Some graphic designers are purely decorative. They play with color and layouts until they have a “pleasing arrangement” and then they are done.
I don’t work that way. I always start by identifying the key qualities that best define your product or service along with the image that is appropriate and helpful to you. For example, a brochure design for a bank should not look or feel like a sales brochure for a cosmetic line. So the first step for me is to THINK. I don’t use templates. I start from scratch with each project. Before I begin designing on my computer, I think about what is unique and special about your particular company. How do I distinguish you from the competition? What would I do to promote your company if it were mine?