Duties, responsibilities and delivered design files
Roles, responsibilities and submitted design files
Design decisions
The visual order of the content, typography, color and layout are the main workspace of the designer.
Content and approval
The customer is responsible for product information, price, usage permission and published claims.
Technical implementation
File specifications and application conditions are discussed with the print manufacturer or developer at the design stage.
Graphic designer is someone who organizes texts and images for a specific communication purpose. The Turkish terms ‘grafik tasarımcı’ and ‘grafik tasarımcısı’ describe the same profession, rather than separate specialisms. On this page, I explain the limits of responsibility rather than the name of the profession: what decisions I make as Selçuk Aker, what information I expect from you and what files I deliver.
Where does the graphic designer's responsibility begin?
The designer is not limited to being an operator that directly inserts the given content. A designer questions the priority of the message, determines which information will be displayed together, and develops solutions suitable for the usage environment. For example, separating technical specifications and marketing description in the catalogue; Noticing the product name and weight on the packaging is the result of these decisions.
However, making a design decision does not mean endorsing the technical accuracy of the product or all commercial claims. Price, ingredients, certification, product features and necessary declarations must be verified by the brand. I address the visual layout and readability of this information.
Task sharing between design, text and production
Copywriting, photography and translation are not automatic parts of every design proposal. If these are required in the project, the person who will prepare them and the approval process are determined from the beginning. The permission to use a ready-made photograph or the license of a paid font does not become unlimited by adding it to the file.
For print work, the printer supplies requirements for materials, colour reproduction and production methods. On a web project, the developer handles technical components, performance and implementation. The designer's duty is to ensure that the work he delivers is organized in a way that can be understood by these teams. The need for additional coordination is written into the scope of work.
Which files will you receive?
- Vector versions and usage outputs agreed upon in the logo study.
- Print file approved in catalog or brochure and separate version for display if desired.
- Surfaces and approval previews prepared according to the manufacturer's technical drawing in the packaging.
- Descriptions of screens, components and interactions agreed upon in the interface.
The scope of the editable source file, linked images and licenses are described in the proposal. Just a low-resolution preview doesn't deliver enough for every use. Filenames and version order are also important to prevent misprints or use of outdated content in subsequent updates.
Separation of responsibilities in my work
In Pedaş's catalog and packaging works, visual identity, information layout and design files to be produced are interrelated. In the interface designs I made for ERP Software and Danone, the layout of the screens is at the forefront. While explaining the design role of these studies, I do not assume the responsibility of the software team or the manufacturer. You can look at my real work examples with this separation of duties.
Checking files before handover
We check the text, contact information, product variant, size and file version together before final approval. Pooling review comments in a single list prevents a previous revision from being lost. You can find these stages in the graphic design process and the quote comparison in the designer selection checklist.
Frequently asked questions about graphic designer
Do ‘grafiker’ and ‘grafik tasarımcısı’ mean different jobs?
Tasks may overlap in job postings and daily use. Rather than the title, it is more revealing to look at the person's portfolio, design decisions and deliverables.
Is the PDF sent by the designer ready for printing?
Having a PDF alone is not enough. Dimensions, bleed, image quality and technical specifications expected by the manufacturer must be checked.
Can I give the source file to another designer?
It is possible if the conditions of delivery and use allow it. Transfer conditions for fonts, stock images and other licensed items should be checked separately.
Does the designer approve product texts?
The designer evaluates layout and readability. The accuracy of the product information and approval of the necessary declarations remain with the designated brand representative.
Preparation for the first meeting
Share your requirements and existing content so we can agree on the design scope, responsibilities and deliverables.
- List of materials to be designed
- People responsible for content, approval and production
- Expected source file and usage formats
