choosing the right designer for your business
Have a graphic design or branding project but feeling overwhelmed trying to choose the right person for the job? For a lot of people, hiring a designer can be an intimidating process.
‘What if I don't gel with the artist I choose?’
‘What if they don't understand my vision?’
‘What if they think my ideas are silly?’
‘What if...?’
Choosing a designer you feel a connection with is key, but I’ve compiled a few tips to help ensure the artist you enlist is someone who’s aligned with your style, business values and someone who can be trusted to deliver an end product that you just can’t help but fall in love with.
LOOK AT THEIR PORTFOLIO
Let’s start with the obvious - their artwork.
Is their style aligned with what you find aesthetically pleasing?
Do you love their level of creativity?
Do they feature artwork for businesses in a similar field to your own?
Is their folio structured and cohesive?
These are all important things to consider when viewing a potential designer’s portfolio and whether they would be the right fit for your own business.
READ UP ON THEM: STALK THEIR ‘ABOUT’ PAGES
Do their values coordinate with your own?
Do they have experience in your field?
Do you feel like their language is speaking directly to you?
Often designers know the type of clients they work best with. They know where their strengths lie and what kinds of business owners will benefit most from their services. If you’re reading through their website thinking their language is relatable, they have field experience and their services are tailored just for you, chances are, they have been.
CONSIDER VALUE OVER JUST PRICE
Think about what you're getting for your investment, not just the final amount. Your designer's experience, style, creativity and insight are all assets, but they're things that can't be itemised on an invoice. Be sure to really look at what you’re getting for your money and the longevity of it before making a decision. Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical in the long run.
CHECK THEIR REVIEWS
Look past the star rating and see what past clients have actually taken the time to write. Generous, considered feedback takes planned time to compose and a motivated customer to do so. If they’ve taken the time out of their busy schedule to write more than one sentence, the service they’ve received has been nothing short of wonderful.
GET CHATTING
If you're still not sure, reach out! Most designers (this designer included) are more than happy to answer any questions you may have via email or even schedule a discovery call for your project. Sometimes hearing a reassuring voice to clear up concerns, talk over ideas or just generally get to know each other is a great way to decide whether your designer in mind is the one who’s best for the job.
If you've worked with a designer before, I'd love to hear how you chose your artist.