- You've finalized the brand strategy message,
identity system, standards manual and vision book.
Now it's time to pass everything over to the client.
I typically suggest that I design everything
for the first year to work out any kinks
and make sure that it stays on track.
This allows for changes that may need to happen
as the system is in use.
And something always is adjusted,
such as the typeface has issues
with certain software or the blue logo
is the only one anyone uses.
But that isn't always possible.
In those instances,
the baby is turned over to its new parents.
Creating and organizing all the files
is a critical process.
Someone else who knows nothing about the project
may need to work with the identity system elements.
The files must be as clear as possible
and hopefully protected from tampering.
First, every logo should be set up on its own page.
All fonts and rules should be outlined.
The logo should be grouped as a whole.
Each color version has been saved
and named specifically as Logo_CMYK,
Logo_RGB, Logo_black and Logo_white.
The color palette is the same.
Place the entire palette on one page.
Eliminate any unused colors
from the swatch palette.
Add all used colors to the swatches.
Save three versions:
a CMYK, RGB, and Pantone color one.
It's not legal to turn over a font
that you purchased for yourself to the client.
The license belongs to you.
They will need to purchase that typeface themselves
or you can purchase a license for the client.
Add a folder for typefaces
and put a document in there
that lists any typefaces in the system
and where to purchase them.
Any imagery that exists
should be placed in an image library folder.
Again, as CMYK and RGB versions,
and black and white if that is part of the visual system.
Once all of the elements have been saved and named,
I make a directory of the files
with clear naming by category.
Save this as a PDF on one page
and add to the online standards manual.
If you've marked everything clearly
and made sure the files match their names,
another user should be able to find the correct file
for whatever project he or she is doing.
Look it over one last time
from the viewpoint of someone new to the system.
Is it understandable?
Can I find the right logo, typeface and color palette?
While I hope it ends up in the hands
of another good designer,
it may be accessed by someone unfamiliar
with the technical issues.
On the PDF, I add a line of text
that helps clarify this,
such as use RGB if the logo is on screen.
Use CMYK if it will be printed.
Now, here is the hardest part of the whole job.
You've created an amazing solution with time,
hard work and energy
but you are now sending it out into the world on its own.
It isn't yours anymore.
Like a teenager leaving home for the first time,
you can only hope you've provided the best information
and guidelines and it will succeed.