For any business, website, and event promotion graphics are essential. Visual communication is everything. You want to create an impression and give your business personality through the vivid colors and shapes that the right images can portray and help establish your brand. With so many creative options out there, how do you find the right graphic designer to bring your vision to life?
Here’s how!
- Exactly what does your business need – a logo, website, book or product with enhanced graphics? Make a list to determine your precise needs. Some graphic designers offer a great range of services, while others specialize. Knowing what you need before approaching different graphic design companies will help you find the best pricing.
- Visit their website. Every graphic designer should have some sort of portfolio or existing work to display their capabilities. Some will specialize in a specific design style, while others have a range of styles. Either way, it’s important to spend a little time doing your research so that you can find a designer that you feel will be able to match your style or vision best.
- Ask around for referrals. Whether you’ve found a designer that you like and you want to confirm their process and work ethic with pre-existing clients, or if you can’t seem narrow down a designer or two of your choice, ask! Many business owners you know have most likely worked with a graphic designer and if they are happy with the professional services, would love to share their experience and contact information of the designer.
- Contact a few graphic designers yourself. Make the call, ask about the process, tell them exactly what you are looking for, and ask about typical fees and lead time. In order for a designer to give you the right price for their time will often depend on the complexity of what you are seeking, so be prepared to answer questions. The designer may want to know about your company image, mission statement, and industry so he or she can get a feel for what you and your business are all about.
- Get a few quotes. Once you have narrowed down a few designers that you feel understood your needs the most, and are most capable of executing, get a quote for the exact work you need them to do. If you’re uncertain about a certain designer, but something is still drawing you to them, consider having them do a smaller test project so you can evaluate their skill set.
- Hire your graphic designer! Make sure the agreements spoken about are in writing, including contracted fees alongside estimated delivery schedule, with both parties’ signatures. It is important to understand the process — will you receive a first draft of the work to review? How long will that take to accomplish? How many reviews and revisions are you allotted within your fee before the final draft? Do you retain copyright? Once you have all of your agreements in writing, be prepared for payment to get started. 50% of the total contract is typical upfront, with 50% due upon completion.
It is a pretty straight-forward process when hiring a graphic designer. The most important time spent is doing your research to find the right one you feel is professional and qualified to understand and meet your needs.
MySavvyVa.com offers many types of graphic design services! Whether you’re starting from scratch and need a logo, branding and website or whether you need a few additional graphics, such as Facebook Tabs for your Facebook page, an inforgraphic to promote a service you provide, or even a special project for an upcoming event. Check out all of our graphic design services here, or contact us for a free consultation!
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