The Graphic Design Workflow | Organising Files & Documents

In this video, I show you how I organize all my design folders and files for client work. If you're a freelancer that bases his payments and security around the work you're doing, these files mean the world to you! So having a backup system in place to minimize the chances of data corruption on your hard drive could save the day when it comes!



Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed this video!

If there's anything you would like me to cover in a Youtube Video, then let me know by commenting down below!

If you like what I do, and you want to partner with me:

If you would like me to design you a logo, poster or anything for your Youtube Channel or business, then I'm your man! I would love to work with you to make what you want a reality! Check out my website and portfolio for more information.

[willpatersondesign]

hope you guys enjoy the video! Let me know your workflow enhancements in the comments below! <3

[sinlokemp]

I use ‘ABCDE’ folder management. A- Assets, B- Business (Invoice etc), C-Client (Doc, inputs, feedback’s), D- Design, E-Export (Final copies)

[SaltLake]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I am an experienced designer but always ended up making a mess of my folders.
Thanks a lot.

[mlaforet]

I have a folder at the very top of my Clients folder called "--Template".
This allows me to keep each client folder very consistent. Inside the folder, there are a few different sub-folders:

Administration - any client documents, mood boards, briefs, etc.
Final - This is all final files and mockups
Originals - files client sends me, references they've passed over, etc
Working - any working or in progress files. NEVER final files
Media - any built media i've created and/or are using for this project. Images, vector icons, etc.

The nice thing about this is that if they are recurring clients, then I can create folders after the first client name folder and have project titles ("2017mar-logo", "2017nov-web", etc.) and house those five folders in there.

[TheBloodfire]

I must say Will, the other week I was out looking for Hand lettering/Calligraphy stuff and I found this neat little book called "Learn in 15 Minutes: Calligraphy" and I bought it. When i came home i opened it up and i saw a picture of you in there. I was mighty suprised and when I looked on the front cover of the book and there it was. Your name. And that just made my day. Thank you so much for making that book. it's been a great inspiration source!

[jaseylove]

Not boring at all - these are the kind of things you have to be on top of.

[timothysolly]

The "boring" stuff is essential though. Great video! I am pretty organized myself, but I do enjoy seeing how the pros keep their workspace efficient.

[OutputzBeatz]

I'd love to see a video on what your final brand guidelines file looks like and why. Love the content!

[cweb]

this is actually exactly what I could use some tips on. I know my workflow is really disorganized. I'm sure it's boring to make a video about....but SUPER helpful to see what other designers workflow is.

[SergioTheOne]

Thanks for the video! I’m getting a new computer this week and I was thinking about how I could be more organized from the get go. This helps a lot! 🙌🏼

[melaniejonassen]

I never name things "final", that's how you get final.jpg, real_final.jpg, final_final.jpg, ACTUAL FINAL.jpg haha :P
I always just name things _V1, _V2, _V3 (version).

[charliewilson]

Thanks for a look inside your process. As I start my creative process it is nice to see that I am on the right track.

[TheLondonForever]

My system is as follows...

File system for Graphics:

1. Administration/Finances
2. ‎Design Brief
3. ‎Images - Approved Originals/ Optimized
4. ‎Research/Mind Maps/Mood Boards
6. ‎Linear Sketches/Layouts
7. ‎Concepts
8. ‎Revisions
9. ‎Mockups
10. Final Accepted Design
11. Deliverables

[stephh_nz]

Hi Will, do you do a brand standard guide so your clients know how they should and shouldn’t use the logo to maintain consistency? Colours, clear space, orientation etc?

[jacktodd]

Thanks for this Will! Not a lot of designers do videos like this. So this is super helpful! Good work mate!

[checkem]

This video ain't boring! I needed this video!

[jocelynfernandez]

Great tips! I am a graphic design project manager. Thanks very much for this video :)

[Silly_Oak]

I keep a folder on my work computer, a copy on google drive and sometimes a copy on a usb drive I keep on me.

For final product I usually email the client a zipped file as well as a google drive link (Not always the client's business email allow attachments).
The folder will usually contain a Logo Guideline PDF (font name, colours, restrictions) and 3 sub-folders.
Workfile folder for .ai and .eps files,
Image folder for png images (B/W, colour & transparent backgrounds),
And a folder for mock-ups (some clients I have are the middleman for their own clients and would like a presentation file to show them).

[dinorawruh]

Not weird at all! This is definitely something people don't talk about but it's really important to have a organized way of managing files. So how often do you copy the files to your hard drive? You said a week prior, not sure what you mean by that since you update your files every day?

[Jivolt]

When I saw the video thumbnail, I thought I designed it. I'm a big fan of Gotham in 2-colors. Big fan.