It’s a hectic and crowded marketplace out there. You want your business to stand out from the crowd. Your company needs to send a consistent message that’s eye-catching and appeals to your potential customers. Chances are you already realize these things. The trouble you’re having is figuring out how to do that! Maybe you don’t have the time and know-how to do-it-yourself. Maybe you’ve considered hiring a graphic designer, but you weren’t sure what to look for and what it would all cost. The following are some guidelines on how to hire a graphic designer that’ll be the perfect fit for you and your company.
When looking for a graphic designer, a good first step is to ask around. Just like anything else, word of mouth from people you trust, or in your networking groups can get you started. You can also find plenty of graphic designers online. You just need to remember to do your due diligence when reviewing their experience and expertise.
You’ll want your designer to have some recommendations and examples for you to view. Your best bet is to find a designer that has done some work that is similar to the project you have in mind.
The next thing you must do is to figure out exactly what you need. You should have a well thought out description of the type of project you want to have completed. A good graphic designer will also ask several questions. You’ll want to be prepared to answer questions about your company. Your goals for the project, your estimated budget, along with company background and philosophy are also things to be prepared to explain. A designer can’t read your mind, so the more information you can communicate to them, the smoother the project will proceed.
Cost is always an important factor, and often the scary concept for someone considering hiring a designer. In general a freelance designer or a boutique agency will cost less than a large design agency. The complexity of your project, the time-frame you need it completed, and the designer’s experience will all contribute to the cost. Most people are looking for a specific number as a guideline. A reasonable expectation you should have is to pay $50-$100/hr for a freelancer or independent contractor. You should be able to find an experienced designer capable of delivering great results for this range. Some designers will also negotiate per project pricing.
The last thing (probably the most important thing) to remember is to make sure you negotiate and work out all the details prior to beginning the project. Have the price, deliverables and timeline worked out beforehand, that way all expectations are on the table and both you and the designer are on the same page.
A graphic designer can help to improve the image of your business. Even though the old adage is “never judge a book by its cover,” people do it every day when it comes to selecting products and services. You don’t want your business to get lost in the marketing shuffle.
