Research for Designers: Where to Start

Summary

In this informative video, self-taught graphic designer Shantanu Kumar shares insights from his Skillshare class on logo design. He emphasizes the importance of research and client communication, showcasing his process with the Sikkim Coffee project. Through Milanote, he organizes information, creates timelines, and develops user personas. He also discusses the significance of understanding the brand's mission and vision, and conducting competitor analysis to ensure a unique and effective logo design.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Shantanu Kumar is a self-taught graphic designer and YouTuber who shares his expertise in a Skillshare class on logo design.
• 🔍 The first step in the design process is research, which can be intensive and time-consuming, as illustrated by the Sikkim Coffee project.
• 🏛️ Shantanu draws inspiration from unique cultural elements such as the architecture of monasteries and thangka painting for his designs.
• 🔑 A logo brief is essential for providing direction in the design process, and it should be detailed and well-organized.
• 📝 Shantanu recommends documenting all discussions with clients to ensure alignment with their brand perspective and to avoid conflicts.
• ❓ He suggests starting conversations with clients by asking four key questions about their brand's existence, purpose, future, and guiding principles.
• 📈 Milanote is a free digital whiteboard software that Shantanu uses to organize files and information for a project.
• 📅 Creating a timeline with deadlines for each stage of the design process helps in managing the project effectively.
• 👥 Understanding the target audience through user personas is crucial for designing a brand that resonates with them.
• 🎬 Watching and analyzing the movie 'Kiki's Delivery Service' helped Shantanu to grasp the inspiration behind Kiki's Creative Club's brand identity.
• 🤝 Continuous communication with the client is vital at every stage of the design process to ensure the design aligns with their vision and industry knowledge.
• 🏅 The importance of competitor analysis is highlighted, as it helps in understanding the market and differentiating the brand.

Q & A

Who is Shantanu Kumar and what does he do?

Shantanu Kumar is a self-taught graphic designer and a fellow YouTuber who teaches about designing logos in his Skillshare class.

What is the main focus of Shantanu Kumar's Skillshare class?

The main focus of Shantanu Kumar's Skillshare class is to teach the process of designing a logo, including research, concept development, and client brief analysis.

What was the first project Shantanu Kumar mentioned in the script?

The first project mentioned was for Sikkim Coffee, which was research intensive and involved studying the architecture of monasteries and the style of painting called thangka.

What two concepts did Shantanu Kumar merge to create the logo for Sikkim Coffee?

Shantanu Kumar merged the concepts of the red panda, which is the state animal of Sikkim, and Tibetan calligraphy to create the logo for Sikkim Coffee.

What is the importance of a brief in the design process according to the script?

A brief is crucial in the design process as it provides direction and helps to align the designer's perspective with the client's vision and the spirit of the brand.

What is Milanote and how does Shantanu Kumar use it in his design process?

Milanote is a free digital whiteboard software that Shantanu Kumar uses to organize all his files and information in one place, making it easier to manage the design process.

What are the four questions Shantanu Kumar suggests asking the client to understand their brand perspective?

The four questions are: Why do you exist?, What's the purpose of your brand?, What future do you want to create?, and What principles help you guide this behavior?

What is the name of the co-working space and cafe that Shantanu Kumar discusses in the script?

The name of the co-working space and cafe is Kiki's Creative Club, which is based in New Delhi.

What is the inspiration behind the name of Kiki's Creative Club?

The name Kiki's Creative Club is inspired by the 1989 Studio Ghibli classic film 'Kiki's Delivery Service'.

What are the goals and missions of Kiki's Creative Club as mentioned in the client brief?

The goals and missions of Kiki's Creative Club are to provide a safe space for creative people, offer a calm and comfortable environment, help increase productivity without burnout, and assist in overcoming creative blocks.

How does Shantanu Kumar approach competitor analysis in his design process?

Shantanu Kumar conducts competitor analysis by researching places where the target audience frequents, using personal experiences, and interviewing people in his circle about their preferences and experiences with similar spaces.