Finding the Right Graphic Designer
IS THIS REALLY THAT IMPORTANT? YES!
Whether you're starting a new business or launching a new project, hiring a graphic designer can be a daunting task. It’s important the person you choose sees your vision and has the design skill sets to bring it to life. It’s also crucial that you work well with this person and, ideally, enjoy working with them!
The visual brand identity of your business is essential in ensuring brand recognition and portraying the correct message, so we encourage you not to cut corners here! That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to make the process a bit easier.
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
Before you start your search, it's important to have a clear idea of what you're looking for. Ask yourself the following questions:
What type of design work do I need? (logo design, web design, social media graphics, etc.)
What is my budget?
What is my timeline?
What style or aesthetic am I looking for?
What is the purpose of the design work? (to attract new customers, increase sales, build brand recognition, etc.)
Your new designer can help guide you on the specifics, but it’s important to know what type of designer you’re looking for (i.e. brand, product, etc.) so you’re not looking in the wrong direction.
START THE SEARCH
Now that you know what you're looking for, start looking! This can be one of the toughest parts of the process if you’ve never done it before, so here are some ideas of where to search:
Ask for referrals from colleagues or friends who have worked with experienced designers in the past. This doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for you, but it’s a great place to start!
Find a freelance graphic designers online using freelance platforms like Upwork, Behance, Dribbble, or Bark. You’ll find a wide range of design styles, abilities, and pricing on these sites.
Do a Google search for graphic designers in your area. A search like “Squarespace graphic designer Denver” should bring up great local designers who have invested enough time in their business to show up on search for their target audience.
Post a job on LinkedIn. This is how I found my own junior designer! You’ll get applications from tons of amazing candidates this way. Just be sure you include “freelance” in the job post title + an accurate graphic design job description to avoid any confusion.
VET YOUR OPTIONS
This is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s worth it to do it right! Here are a few things to consider when you’re reviewing potential graphic designers:
Experience: How long do they have experience working as a designer and does this align with your needs and budget?
Portfolio: Do they have a design portfolio of work that showcases the types of projects and design visual style you’re looking for?
Communication: Are they responsive + do they communicate clearly and professionally?
Process: Do they have clear a clear plan in place for completing projects on time and up to standards?
Reviews: Do they have testimonials on their website and/or do they have positive reviews from previous clients on Google My Business or similar?
Vibe: Did you get a good feeling when you talked to them? This one is much more ambiguous, but should not be overlooked! It’s important to trust your gut and work with someone who feels like a natural extension of your team.
MAKE THE HIRE
Amazing, you’ve decided on the right designer! Now, it’s important to ensure everything is in place to make this a fair and organized working relationship.
Contract: Protect both parties by having a contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment. Typically, your designer will provide this and you will just need to review, ask for revisions as needed, and sign.
Timeline: Chat with your designer to be sure a clear deadline is set and any deliverables due along the way are included in a mutual plan.
Payment: Most designers will ask for half payment up front to start work, which is completely normal! This protects both parties as the designer will not be at risk of doing work without getting paid and you will not need to pay the final half until project completion.