Tips on how to select a graphic designer without losing your mind

Tips on how to select a graphic designer without losing your mind

In the unlikely event that you haven't already experienced it, you've probably heard some of the horror stories about attempting to find or work with a graphic designer. If you want to be fair, it's no different than any other occupation in terms of being challenging, time-consuming, and frustrating, to name a few characteristics. Consider how some people must feel when they are required to collaborate with some of your competitors.

First and foremost, you'll want to consider some fundamentals: items that are critical in every industry. Is your prospective designer on time for your scheduled meeting? Do they treat your employees with courtesy and consideration, or do they treat them as if they don't matter? Did they complete their homework prior to arriving? Once you've hammered down the fundamentals, your list of potential designers will almost certainly be significantly shorter. You can now begin to examine some of the aspects of our industry that are more relevant to our sector.

From the way a designer looks to the way they package their sample work, everything about them will tell you something about them and their style. While you should take a glance at their apparel, you should refrain from basing your judgment on your personal fashion preferences. Instead, pay attention to the small elements that will reveal how much time and effort they put into their own appearance. 

Clean shoes are a fantastic indicator of someone who is conscientious about their appearance. Another example is neatly manicured fingernails. You'll also want to pay close attention to whether or not the work displayed in their portfolio is straight-forward. Despite the fact that these appear to be little things, they will have a significant impact on the level of attention to detail that your designer will devote to your project.

Do you remember your designer running up to your office door, chasing his wind-blown papers across the parking lot, or did he march confidently to your door, materials in hand? Preparation is key. Is it true that he showed up with a pen and notebook? This is critical unless you want to spend a significant amount of time later on reminding them of many of the things that you've already told them. A designer who is not prepared for the initial meeting will not conduct his or her day-to-day business in a more professional manner.

Perspective: Everyone has a unique perspective on the world, and it is a given that people who share a similar point of view will collaborate more effectively. With this in mind, it's critical to work with a designer that shares your values and principles. The advertising for your multi-million dollar SUV dealership will never achieve outstanding results as long as you retain the services of a designer who believes that all companies are giant evil things out to ruin society for the sake of a few dollars. It's impossible for your designer to convey to your prospects what you want them to know if they don't comprehend your point of view.

When it comes to portfolios, this is a perfect example of "size doesn't matter-it's how you use it!" If you dismiss a designer because of a limited portfolio, you could be missing out on a great opportunity. This doesn't necessarily mean that the designer who shows up in a three-piece suit with a three-inch thick portfolio is the best candidate for the position. 

Perhaps the girl with no college degree and a portfolio including nine pages of work that she completed at home is a better fit for you than the other candidates. The most important thing to remember is that quality is paramount. This means that the designer who brings everything may be unable to determine what to present and what not to present, which means that they may face the same difficulties in communicating with your audience.

If you are looking for a graphic designer, there is one more factor to consider: they know things that you don't know about design. A good graphic designer will know what you don't know about design. When you say things like "let's add more colors" or "make the writing bolder," there's typically a valid reason for others to roll their eyes at your suggestion. 

We propose that, when you've done your research and selected a capable graphic designer, you step back and let them do their thing. Graphic design encompasses far more than just making things look visually appealing. Technical intricacies with a scientific basis abound, many of which you may be unaware of at this point. Most of the time, it is in your best interests to concentrate on what you are an expert in while allowing others to concentrate on what they are an expert in. You will notice significantly better outcomes if you do it this way.