Design and Write.

Begin with the words. While it may feel more natural to begin the process by sketching images, starting with the words will help you quickly zero in on the concept—and inspire images in line with the language.

Find the key(s). Creative briefs abound with keywords that serve as guideposts to the brainstorming process. Identify and compile a list of those words that evoke an emotion, that seem particularly important to the client or that speak to you.

Get it all out. When it's time to actually sit down and write, it's often best to just let yourself go creatively. Allow yourself to write thoughts as they come, without stopping to second-guess or edit. Don't even use full sentences. It's surprising what can come from these stream-of-consciousness ramblings.

Organize and edit. This is the hard part—sifting through what your subconscious produced in the previous step and whipping it into shape. For long copy, identify one main point or theme and make every sentence support it, ensuring that every thought logically leads your reader to the next. For short copy like headlines, select your top five and refine. Request feedback from someone you trust, and keep an open mind.

Simplify. Be merciless with your red pen. The fewer words, the better.

Write a letter. Hand with a pen ready to write a letter.

Design elements

Write a letter. Hand with a pen ready to write a letter.

Photo credits: Cfg1978, Onfocusmedia.
Richard Hoffkins
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  • Macdaddy
  • Lafayette, United States
I'm a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. A member of NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals). A collector of Machintosh computers, currently have 6 different models.

Multiple first place awards in the advertising categories at Louisiana Press Association Competition.

"You have to keep reinventing yourself to stay fresh and competitive. Find your voice and where your value lies, and above all, be passionate."

I hope that you will enjoy looking through my images and that you will find something useful for your projects. It would be very nice, if you could leave a comment of how you will use the images. Thank You!

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