Designers often create stunning and innovative designs, but struggle when it comes to getting their work noticed by companies. Whether it’s a logo, product design, or graphics, submitting designs to companies can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and a step-by-step guide, designers can maximize their chances of success and showcase their talent to potential clients.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to submit designs to companies, providing designers with valuable insights and tips to navigate the submission process. By following this step-by-step approach, designers can effectively present their work and increase the possibility of collaboration with companies. From conducting thorough research on target companies to crafting a compelling design proposal, each step plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of decision-makers and standing out in a competitive market. Ultimately, this guide aims to empower designers and enhance their understanding of the submission process, making it easier for them to present their designs to companies and achieve their professional goals.
Research and Identify Target Companies
A. Understand the industry and market
Before submitting your designs to companies, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the industry and market that you are targeting. Research the current trends, customer preferences, and competitor offerings. This will help you identify the companies that are likely to be interested in your designs.
B. Identify companies that accept design submissions
Once you have a good grasp of the industry, start making a list of companies that accept design submissions. Look for companies that align with your design style and philosophy. Check their websites, social media pages, and industry publications to find out if they have any open calls for submissions or specific guidelines for designers.
Consider both large and small companies, as they may have different submission processes and opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to well-known brands; emerging companies often have a more open approach to design submissions and may provide valuable opportunities for exposure and collaboration.
Take note of any deadlines, submission requirements, or restrictions imposed by the companies. Some may only accept submissions during certain periods or have specific criteria that need to be met.
Remember that quality is more important than quantity. Focus on identifying a select few companies that best suit your design goals and values rather than submitting to every company you come across. This will increase your chances of success and allow you to put more effort into tailoring your submissions to each company.
By conducting thorough research and careful selection, you can ensure that your design submissions are targeted and have a higher probability of catching the attention of the companies you approach.
IStudy Company Guidelines and Requirements
A. Locate and review company guidelines
In order to successfully submit your designs to companies, it is crucial to thoroughly study and understand the specific guidelines and requirements set by each company. These guidelines can usually be found on the company’s official website or by contacting their design department directly.
When locating the guidelines, pay attention to any specific instructions regarding the type of designs they are looking for, the formats in which they accept submissions, and any additional materials they may require. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that your submission stands out and meets the company’s expectations.
Reviewing the company guidelines will also give you insight into their design aesthetic, values, and target audience. This information will help you tailor your submissions to align with the company’s brand and increase your chances of being selected.
B. Understand the design criteria and specifications
Once you have located and reviewed the company guidelines, it is essential to thoroughly understand the design criteria and specifications outlined by the company. This includes size, shape, color, materials, and any other relevant specifications that the company may require.
Understanding the design criteria will enable you to create designs that align with the company’s vision and meet their specific requirements. Failure to adhere to these specifications may result in your submission being disregarded.
In addition to the technical specifications, it is important to understand the design objectives and goals set by the company. This will help you create designs that effectively communicate the desired message or fulfill the intended purpose.
By studying the company guidelines and understanding the design criteria and specifications, you can ensure that your submissions are well-aligned with the company’s expectations and have a higher chance of being considered for further evaluation.
In the next section, we will discuss how to prepare your design portfolio and presentation, which is a crucial step in showcasing your skills and creativity to potential companies.
RecommendedPrepare Design Portfolio and Presentation
A. Create a professional portfolio showcasing designs
In order to successfully submit designs to companies, it is crucial to have a professional portfolio that showcases your work effectively. Your portfolio will be the primary tool used to impress and convince companies to consider your designs. Here are some steps to create a standout portfolio:
1. Select your best designs: Carefully curate your portfolio by selecting your best and most relevant designs. Choose designs that align with the company’s industry and target audience to demonstrate your understanding of their needs.
2. Show diversity and range: Include a variety of design projects to showcase your versatility and adaptability. This could include different styles, mediums, or categories of designs.
3. Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your strengths and unique skills through your portfolio. If you excel in a particular area, such as packaging design or illustration, make sure to include strong examples of your work in that area.
4. Organize your portfolio: Present your designs in a logical and visually appealing manner. Use consistent formatting, layout, and typography to create a cohesive and professional look. Consider using digital platforms or software specifically designed for portfolio creation, such as Adobe Portfolio or Behance.
B. Organize and present designs effectively and visually
Beyond creating a professional portfolio, how you organize and present your designs is equally important. Here are some tips to effectively present your designs:
1. Provide context: Include a brief description or background for each design, explaining the problem or client brief you were trying to solve. This will help companies understand your design process and the reasons behind your design choices.
2. Use high-quality images: Ensure that your designs are presented using high-resolution images that showcase the details and craftsmanship. Poor-quality images can detract from the overall impact of your designs.
3. Show design iterations: If applicable, include sketches, rough drafts, or design iterations that demonstrate your creative process. This shows your commitment to refining and improving your designs.
4. Consider presentation format: Depending on the company’s submission guidelines, you may need to choose between physical or digital presentation formats. Be prepared to adapt your portfolio accordingly.
By creating a professional portfolio and organizing your designs effectively, you increase your chances of impressing companies and convincing them to consider your submissions. Remember to continuously update and refine your portfolio as you create new designs or gain more experience. A well-curated and visually appealing portfolio will greatly enhance your chances of success in submitting designs to companies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter or Email
Introduction
Crafting a compelling cover letter or email is a crucial step in submitting designs to companies. This section will guide you through the process of introducing yourself effectively and explaining why you are interested in submitting your designs to the company.
Introduce yourself and your design background
When writing a cover letter or email, start by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your design background. Highlight your experience, relevant education, and any notable accomplishments that showcase your expertise in the field. This helps create a strong first impression and establishes your credibility as a designer.
Explain why you are interested in submitting designs to the company
Next, explain why you specifically chose to submit your designs to the company. Research the company thoroughly and identify aspects such as their brand values, design philosophy, or previous successful projects that resonate with your own design approach. Tailor your explanation to show that you are genuinely interested in collaborating with the company and contributing to their success.
Highlight the relevance and value of your designs
In your cover letter or email, emphasize the relevance and value of your designs to the company. Discuss how your designs align with the company’s target audience, market trends, and business goals. Use specific examples or case studies to demonstrate how your designs can solve problems or bring innovation to their products or services.
Keep it concise and engaging
While you want to provide enough information to pique the company’s interest, it is important to keep your cover letter or email concise and engaging. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and focus on highlighting the most crucial points that will make your submission stand out. Use a professional and friendly tone throughout, and ensure that your writing is free from grammatical errors.
Include a call to action
Conclude your cover letter or email with a clear and strong call to action. Invite the company to review your portfolio and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss your designs further. Provide your contact information and encourage them to reach out to you for any additional information they may require.
In conclusion, crafting a compelling cover letter or email plays a vital role in catching the attention of companies and convincing them to consider your design submissions. By introducing yourself effectively, showcasing your interest in the company, and highlighting the relevance and value of your designs, you increase your chances of success in the submission process. Keep your communication concise, engaging, and error-free, and don’t forget to include a strong call to action. With a well-crafted cover letter or email, you are one step closer to showcasing your design talents to the world.
Prepare Supporting Documents and Materials
A. Acquire necessary copyright permissions
Before submitting your designs to companies, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary copyright permissions in place. If your designs include elements or assets that are copyrighted by someone else, obtaining proper permission is crucial to avoid any legal issues.
Start by conducting a thorough review of your designs and identifying any copyrighted materials. This could include images, fonts, or even specific design techniques. Once you have identified these elements, reach out to the rightful owners or copyright holders to request permission to use their work in your design submissions.
It is important to keep all correspondence regarding copyright permissions documented and readily accessible. This will help protect yourself legally and demonstrate your commitment to ethical design practices.
B. Include product concept explanations or design narratives
When submitting your designs to companies, complementing them with product concept explanations or design narratives can greatly enhance their understanding and appeal. These explanations help the company visualize how your design fits within their brand, market, and target audience.
Craft a clear and concise product concept explanation that highlights the unique features and benefits of your design. Explain how it solves a problem or addresses a need in the market. Use persuasive language and exciting storytelling techniques to grab the company’s attention and make them envision the potential success of your design.
Additionally, consider including design narratives that provide insights into your creative process and inspiration behind the design. Sharing this information can help the company connect with your design on a deeper level and appreciate the thought and effort you put into it.
Remember to tailor your product concept explanations and design narratives to each company’s specific guidelines and requirements. Customizing your materials shows your dedication and attention to detail, increasing the likelihood of your submission being well-received.
By acquiring the necessary copyright permissions and including compelling product concept explanations or design narratives, you will strengthen your design submissions and increase their chances of standing out among others. Taking these steps demonstrates your professionalism, creativity, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Complete Submission Forms and Documentation
A. Fill out company-specific submission forms
Once you have prepared your design portfolio and supporting materials, you are ready to complete the submission forms required by the target companies. These submission forms are typically found on the company’s website or can be obtained by contacting their designated submission department.
Before filling out the forms, carefully review the instructions provided by the company. Pay close attention to any specific requirements or guidelines outlined in the form itself. This may include details such as the preferred format of the submission, the number of designs to be included, and any additional information or documents that need to be submitted alongside the form.
When filling out the form, provide accurate and complete information. Double-check the spelling and grammar to ensure a professional representation of yourself and your work. It is essential to follow any formatting guidelines provided by the company, such as font type, size, or file naming conventions.
B. Prepare required legal documents
In addition to the submission form, some companies may require you to include certain legal documents. These documents serve to protect both parties involved and establish the terms and conditions of the design submission.
Common legal documents that may be required include non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which protect your intellectual property and ensure the company does not share your designs without your permission. Other legal documents may include release forms, confirming that you hold the rights to the designs being submitted and granting the company the necessary permissions to review and potentially use your work.
Carefully read and understand the content of these legal documents before signing or submitting them. If you are uncertain about any aspect, consider seeking legal advice to ensure you protect your rights adequately.
By completing the company-specific submission forms and preparing the required legal documents, you demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to following the company’s submission process. This attention to detail increases your chances of being taken seriously by the company and enhances the overall impression of your submission.
Remember to keep copies of all the submission forms and legal documents for your records. It is also advisable to maintain a log or spreadsheet to track the companies you have submitted designs to, including their contact information and any important dates or follow-up actions required.
With the completion of the submission forms and documentation, you are one step closer to submitting your designs to companies. The next section will guide you through the process of submitting your designs electronically.
Submit Designs Electronically
A. Determine the appropriate file formats
When submitting your designs electronically, it is crucial to use the appropriate file formats to ensure compatibility and maintain the integrity of your designs. Most companies will specify the preferred file formats in their submission guidelines. Common file formats for designs include JPEG, PNG, PDF, and TIFF.
Before submitting, make sure to check the guidelines to see if there are any specific requirements for file resolution, color mode, or compression. It is also important to optimize your files for web or email submission to ensure fast and efficient delivery.
B. Use online platforms or specific submission portals provided by the company
Many companies have their own online platforms or submission portals for designers to submit their work. These platforms often streamline the submission process and provide a standardized format for submitting designs.
If the company provides a specific submission portal, follow the instructions and guidelines provided. This may include creating an account, uploading your files, and filling out any necessary forms. Online platforms and submission portals are designed to make the submission process more efficient and organized.
In cases where there is no specific platform or portal provided, you can submit your designs via email. Create a professional email with a clear subject line indicating your submission and attach the appropriate files. Make sure to include all the necessary information mentioned in the submission guidelines, such as your contact details, a brief description of your work, and any supporting documents.
When submitting via email, consider compressing your files into a ZIP folder to ensure that all the necessary files are included and reduce the email size. Additionally, if the files are too large to be attached to an email, you can use file-sharing services like Dropbox or Google Drive to share the files with the company.
Overall, electronic submission of designs allows for quick and efficient submission, particularly when using company-specific platforms or portals. By following the guidelines and using the appropriate file formats, you can ensure that your designs are received and reviewed without any technical issues.
Package and Send Physical Design Submissions
A. Determine packaging requirements to protect designs
When submitting physical design submissions, it is crucial to ensure that your designs are adequately protected during transit. Each company may have different packaging requirements to safeguard your designs from damage. It is essential to carefully review the company guidelines to determine the specific packaging requirements.
To protect your designs, consider using padded or rigid envelopes, bubble wrap, or foam inserts. Wrap each design individually to prevent any potential scratches or breakage during transportation. Additionally, consider including clear instructions to guide the recipient on how to handle and unpack the package safely.
B. Choose a reliable and trackable shipping method
Choosing a reliable and trackable shipping method is crucial to ensure the safe delivery of your physical design submissions to the company. Research different shipping carriers and select one that provides tracking services and insurance for your package.
Consider using established shipping companies such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL, as they offer reliable package tracking and insurance options. These carriers also have experience handling delicate and valuable items, which is essential when sending your designs.
When shipping your package, make sure to securely seal it and affix the shipping label provided by the carrier. Retain the tracking number provided to monitor the progress of your shipment. It is also advisable to inform the company of the expected delivery date and provide them with the tracking number, ensuring they are aware of the incoming package.
In the event that the company requires you to cover the shipping costs, consider calculating the shipping expenses in advance to accurately determine the cost. This information can also be used when sending the invoice to the company, if necessary.
By following the packaging requirements and selecting a reliable shipping method, you can be confident that your physical design submissions will arrive at the company’s location intact and ready for evaluation.
Overall, the packaging and sending process for physical design submissions requires careful attention to detail to prevent damage during transit. By adhering to the company’s packaging guidelines and using a reputable shipping method, you can ensure that your designs reach their destination safely, maximizing the chances of a successful evaluation.
Maintain Professionalism and Follow-Up
Submitting designs to companies is just the first step in a potentially long and rewarding journey. To increase your chances of success, it is crucial to maintain professionalism and follow up with the companies you have submitted to. This section will provide you with some important tips on how to do just that.
A. Confirm receipt of submission with the company
After submitting your designs, it is essential to confirm that the company has indeed received your submission. This can help alleviate any worries or uncertainties you may have regarding the status of your designs. The simplest way to do this is by sending a polite email to the appropriate contact person at the company, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to submit your designs and kindly requesting confirmation of receipt.
B. Follow up after an appropriate period to inquire about the status of your submission
While it can be tempting to immediately inquire about the status of your submission, it is important to give the company enough time to review your designs before following up. It is recommended to wait for a reasonable period, such as a few weeks or as specified by the company’s guidelines, before sending a follow-up email. In this email, you can politely inquire about the status of your submission, express your continued interest in working with the company, and offer any additional information or materials they may require.
Maintaining professionalism throughout the entire process is crucial. Remember to avoid being pushy or impatient when following up, and always express gratitude for the opportunity and their time.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that receiving a rejection is a possibility. If you do receive a rejection, handle it gracefully and professionally. Thank the company for their time and consideration, and ask if they can provide any feedback or insights that could help you improve your portfolio or future submissions.
Lastly, don’t let rejections discourage you. Use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep submitting your designs to other companies and continue improving your portfolio. Success often comes with persistence and a willingness to learn from feedback.
It is always important to protect your intellectual property rights throughout the submission process. Section 11 will provide you with valuable information on copyright laws and additional legal measures you can consider.
In conclusion, maintaining professionalism and following up with companies is an essential part of the design submission process. By confirming receipt, following up at the appropriate time, handling rejections gracefully, and persevering through continuous submissions, you increase your chances of success. So, take action, submit your designs, and keep pushing forward towards your dreams of working with companies as a professional designer.
Protect Intellectual Property Rights
A. Understand copyright laws and protections
In the process of submitting designs to companies, it is crucial to understand and protect your intellectual property rights. Copyright laws exist to grant exclusive rights to creators, including designers, over their original works. By understanding these laws, designers can safeguard their designs and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction.
When submitting designs to companies, it is important to research and understand the copyright laws in your jurisdiction. Familiarize yourself with the duration of copyright protection, which typically extends for the creator’s lifetime plus a certain number of years. This knowledge will help you ensure that your designs are protected for as long as possible.
To further protect your designs, consider marking them with a copyright symbol (©), along with your name and the year of creation. This notification will inform others that your designs are protected and that unauthorized use may result in legal consequences.
B. Research and consider additional legal measures if necessary
While copyright laws provide fundamental protection, designers may consider additional legal measures to further safeguard their intellectual property. One such measure is registering your designs with the appropriate intellectual property office in your country. Registration offers several advantages, including a presumption of ownership and the ability to file lawsuits against infringers.
Furthermore, designers may want to explore non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when submitting designs to companies. An NDA is a legal contract that establishes confidentiality between the parties involved, limiting the company’s ability to use or disclose your designs without your permission.
Designers should also be cautious when sharing their work online or with individuals who are not bound by an NDA. Watermarking your designs or only sharing low-resolution versions can provide an added layer of protection against unauthorized use.
In conclusion, protecting your intellectual property rights is essential when submitting designs to companies. By understanding copyright laws, marking your designs, and considering additional legal measures such as registration and NDAs, you can ensure that your designs are safeguarded. Taking these steps will provide peace of mind and increase your chances of preserving the value and integrity of your original work.
Learn from Rejections and Keep Submitting
A. Embrace constructive feedback and learn from it
Receiving rejections for your submitted designs can be disheartening, but it is essential to view them as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Instead of becoming discouraged, embrace constructive feedback and use it to enhance your skills and future submissions.
When you receive feedback, carefully analyze it and try to understand the reasons for the rejection. Consider reaching out to the company or individual who reviewed your designs to gain further insight. This communication can provide valuable guidance on areas that need improvement or specific preferences of the company.
By understanding the reasons behind the rejection, you can identify areas of weakness and work on enhancing them. Take the feedback as a learning experience and an opportunity to further develop your design skills. Look for patterns or recurring comments in the feedback to identify common areas of improvement.
Remember that rejection is a normal part of the design submission process, and even renowned designers face rejection at times. Take inspiration from successful designers who have faced rejection but continued to improve and eventually achieve success. Use their stories as motivation to persevere and keep submitting your designs.
B. Continue submitting designs to other companies and improve your portfolio
Receiving rejections does not mean the end of your journey as a designer. It is crucial to continue submitting your designs to other companies and expanding your portfolio. Each submission presents an opportunity to showcase your skills and potentially secure a partnership or collaboration.
Take the feedback you received from rejections and use it to refine your portfolio. Identify the areas that need improvement and dedicate time to enhancing those skills. Continually update your portfolio with new and innovative designs that demonstrate your growth as a designer. As you accumulate a diverse range of designs, you increase your chances of finding a company that aligns with your style and vision.
Actively seek out new companies that accept design submissions and conduct thorough research on their guidelines and requirements. Each company may have unique preferences, and tailoring your submissions accordingly increases the chances of success. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and incorporate them into your designs to demonstrate your versatility and relevance.
Lastly, maintain a positive mindset throughout the process. Rejections are a natural part of the journey, but they should not deter you from pursuing your passion. Keep learning, growing, and submitting. With persistence and continuous improvement, the right opportunity will come along, and your designs will find their place in the market.
Remember, the most successful designers faced numerous rejections before finding their breakthrough. Learn from rejections, adapt your approach, and never stop pursuing your dream of collaborating with companies and bringing your designs to life.