How to Brief a Designer So You Get What You Actually Want
Briefing a designer should be easy, right? But if you've ever ended up with work that felt totally off-brand - or required 47 rounds of changes - you know it’s not always that simple.
The truth? Most design “fails” come down to the brief, not the talent. That’s why knowing how to communicate what you want (and why) is essential for creative projects that save time, deliver results, and feel exactly right.
Here’s how to get it right from the start:
Got a project in mind and want to get in touch?
1. Clearly Define the Goal
What is this design supposed to do? Sell a product? Educate your customer? Attract email signups?
Design is problem-solving, so we need to know what problem we’re solving.
2. Provide Brand Guidelines or Key Assets
If you’ve got brand guidelines, share them. If not, send your logo files, your colour palette, your go-to fonts, and a few words on your brand’s tone of voice. The more consistent your assets, the more cohesive the design. If you haven’t got these (this might be your problem anyway!) let us know…we can help!
3. Share Visual Examples of What You Love (and Don’t)
Saying “We want something modern” means 100 different things to 100 different people. Sharing screenshots, moodboards or Pinterest links gives us a visual starting point to build from and keeps surprises to a minimum.
4. Include Final Copy, Assets and Deadlines
Great design needs great content. If you send final copy, product images, logos and call-to-actions upfront, your designer can focus on design, not chasing you for files. Clear deadlines also allow for better project management (and fewer late-night revisions).
5. Give Specific, Honest Feedback
Vague phrases like “make it pop” or “can you jazz it up?” can lead to misinterpretation and frustration on both sides. Instead, describe how you want the design to feel - stronger, more elegant, more approachable, etc.
Bonus: Your Designer is Your Partner
At Soley Creative, we don’t expect our clients to be expert brief writers. We guide you through every stage, ask the right questions, and help translate your ideas into something visual, strategic and high-performing.
Whether it’s a one-off Klaviyo email design or a full website build, our process makes working with a designer feel like working with a creative co-founder.
📞 Ready to work with a team that just gets what you’re after? Let’s make your next project the smoothest one yet!
