How to choose the right Annual Report Design Agency for your Company
If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.
Confucius
Annual reports are more than just information, facts and figures.
Annual reports should look good.
They should be 'on brand', tell your story and communicate your successes across the year that was, while establishing your vision and promise for the year to come.
Why not make a memorable statement with your next annual report?
To help you take your annual report to the next level, we have put together a checklist of key points to consider when choosing the right design agency for this important project.
Annual Report Designers
Quality design lays at the heart of every great Annual Report.
It is all about the design. The layout, the brand, the colours, the style, the message.
To make your report even better than in previous years, you will need to find the right graphic design team.
Seek a design agency that has extensive experience across a wide range of sectors. Review recent works and discuss potential creative design solutions.
Take the time to communicate your goals clearly. Learn about their design process.
Annual Report Design Elements
Effective annual report design is the sum of many parts.
With a greater understanding of the annual report design process, you will be better equipped to find the right design team who can realise your vision for your project.
The key parts of the annual report design process are listed here:
1. The Concept, Brand & Story
Keep in mind that your brand tells your story in a range of ways. It is critical that your brand story infuse all of your company communications. This is particularly so with regards to your annual report.
Ensure that your annual report presents your brand and story clearly throughout. This will ensure reader engagement.
2. Consider Integrating Infographics
Remember, people take in information best visually. Infographics are a great addition to every annual report and can be further integrated into other company publications to help educate and inform shareholders, clients and prospects.
3. Typography – Where Presentation Meets Education
Typography requires a great deal of creative experience to work effectively.
The key point, with regards to typography, is that it must be readable for your audience. If font sizes are too small, for example, the balance between design and functionality can be compromised.
When approving typographic layouts - always think of your reader first. Can they read the information? Is the layout conducive to promoting understanding?
4. Annual Report Size & Formats
Gone are the days when every annual report had to conform to A4 size.
While A4 size is still preferred for a wide variety of reports, that does not have to be the case.
Increasing, annual reports are no longer printed - instead they are in an easy to read digital format. Some annual reports even have dedicated websites, or web pages.
Talk to an annual report design agency that has experience is designing print reports as well as digital reports. Discuss your options. A digital annual report will save you money on printing, as well as offer easier distribution amongst stakeholders.
Many options exist out there. Talk to an agency that can help you discover what is the best fit for your company.
5. A Design Partnership Built On Trust
Above all else, strive to find an agency that you trust.
Look for positive people that will get in and get the work done ahead of schedule.
The Annual Report Design Process
Get to know every stage of the design process.
Every annual report project should start with lots of questions and comprehensive research.
A dedicated annual report design process will consist of the following steps:
Research, planning and objectives overview
Creative direction and design concept delivery
Initial designs, style and layouts formulated for review
Content review including data, infographics, images and more
Design development including review and refinement
Final design approval, proof-reading, editing and sign off
Production - print or digital
Final delivery and distribution
Above all, find an agency that will deliver on its promises.
A proactive approach is favoured at all times. Ensure that you - and any other stakeholders - are kept in the loop.
Make your Annual Report be the best it come be with beautiful design.
Are you looking for a trusted Annual Report Design Agency?
At Roundhouse, we understand the importance of delivering a world class annual report to your stakeholders. Talk to us to learn more about how to grow your business with our dedicated range of annual report design services.
We are here to help.
Get started now. Contact us here.
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phone : 1300 727 749
email : us@roundhouse.cc
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Author - Saul Edmonds
Roundhouse - The Creative Agency
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