How to Choose a Graphic Designer

Choosing a graphic designer can be very challenging and time consuming, especially when you aren’t sure what to look for. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

AN OUTSTANDING PORTFOLIO
This is one case where size doesn’t matter. The point of a portfolio is to showcase a designer’s skills and abilities, not to simply show everything they have ever produced. Look for quality of design and whether or not the designer has experience working within your industry or completing a project similar to yours.

FORMAL EDUCATION IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Just being able to use the necessary graphic design software does not qualify someone as a graphic designer. Graphic design consists of a lot more than that. Selecting a designer with a graphic design education ensures that they understand the principles of graphic design and that they are able to create effective communication.

EASILY ACCESSIBLE
An important part of working with a graphic designer is whether or not they are easily accessible. You want to be sure that they are willing and eager to be contacted, which hopefully implies that they will be available when it really matters. Be sure that they have their phone number and email address listed on their website.

PLEASANT PERSONALITY & PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR
When choosing a graphic designer, you should be looking for someone with whom you can form a solid, lasting relationship. Make sure that you choose someone that you LIKE and that treats you as you wish to be treated, that calls and emails you back in a timely manner, that is friendly in all correspondence, and that really cares about your business and the message that you are trying to convey.

REFERENCES & TESTIMONIALS
Feel free to ask a designer for testimonials from past clients or a list of references that you can contact. An accomplished and respected designer will be more than willing to provide you with this information and more importantly, they should have clients that are more than willing to put in a good word for them.

RESOURCES
Another thing to think about when choosing a graphic designer is whether or not they partner with other vendors. It is much more convenient to work with a designer that has a trusted print vendor or mail house. This will save you time and effort by not having to search for these vendors yourself.

BUDGET
Last, but not least, is choosing a graphic designer that is within your budget. It is important to get a price quote from a designer before you decide to award them a project. Some designers are willing to work within your budget, so it never hurts to ask for a lower rate.