David Airey, graphic designer

This article is written for those of you who want to hire a designer. You’re ready to do great things with your business, and need the specialised skills of a design professional.

Making a match between your project and a designer with the appropriate skills, attitude, and rate can be difficult. If you want to maximise your chances of finding the right designer, then the guidelines in this post will be of help.

Be Specific

The most important thing is to give as many details about your project as possible. Not all forms of design are the same, and not every designer can do everything. You should specify if a project involves printed material, websites, Flash, illustration, logo creation, the manipulation and alteration of photographs, and / or packaging. That way, from the outset you will only be dealing with designers who can do what you’re looking for.

Be Upfront

You should state your budget and terms. You will not be able to bargain a designer down by not telling them how much money you can spend, and in the design field, you definitely get what you pay for. Tell the designer what budget you have allocated, what your deadline is, and how you want to handle the process. If you do this, you will be dealing with the best designers available for your budget, instead of designers that are too expensive or not skilled enough.

Be Professional

It’s unfortunate, but many designers have been burned by unprofessional clients. Dishonesty, naivety, or rudeness will give designers the idea that you are not a serious client they want to work for. Designers are businessmen and professionals and you should treat them the same way you would treat a lawyer or doctor. Do this, and they will treat you in a similar manner.

Stay Calm

Again, because designers have been burned in the past, many will take your offer with a grain of salt. If you aren’t clear, or if you mention something that sounds suspicious, they may question your motives, or treat you with skepticism. Remember, the best designers, the ones you truly want to hire, are very successful and don’t need more work. Follow the guidelines above, and you should have no problems. But if issues do come up, remain calm, and explain the situation. In this profession, a little patience and honesty go a long, long way.

Thanks for taking the time to read these guidelines. Good luck in your search. Please remember that ultimately we all have the same goal, to be successful! Treat your designer as a respected partner and you can both come out happy with the results.

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