If the mock up seems to meet all the needs and contain all the components for the project then it is time to proceed to detailed rendering.
The advantages to using a rough draft are similar to using an outline when writing an essay. It is not mandatory, but it helps to organize and record ideas so they will not be forgotten during the longer process of refining each part of the design. When converting parts of the project from rough draft to finished product, pay attention to the overall theme and aesthetic of the design. If you have created a mock up it will be easier to keep your ideas organized for a multi-day work schedule. Try to refrain from deviating from the mock up as this nullifies the advantages of using one. Sometimes necessary changes will become obvious during the creative rendering of the process. If so, return to the mock up stage and make the changes so that your overall idea maintains a level of cohesiveness as it progresses.
Finally, check the finished product against the parameters outlined in the original concept idea and make corrections or revisions for completion.
