For me, the design starts with research, then it moves to brainstorming or idea webs, then to pencil and paper. After many iterations I settle on a design and refine it. This design was created for new Graphic Design Students. I wanted to tell a story and show the growth of a designer with the metaphor of the paper airplane.
Zine design printed, cut and folded.
Flat version of the design.
This is an example of the third part of my process, pencil sketches. Rough sketches of designs before the digital stage helps me create quick designs from my initial ideas quickly. This makes it easier eliminate not well-thought out ideas early on in the design process.