How one Desk Studio job gets from roughs to sign-off

Description and use

Desk Studio workflow involves creating roughs, selecting a direction, polishing, proofing for mechanical checks, and rubric scoring, culminating in final sign‑off.

Problem

Deciding when a design job is truly finished and ensuring all mechanical and aesthetic checks are met before sign‑off.

Outcome

The launch card achieved a final score of 8.9 after three polish rounds, with proof checks passing in every round and the final rubric meeting all thresholds, costing $1.34.

Workflow

• Create three roughs (editorial split, type only, frame)
• Art Director selects a rough and records pick reason
• Move to builder tier for polish rounds
• Run proof checks for text contrast, overflow, safe zones, palette, type scale, and required copy
• If proof fails, return to builder with screenshot
• If proof passes, run Creative Director rubric scoring (hierarchy, typography, spacing, colour, composition, originality, brand fit, copy)
• If any axis <8 or average <8.5, return to builder for another polish round
• Repeat until all rubric criteria met and final score ≥8.5
• Sign off the final design

Evidence

The launch card started with three directions: editorial split, type only, and frame.

Source

The Art Director chose rough 2, the type-only direction.

Source

The launch card passed proof in every round.

Source

The Creative Director scores hierarchy, typography, spacing, colour, composition, originality, brand fit and copy.

Source

Its first round averaged 8.4, with originality at 7. The next round reached an average of 8.5, but originality was still 7, so it failed again.

Source