Hiring the Right Graphic Designer For You
In today’s world of technology, we have the ability to work with people around the world. There are thousands of talented graphic designers, logo designers, and brand designers across Instagram, LinkedIn, Dribbble, Google…how do you feel confident in who to hire?
In my years of experience, I’ve learned what makes me a great fit for my clients–and what doesn’t. There are some really important factors a business owner should consider before choosing the right designer for them. These factors can be placed into two buckets–technical capability and stylistic capability. Not all logo designers are also strong website designers, copywriters, photographers, or overly tech-savvy. Not all designers have knowledge of certain industries or a style that best fits it. You need to consider what you need most before finding the person that’s best for you.
Here’s the top things to look out for and questions you should ask a designer before deciding to hire:
Does their portfolio of past work really excite you?
I’m always amazed at how many people tell me they haven’t looked at my work before reaching out to the studio! It’s important that a designer’s style fits in line with the vision for your brand. You wouldn’t hire a metal band to sing at an acoustic folk music festival. Take a look at a designer’s work on their website–note their style, the kind of clients they work with, and see if it’s what you’re looking for before jumping in.
What can they offer beyond developing your logo?
Consider what you need for your business and if the person you hire has the versatility for it. It’s hard to find people to trust–the more you can work with a single studio or person, the better. Are you an e-commerce business that really needs a website and digital assets? Does your website require a lot of custom coding, or is it more important that it’s easily editable? Do you need a lot of photography? Do you need package design? Review needs beyond the logo to see what the person can offer you.
Does the designer specialize in a particular industry?
There are a lot of factors that go into brand design beyond personal preference. Hiring a designer that’s knowledgable in your industry brings serious value to the table. They’ll think of little things you might not. They’re more aware of the trends, competition, legal regulations, and have a solid understanding of your customer base.
Our studio specializes in craft beverage and agritourism. We know the ins and outs of what a craft beverage brand needs beyond a logo, the legal requirements for alcohol packaging, what’s performing best in the market, and more.
“Not all graphic designers are also strong website designers, copywriters, photographers, social media marketers, or overly tech-savvy. Not all designers have knowledge of certain industries or a style that best fits it. You need to consider what you need most before finding the person that’s best for you.”
Is local important to you?
Local may matter more than you think. Hiring a local designer means you’re hiring someone familiar with your area–its people, its businesses, its trends. There’s a higher level of trust hiring someone that you might run into at the grocery store or who’s kids’ might play on the same soccer team. As a business owner myself, I always hire local first to help support our local economy.
Does price align with where you’re at in business?
As with anything, graphic designers have a range of experience and talent, and therefore a big range in investment. My blunt advice? Don’t hire a designer–especially a more advanced one–until you’ve been in business at least a year. Wait until your business is established and successfully growing via word-of-mouth, then make the investment in quality branding that will scale the business to the next level. But if you’re just starting out and really need something, look to someone that offers a quick logo rather than full brand development.
I hope these questions have your gears turning! I see so many business owners not consider these things, only to be frustrated during the process or waste money on someone who wasn’t right for them.
Interested in working with B. Brand House? You can learn a lot from my portfolio and website, and the initial consultation is always free. It’s a chance for both of us to make sure we’re the right fit to accomplish what you truly need for your business.
