Congratulations! You’re ready to take a project, sector of your business or event to the next level and are ready to hire a graphic designer. This is a HUGE step and you should be proud. Now, let’s make sure you do it right.
1.Clearly outline and define your goals
Most graphic designers have a design brief they like you to work within but it’s important and really saves time to think of this step well in advance. What do you actually want to achieve with this design? Whether it’s a logo, website or anything else, having a clear objective is really helpful.
Tip: Try to be realistic with your goals. Sometimes it’s worth doing several small projects to achieve a large goal rather than cram everything into one design.
2. Communicate your current or intended brand identity
Your designer needs to understand your brand or vision in order to create designs that align with it. Any brand guidelines, colors, fonts, logos, etc will really help the designer unify your project. If you’re bringing in a designer to create your brand identity with you then do some research ahead of time and come prepared with visuals that inspire you.
Tip: Stay away from language like, “I don’t have a preference” or “Wow me!” during briefs. It makes it challenging to see your vision.
3. Be Open Minded
While it is so important to have a vision, try to be open to the designers ideas and suggestions. Give the designer time to explain why they would like to move in a specific direction with the project before rejecting it immediately.
Tip: If you’re more “hands-on” establish weekly check-in meetings with your designer so you’re always on the same page.
4. Set Realistic Deadlines
While you may not be a designer and sometimes a task may seem “simple” oftentimes, it takes longer to accomplish a design or graphic then it may seem from the outside. Rushed projects can lead to subpar results.
Tip: For larger projects, work with your designer to create categorized deadlines.
5. Constructive Feedback RULES!
Feedback is ESSENTIAL to achieving what you want. Be specific about what you like and don’t like. Be honest if you originally liked a direction and during development realize, it’s not working for you. You won’t offend the designer and you’ll get a better result. Explain why you don’t like something.
Tip: Try having visual examples for the designer and be open to finding new visuals mid-design if the results aren’t quite what you want.
6. Trust the process
Design is an interactive process that requires trial and error especially when you’re working on something dynamic like a website, menu or ad. It’s important to trust your designer and really listen to their direction during this process.
Tip: Never judge a full project based on a first or second draft. Most designers don’t take the time to deep refine until they know they’re on the right track.
7. Be Communicative
Okay, I know I’m touching on this one a lot but it is SO important. Ask the designer what they are okay with as far as communication. Some designers want to stick to a weekly meeting only and others are open to random calls and texts, it never hurts to ask.
Tip: There’s no such thing as over communication however, be mindful of the designers quickness to respond and any boundaries they may have.
8. Prepare for and expect revisions
Revisions are a normal part of the process. You could find yourself in several rounds of revisions and this is perfectly normal. It’s important that the design you want reflects the project you want it for.
Tip: Don’t forget to speak up if you aren’t feeling a design. It’s okay to ask for a major change.
9. Respect your designers expertise
Remember that you hired a designer for their experience and creativity. Your input is valuable but it’s important to respect the professional judgment and guidance of the designer.
Tip: Acknowledge their suggestions and truly give them consideration.
Working with a graphic designer is meant to be inspiring, fun and business boosting. If you follow some of these guidelines you’ll gain a smooth process and feel so much better about your project. Whether you're hiring a designer for a simple project or to create a brand identity from scratch, approaching it with the right mindset will make all the difference in achieving your goal.
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