What to Look for When Hiring A Graphic Designer
Ready to finally make the leap and have a better brand design? Finally making the decision to invest in a quality graphic designer is a big one, especially when it comes to big projects like a website. There are tons of horror stories out there when it comes to hiring one, but finding the right one will make all the difference in growing your business. We put together a short checklist of things to look for when you’re shopping around for a graphic designer.
Check the Experience of the Graphic Designer
When you are hiring anybody for a job, it is very important to make sure they have relevant work experience. This goes the same for graphic designers or marketing agencies who have them in-house. You will want graphic designers who work for similar businesses as yours and have experience in your industry, or similar ones. This is because they will already have a good feel for your target audience and what they like.
In addition to looking at a past client list, ask to take a look at their portfolio. This is so you can see if their creativity aligns with your vision. If it’s starkly different, chances of you getting what you truly want will be low. In addition to checking their portfolio, make sure the designer or the marketing agency that employs them have a wealth of testimonials. You want to make sure that not only the work is good, but the experience of working with them is good, too.
Pay Attention to Their Communication
A good, confident graphic designer will have no problem freely communicating their ideas or vision with you. If they are being quiet and letting you lead the way with design, chances are they are not confident with your vision. You will also want to make sure they reply to you within a timely manner and can clearly communicate expectations and next steps along the way.
What to Look for When Hiring A Graphic Designer
Heed Their Advice
Graphic designers are professionals at what they do, and most of them will have no problem giving you advice or recommendations along the way. While you may feel like you are set in your vision, it is important to listen to your graphic designer and take their recommendations. They know the latest industry trends and what people are looking for. It is their job, after all.
See What The Graphic Designer Needs from You
Once you hire a graphic designer, they will need some assets from you. This can include login information, logos, colors, brand books or anything logistical that you may have to give to them. Your graphic designer may also request for you to fill out a discovery worksheet, request to have meetings or calls with you or request interviews with other key people at your company. Make sure you have the graphic designer lay these expectations out for you so that you can make sure you have time for all of it. If you are able to give the graphic designer everything they need to be able to do their job as quickly as possible, there will be less back-and-forth and it will be easier on everyone involved.
Working with an Agency
While there is no shortage of freelance graphic designers, hiring a graphic designer who works at an agency comes with tons of advantages. While it may be a little bit more expensive than a freelance graphic designer, you will receive a lot of benefits. This includes such things as other marketers giving you an expert opinion, a project manager to help things run smoothly, an array of graphic designers to work on your project and much more. If you’re interested in getting started, let us know! Our in-house graphic designers have been creating award-winning work for years.
