So, you’re looking for a graphic designer? Do you need a new logo, a new website, or just some infographics created? Here is how you find one
- Referrals (always the best way)
- Depending on your needs, try Sortfolio
- Google “Graphic Design in [Your City]”
- Put an ad on CraigsList under Gigs > Creative (one thing to bear in mind, almost all graphic designers call their profession “Creative”, it is a proper noun for them.)
jacob99 © by Rarely Obscure
So you get some responses back, what then? How do you filter responses when you’re looking for a graphic designer?
First, filter by specialization. Graphic designers will be some mixture of
- Web
- Motion Graphics
Filter out the designers who do not fit your need and then ask the remainder the following questions:
- How do you normally work?
- Are you opposed to a work for hire agreement? (if they are opposed, find someone else)
- How busy are you right now?
- What have you done in the past that is most similar to my project? (note, you do not ask “Have you done anything like this before?”) Force the designer to pick something.
- What do you need from me to get started?
- What do you need from me to finish the project?
- What do you consider the deliverable to be?
- When can you deliver this project?
- Tell them what your idea of a happy ending will be, and make sure to phrase it in some sort of objective language. I.E. a flyer that tells people that my new store will be opening on May 26th 2011, or an infographic that shows the average height by profession. Do not assume that the designer will understand your primary objective (this is the single most important thing to express when looking for a graphic designer)
- Get all of the above in writing
- Get at least three references
Now, you actually have to check their references. Ask the references these questions:
- What did you think of the end result?
- How fast was the turn around?
- Did they actually start on the project when they said they would, or wait until the last minute?
- How much upfront guidance did they provide to you (i.e. how much hand holding and upfront prep work)
- How much guidance did they need from you?
- Do they communicate well?
- Are you recommending them now? (get is as a yes or no – people can be quite coy about this for some reason)
If you like the answers to all of the above, then proceed with looking for a graphic designer. Be aware that the design process takes a fair amount of work on your part as well, I’ve found that for every hour the graphic designer works I spend 15 minutes answering questions or supplying information.
Editor’s Note
This blog post originally appeared on the Profit Awareness Blog – as that app is up for sale, it has been consolidated into the main Digital Tool Factory blog.
Tags: Business
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Written By Steve French |
5 responses to “Looking For A Graphic Designer – Here is a simple guide”
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You’ve really captured all the essetnlias in this subject area, haven’t you?
Real brain power on display. Thanks for that awnser!
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Which came first, the probelm or the solution? Luckily it doesn’t matter.