How to Find A Great Graphic Designer
Really this topic is far to big to be addressed by one little blog post, but I consider myself an ambitious person, so I’m giving it a shot. Design can be daunting, even for those of us in the field. These tips will hopefully help to steer you in the correct direction so that you don’t walk into the project blind. Have no fear. We design folks are a friendly bunch.
Sooner or later every company needs to fuel up on some design to keep it running in top condition. The question is, with so many choices out there, how do you decide which designer is best for you?
Well, it’s complicated, but you’ll be in a much better position if you keep these things in mind:
Find someone who fits your needs/project. Every designer, studio, and agency has different processes, varying interests, and a wide range of skill sets. You might need one-stop shop, a small but powerful studio, or even a solo specialist that just does websites, ads, or branding.
Evaluate their work. Do you like the general style? Some studios are funky and cool, some corporate and clean, others might design things to look very rich and sexy. Try to ignore your personal taste adn instead ask what does company or product needs?
Ultimately, it’s not the design company you work with, it’s the people. Once you chat with them on the phone or meet with them, ask do you like them? Do you want to have more meetings with them? Do they share your interests? It may seem like a silly question, but if there's a hiccup in a project, it will only be made worse by personal conflict.
Evaluate the price. Chances are you have great taste if your reading our blog (thank you), but do keep in mind that better work usually means higher prices and higher ROI. Don’t go shopping for a BMW if you can barely afford a used Toyota, and don’t buy a Honda if you need a Porsche.
Check their credentials. Design isn’t yet certified (except for in Ontario), but check out the studio's affiliations to see how seriously they take their craft. Do they adhere to AIGA’s Standards of Professional Practice? A member of the Graphic Arts Guild? Are they an adopter of the Designer’s Accord? Are they B-Corp certified? These can all be good clues.
It’s a collaborative process. Don’t look for a designer who can make a pile of cow dung look like a brick of gold, look for one that makes it look like quality fertilizer. Look for a studio that makes you a part of the process where you can communicate the best aspects of your brand or product, and your designer can figure out a way to show it.
Have you already been through the designer shopping process? Tell us what worked for you and why you love (or didn’t care for) your designer.