1.Research & Concept
Graphic and Web Design is about conveying information. In order to convey information, one must be well informed.
This is why I start each design process with research and concepting. Not only does it help narrow the idea scope, it helps direct the design in a suitable manner. Before I even open an Adobe product I brainstorm on paper.
2.Design & Tweak
After I have narrowed down my doodles and thumbnails to a few designs that have the potential of being finished products, I start to create the artwork for the design. This stage can cycle through itself several times.
Once I have what I feel is a rough product, I hand it over to the someone for critique. It is good to have another set of eyes looking through your work. Good feedback can make the next step run smoothly, bad feedback and bad critique can send someone back to step 1.
3.Deliver
Make it presentable. Nothing sales a good design like good design. I have often noticed that my design projects get a better review when the presentation looks nice, and most of all it shows professionalism.