Designers and clients create creative briefs (also called design briefs) during their early interactions. By referring back to these documents throughout the course of a project, stakeholders can recognize milestones and achievements. Creative briefs keep teams on track, maintain project focus, and avoid the ever-present temptation of “mission creep.”
Main Sections:: General Information, Project Overview/Scope, Project Objectives, Target Audience, Deliverables, Resources, Timeline, Budget, Comments
This section identifies the project, the client, and the date for quick and easy reference.
What is the project about?
What’s your purpose with the project? What KPIs (key performance identifiers) do you want the project to effect after completion?
Identify your primary and secondary demographics.
Specify the particulars you want your contractor to deliver (images, videos, text, etc.).
List the resources you want your contractor to copy with (or use) for the project - such as brand style guides, color palettes, fonts, existing creatives, etc.
Schedule key milestones based on deliverables from initial meetings to your final deadline.
List the overall project budget, including budgets for project phases and supply costs (if applicable).
Include all information necessary for comprehensive communication with clients.
So, what does “brief” mean? Just as the name implies, a creative brief offers all the information about a project at a glance. To master the art of writing creative briefs, create a balance between two factors:
1. Include relevant and thorough information about all aspects of the project.
2. Avoid creating a “can’t see the forest for the trees” situation by linking to comprehensive spreadsheets, detailed explanations, and related research in your comments.
PACKAGING MATTERS – no matter what template you decide to use, be sure to specify all design, deliverable, cost, and deadline information in your creative brief.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION can resolve all kinds of expensive issues before they arise. Make sure you and your contractors are on the same page and enjoy a smooth and drama-free collaboration!
If you work closely with freelancers and want them to log their schedules, use Toggl. By comparing this information to your creative brief, you’ll know exactly where you stand – and how to keep your project on track to successful completion!
Try Toggl for free