In order to stay ahead of your competitors, your brand needs aggressive marketing. One sure way to achieve this is by incorporating captivating visuals to attract your target audience. This includes anything from websites to logos and brochures.
In case you’re thinking of hiring your best friend who designs flyers in their spare time, you should think again. You’ll need a professional graphic designer who’s not only knowledgeable about his or her craft but will help you achieve your desired results: growing your brand.
To hire the best graphic designer, you’ll need to consider a few factors which we’ll outline below
Who Is Your Target Audience?
Granted, you may have hired the best graphic designer in town, but your brand is entirely your responsibility. You need to clearly define your goals as a brand. Who are your target customers? Is your niche made up of middle-aged men or single mums?
Understanding your target audience’s backgrounds and interests will help you clearly outline your vision to the graphic designer. This way the graphic designer knows the target market he or she is dealing with to formulate visuals that appeal to it.
What Work Do You Want Done?
When hiring a professional graphic designer, you need to be clear on the job you want done. Do you want a logo design for your company or website?
Here’s a great way to start your search, check out the Best Logo Design Companies of 2020 according to BestDesigns to see which companies and designers are at the top of their game.
Experienced graphic designers rarely throw in extra work unless you ask them to. For example, if you ask them to design an arrow logo for your media company (like this), seldom will the graphic designer also design an entire website along with brand identity design for you.
In addition, specify the exact colors, font or images you require. If you don’t, you’ll leave this entirely up to the designer. Be clear to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure they know what’s expected of them.
Compile a Creative Brief
There are many graphic designers with varying levels of experience. Some only know how to design business cards and simple pamphlets while others offer the full package. To avoid attracting the wrong person, be proactive and write a creative brief.
In the brief you’ll specify exactly what you want done to attract the right person for the job. This will save you the trouble of having to scan through thousands of applicants who don’t meet your requirements.
Visit Reputable Sites
The ordinary man might view graphic design as pretty basic. After all, what’s difficult about designing a logo, right? Because of this misconception, it’s not surprising that everyone will claim to be a graphic designer. But the reality is that graphic designing requires high levels of skill and creativity.
To avoid hiring a person who’ll deliver substandard work, make sure you search for a professional graphic designer in the right places. Visit reputable freelance or industry platforms such as Behance and Dribble, and be sure to read reviews before hiring anyone.
Compare Portfolios
Sometimes reading reviews alone simply won’t cut it. Take it a step further and compare design portfolios. After all; what better way to see exactly what the designer is capable of than to view his or her past work.
Professional designers will always have portfolios showcasing their best work. When comparing the design quality, make sure you pick a style that matches your brand. No use picking a graphic designer who specializes in eclectic work when your brand is conservative. You risk alienating your target audience.
Experience Matters
Professionalism is one thing, but the level of experience the designer has is equally important. Experienced graphic designers have had the privilege to work with different brands and know-how to immediately interpret different company visions. As a result, translating your brand’s vision into a captivating visual concept that conveys your brand’s message will be natural for them.
Can you expect the same from a relatively new designer? Not likely.
If you want high-quality designs that are in sync with your brand vision, it’s in your best interest to look for an experienced designer.
What is Your Budget?
How much money have you allocated for your brand’s marketing efforts? This will significantly determine the graphic designer you pick. Naturally, if you’re working on a tight budget you can’t hire an expensive freelance designer.
Also, compare the going rates for the work you want done. This way you’ll know if you’re being overcharged and it will help you negotiate a fair price for the project.
Make sure that you find out the payment terms. Does the designer require payment upfront or in instalments? It’s important to be clear on all payment issues to avoid future misunderstandings.
Final Words
Follow these steps and you’re on your way to hiring the right professional designer for your brand. The designer you pick will make the difference between success and failure of your brand, so hire wisely.
Author Bio
Phil Eisenberg’s best skills include writing engaging articles, developing content strategies and planning digital marketing campaigns. He likes to play the guitar, and play with his dog while brainstorming ideas for his clients. He works at a local IT firm by day and freelance by night.