How can you work with graphic designers and stakeholders on a project?

1 Understand the project goals and scope

Before you start working with graphic designers and stakeholders, you need to have a clear understanding of the project goals and scope. What is the purpose of the project? Who is the target audience? What are the deliverables and deadlines? How will the project be evaluated and measured? These are some of the questions that you need to answer and communicate to the designers and the stakeholders. Having a clear project brief and a scope of work document can help you align everyone on the same page and avoid misunderstandings and scope creep.

2 Respect the design process

Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty. It is a process that involves research, ideation, sketching, prototyping, testing, and refining. As a project manager, you need to respect the design process and give the designers enough time and space to do their work. Don't micromanage them or impose your personal preferences. Trust their expertise and creativity. However, you also need to monitor their progress and provide them with constructive feedback and guidance. Use tools like mood boards, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to communicate your ideas and expectations, and to solicit feedback from the stakeholders.

3 Communicate effectively and frequently

Communication is key to any successful project, especially when working with graphic designers and stakeholders. You need to communicate effectively and frequently with both parties, using the appropriate channels and methods. For example, you can use email or chat for simple updates and reminders, but use video calls or face-to-face meetings for more complex discussions and presentations. You also need to communicate clearly and respectfully, using specific and actionable language, avoiding jargon and ambiguity, and acknowledging different opinions and perspectives. You also need to communicate frequently, but not excessively, to keep everyone informed and engaged, but not overwhelmed or annoyed.

4 Manage feedback and revisions

One of the most challenging aspects of working with graphic designers and stakeholders is managing feedback and revisions. Feedback is essential for improving the design quality and meeting the project goals, but it can also be subjective, conflicting, or unrealistic. As a project manager, you need to manage feedback and revisions in a way that balances the needs and expectations of the designers and the stakeholders. You need to establish a clear and consistent feedback process, using tools like online forms, surveys, or platforms that allow commenting and annotating on the design files. You also need to filter and prioritize the feedback, ensuring that it is relevant, constructive, and aligned with the project goals and scope. You also need to set realistic and reasonable expectations for the number and scope of revisions, and communicate them to the designers and the stakeholders.

5 Appreciate and celebrate the work

Finally, working with graphic designers and stakeholders on a project can be rewarding if you appreciate and celebrate the work that has been done. Graphic design is a creative and collaborative endeavor that requires hard work, skill, and passion. As a project manager, you need to appreciate and celebrate the work of the designers and the stakeholders, recognizing their contributions, achievements, and challenges. You can show your appreciation and celebration by giving positive feedback, expressing gratitude, sharing the results and impact of the project, and celebrating milestones and successes. By doing so, you can build trust, rapport, and satisfaction among the designers and the stakeholders, and foster a positive and productive working relationship.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?