The Benefits of Project Management for Graphic Designers

Design Theory Feb 21, 2023

Typography can play a critical role in the success of any graphic design project. It is the art of arranging type, typefaces, and fonts to create visual appeal, communicate a message, and convey meaning. A skilled typographer understands how various elements of type can work together to create an effective, eye-catching design. This means that project management and typography go hand-in-hand, as the two disciplines are closely intertwined. By understanding the fundamentals of project management and including typography, successful graphic design projects can be achieved.

Project Management

Project management is essential for successful graphic design projects. It sets a timeline, defines tasks, and sets up team roles so everyone is on the same page. Applying project management to typography requires a thoughtful approach. First, it starts with the designer's vision. The designer should determine their desired typography style and make sure that the overall aesthetic of the project matches that of the typefaces used. Once the designer has an idea of the typefaces they want to use, it’s important to decide how the type will be employed in the design. Consider the following:

How will the typography be used in the overall design?
What size should the type be?
What attributes should the type have?
What font families should be used?

Techniques and Testing

Project management and typography go even deeper than the selection process of typefaces. It's critical to understand the fundamentals of typography, such as kerning, tracking, and leading techniques. Kerning is the process of adjusting the space between two characters so that they don't appear too close together or too far apart. Tracking, on the other hand, adjusts the space between multiple characters. Leading adjusts the space between lines of type. Understanding these techniques is essential for creating a successful and cohesive design.

When using project management for typography, it is important to keep the goal of the project in mind and stay on track. A clear timeline can help the team stay organized, with milestones and deliverables to reach along the way. Celebrating successful deliverables and milestones is essential to staying motivated and on track. When it comes to project management for typography, patience, and flexibility are key, as typography can take trial and error to get it just right.

The final step in project management for typography is testing. For example, designers should test the typography on multiple devices and in different environments to make sure it looks right and displays properly. Knowing how a design will look on various platforms is necessary for success.

Conclusion

Project management and typography go hand-in-hand and when the two are combined, graphic design projects can be successful. It is important to be mindful of the design process, selecting and organizing the fonts, understanding techniques, and setting clear milestones. Ultimately, testing and patience will be beneficial to ensure the project runs smoothly and delivers great results.