Finding a Great Graphic Designer

A quality designer is like a good foundation to any house. Without it, the integrity of the house is compromised. So you can see why it's imperative to spend the time to find a good one.

In the article below I have outlined a few important points to help you find a quality graphic designer.

I have also given you some red flags to look for, so you can prevent potential headaches.
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Design Firms vs. Freelance
You may prefer to work with a design firm over a freelance designer (or visa-versa). However, you will need to look at how far your budget will go, in each case.

Design firms can offer more experience than some freelance individuals can, due to the team dynamic and the collaboration of ideas. They also have the experience of working with larger accounts and have the capacity to offer a broad range of outcomes. Downside: The cost to hire such a firm would be quite a bit more than what a freelancer would charge.

An experience freelancer, can deliver more personal service than some designer firms, offering a one-on-one relationship, reasonable pricing due to low overheads, and more flexibility when it comes to requests. Downside: You're reliant on one person for the completion of your project.

If you're unsure about a company or a freelancers reputation, you can always ask for references so that you know what you're getting into before committing to a contract.

Red Flag

Be watchful for freelancers who are inexperienced or who can't backup their work with testimonials of happy customers. Not all freelancers are created equal and the level of experience and professionalism is extremely variable.

Red Flag
Professional graphic designers (like myself) have spent quite a bit of time in school and in the real world, developing their talents into true art forms. We also spend time and quite a bit of money for our design programs in order to give our customers & clients the best possible outcome. Be aware of designers who offer you bargain prices or "spec" work as they devalue the potential of design and ultimately do a disservice to the client. For more info on this topic, click here.

Red Flag
Avoid design contests or websites that offer package deals or short turn-around times. Most designers require a few days, even a few weeks to create and develop ideas for your project. Participating in anything less, will most likely prove to be a waste of time and money.

What Suits Your Style
Any designs that are created for your business should reflect your company's style, professionalism, and/or product. We designers like to call this your "brand image". It speaks to your customers and it reflects the way you do business. Needless to say, your brand image is huge in the face of your customers.

Check out a designers/firms portfolio.

A graphic designers portfolio is a window into their creative mind. It will give you a good indication of who the designer is, what their specialties are, what their style is, and how well they understand the concept of marketing & brand image.

Make sure their style, suits your style.
Are you looking for designs that are fresh and clean? Or complex and artful?
Does the designer/firm have any pieces that reflect the style you're looking for?

Red Flag
Know the designers involvement in the pieces they are presenting. Just because its in their portfolio, doesn't necessarily mean they created the piece from scratch.

Getting What You Want & Need
While reviewing a portfolio you need to figure out if they are able to suit your needs.

If you're an organic food company looking for a fresh new logo and product labels, you most likely wouldn't want a designer/firm who specializes in website design for rock bands. You want one that specializes in print design.

Have they designed a logo and labels before? Is this experience reflected in their portfolio?

What's your deadline like and are they able to deliver on that deadline?
If in doubt, ask them!

Finally...
Make sure there is a contract involved. This protects you and the designer, and is simply a good business practice.

Be sure to read it and ask any questions you may have, before you sign it.
Review the payment options, the amount of revisions, the details of the project, what kind of costs you are responsible for, and what kind of permissions you have to use the designers work. All of these items will affect the final cost.
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Ok, so this is a lot of information to absorb but like building a house, your foundation is key to success. Hopefully this quick overview, gives you a bit more information than you had before.

The legwork you do will be worth the time and effort though. Trust me :)

If you have any other questions, you can contact me or post a comment.