Working in the business for years I have met many business people who are at their wits end with a designer or design agency and desperately need the advice of a competent designer. They no longer have time to spoonfeed their existing agency and need good advice and direction for their brand.
A good graphic designer must have the ability to tell a story visually. Having some knowledge of Photoshop doesn’t make someone a designer. A qualified and experienced graphic designer, will understand precisely the requirement of his/her clients and their business. While some projects demand a serious approach, others can be expressed best in a light hearted manner. A good designer will decide the best way for effectively communicating your message to your target audience.
If you haven’t already experienced it yourself, then you’ve probably heard some of the nightmare stories about trying to find or work with a suitable graphic designer. It can be difficult, time consuming and frustrating to say the least.
So, what do you look for?
• A strong portfolio
Do the projects look professional and eye-catching? The imagery should be compatible with the content and designs should be unique.
• A strong sense of marketing
Pretty images are a dime a dozen. The designer should be able to clearly explain the goal of each piece and how effective it was for their client
• Excellent business skills
A good designer stays on top of all the details of your project and makes the best use of your time and money.
• Formal education in graphic design, not just software skills
Graphic design is a creative process with foundational principles that have a direct impact on the effectiveness of printed communication. A designer’s software skills have little impact on their ability to translate your brand.
• Personable and professional demeanor
Work with someone you’ll enjoy working with and who provides a professional service.
• Great Problem Solvers
All graphic design projects have obstacles, knowing how to overcome them is crucial. Ask them to show samples of work where they solved a significant design problem for a client.
• Handling Deadlines
Make sure that the designer has proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ask them for references or testimonials from their existing clients.
We recommend that after you’ve done your homework and chosen a competent graphic designer, let them do their job. Graphic design is a lot more than just making something look good. There are a lot of technical details that have scientific backing that you may not know about. In most cases it’s in your best interest to focus on what you are an expert in and let them focus on what they are an expert in. You will see far better results that way.
Remember finding the right designer can be a tough job, but once found he or she can do wonders for your business!
