How to Choose a Graphic Designer

For many small or medium sized businesses, choosing a graphic designer for the first time can be a bit of a headache.

Get it wrong and not only could you lose some hard earned cash, you will also waste a lot of precious time and probably end up way behind schedule.

By far the best way to find your designer is by recommendation. Ask your friends and work associates if they have used a designer in the past. Failing this, you are going to have to start from scratch. The internet is of course perfect for this task. There are zillions of designers out there offering their services. The choice can be overwhelming!

Here are some things to look out for.

1. Does the designer have full contact information on their website. This is vitally important. Beware of anyone whose only point of contact is an email address or enquiry form. In my opinion, the first contact you have with your prospective designer should be a phone call. This will give you a 'feel' for this person. Do they sound professional? Are they friendly and courteous? More to the point, did they even answer the phone or failing that, reply to your voicemail in a timely manner? Remember, when you finally choose a designer, you will spend an awful lot of time communicating with them. It is important that you like them!

2. Check out some of their previous work. Does it look professional? Is it the kind of style you are looking for? Don't be put off too much by a lack of quantity. It is quality that we are looking for. The designer could be new to the business and still working on building their portfolio. If this is the case then you may be in a good position to negotiate on the fee ;-)

3.Ask for testimonials/references from previous and current clients. Ask them if you they would object to you contacting one of their clients for a reference. Even if you have no intention of doing this, a good designer will be more than happy to oblige.

4.Finally, If you like the designer, their fee is within your budget and you like the work they do then go for it. If you feel uncomfortable about either the person or their work, don't be afraid to walk away and look elsewhere. A client's relationship with their designer can last for many years. It is worth investing a bit of time in finding the right one for you.

Good luck!