Since we design and develop a variety of materials for a living we're very conscious of the creative culture outside of our shop. At all times (whether we want to be or not). This isn't always the case for a client walking through our door ready to kick-off their project. By the time we begin a new logo, print materials or website for a client they have concluded two things: 1, they have specific needs and 2, they want us to help fulfill those needs.
We work with clients that have varying degrees of creative experience and marketing history. It isn't uncommon for us to receive an RFP with very specific needs nor is it unusual for companies to sit down and say "you're the experts" and begin from scratch. In either case, our job is to deliver a stunning project that accomplishes their goals.
Embarking on a new project is an exciting time for everyone, and we like to encourage clients to dive into design by whatever means necessary. If someone wants a website they usually have a handful of sites that they visit and think are designed well. When we dive into a re-branding we're usually shown the current (client says: bad) logo and whatever their competition is doing. Chances are there are a few million other wonderfully designed sites and brands out there that a client hasn't seen, so they might not know what is successful these days, has worked for the last x amount of years or will pave the way in the coming years.
So prospective clients (of ours, or anyone!) behold: a quick list of online resources to get you thinking about your project. These cover a few categories and will help you understand the different styles, symbols and structure.
LogoPond - A Branding Resource
We recommend you browse a few pages of logos to see the good, the bad, and the works in progress. We do not submit our work here for a variety of reasons, but it is a convenient destination to get the ball rolling. Just beware: don't leave with a copycat mentality. Your identity should be your own.
Kuler - A Color Guide
This resource is wonderful because it is online, free, and community based (as is the above, but with the added bonus of interactivity). Sign up and get creative! Explore different color rules and break them! Save, print, do whatever you need to do to get inspired.
ILoveTypography - A Font Resource (for branding and website)
Get friendly with the wonderful world of typefaces. If your project involves a new logo this is huge (serif vs. sans-serif or...both!?). Learn about why good websites are readable, too, since there is an abundance of text-heavy blogs and sites these days.
Web Designer Wall - A Website (and skill!) Resource
A showcase and tutorial site, for people with web creation tools (Adobe CS3, code, etc.). This site went from launch to gargantuan success in about a week. Way to go, blogosphere.
Flickr - A Photography Resource
For inspiration and tips more than anything else. Explore your world (literally, check out the map near you) and join some groups, swap secrets and post your photos!
Basecamp - How we manage projects
If you're working with us you'll be on Basecamp. We love it, you will too.
Our Projects - Our Design Credentials
Check out what we've been up to. You should research whatever design company you want to pursue, and there's no better way to get started than dig through prior projects.
Thinking about what you want to do versus what is possible with your project boundaries (time, money, resources) can jump-start your process with designers.
The resources online are endless, but think about everything that influences you offline. If the look of the print version of the New York Times (online at nytimes.com, also good) gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside then you have something to work from. If you truly want to explore, head over to Wikipedia or look around your current environment. What jumps out at you? Learn from what you love and bring that to your designers. In terms of the overall process and your final product: if you give even a little we can make sure you get a lot back in return.