One of the most efficient ways to build the graphics for your company is to start with the seed of an idea, and expand it from there. When you are looking for a starting point, write down the smallest of ideas in a portable notebook or paper pad. For those of you who are e-savvy, create a file on your blackberry, and keep these important tidbits in it.

Some ideas will hit you with force, and others may just float in on a cloud. As you write them down, review some of your older ideas. You may come across a past idea that doesn't seem to hold the weight that it used to when you were in the moment. Cross it off and move on. When your list is substantial enough, say 20 ideas, schedule and commit to a think-tank session with yourself only, or add a few or your associates to bounce these ideas around.

Choose people that you can take honest criticism from, and decide beforehand that you will not take their comments personally,since theses tidbits of info are your captive babies. Plan a barbeque with your buddies over a few beers - or a wine & cheese with the ladies. Whatever suits you the best.

Once you have narrowed the finalists down to no more than 3 ideas, create some rough sketches or doodles based on them. Even though you may not be a professional artist, this gives your design a good starting point from which to work.

You may even add a tag line at this point. Be reasonable and be brief with it. This is a short sentence which you can choose to emphasize characteristics regarding your product or service. It is usually used to reinforce brand recognition, de-emphasize competitors negative aspects, or just restate the obvious.

Remember not to get too crazy with the development of visual concept, at least not in the initial stages. There is such a thing as too much information. Your designer will thank you (maybe in not so many words), for not overloading them with concepts in the, well, conceptualization stages of designing your corporate ID.

Bring your open mind to the table when your designer is ready to present. You may have designated them to develop all 3 of your concepts. Sit back and let their creative juices flow as you take in their influences on your concepts. Being honest with them at this stage will be appreciated. If you are not direct, time could be wasted on a design less desirable plan.

As a last resort, for those of you who are not afraid to admit you do not have a creative bone in your body, leave all of the design work up to your graphics professional. Meet with them to share your vision and ideas. Don't be afraid to discuss colours and influences. This process may cost a bit more due to the extra time that your design has to designate to your project in the development stages, but it may very well be worth it in the end.

If you build and honest relationship, it will reap beneficial rewards on you both, as client and advisor!

Cyndy Robinson is a Communications Consultant and Graphic Designer. She operates her own business at http://www.webdocdev.com which is interactive and informative. Here you can sign up for her monthly newsletter "Blerbb!" and voice your communication by communicating your voice.

She is also employed for the business consulting company BizXcel which publishes Generating Greatness, the bi-weekly ezine for business professionals. You can access her articles here under the name Cyndythia Robinson.

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