Sometimes you have to do the unavoidable–outsource your designer projects. Perhaps you don’t have the time or inclination to learn a new skill so you are looking at hiring a graphic designer.
What do you need to know so you can maximize your investment?
As a graphic artist, I am going to share with you three secrets that will help you get the most bang for your buck!
1) Tell the graphic designer all the parameters (specs) of the job up front. Have in your mind what you want for your project before you hire her. Most graphic designers are visual, so making a sketch will be very helpful and ensure that you are getting what you envisioned.
If you change specs mid-way through the job, realize that the job is going to cost more money. You can’t expect the designer to stick to her original estimate if you keep changing the original parameters.
2) If you have text for the project, write, edit, and proofread the copy before you hand it off to the designer. If the designer has to constantly revise the copy after the text has been laid out graphically, this is going to cost you money and is a very inefficient use of time.
Give the designer a Microsoft Word document. You don’t need indents or double spaces between sentences. The less formatting the better.
3) Realize the difference between a bid graphic designer and a professional. There is a huge difference between a graphic designer who bids out jobs and a graphic designer who works based off an estimate process. The bid graphic designer, like in the case of Internet services like 99Designs, are not going to be as knowledgeable. If you use them, remember that you get what you pay for. You really have to understand the design process if you want to go this route.
Truly professional graphic designers do not give out bids for their jobs. These are the creme of the crop, so to speak, and freelance designers are much more affordable than using an ad agency. A designer will gather the specs of your project and prepare an estimate. This is usually free. You should receive a working agreement and the designer will explain his terms up front. The standard practice is for a designer to ask for a third of the estimate upon hiring him, then a third once you give the final approval, and then the last third upon delivery of the final job.
Remember that your finished project reflects you and your business. If it is less than professional, it may actually hurt your business in the long run. Your brand is your most important asset, so treat it as your treasure. Because it truly is!
And even if you are going to hire out the graphic design, you need to understand the process! As a graphic artist, I have seen again and again what happens when a client does not understand the graphic design process–it results in a more expensive yet less-than-satisfactory job, not to mention frustration, stress, and a whole lot of wasted time!
Learn how to hire the best graphic designers for your projects, and you will have a dazzling future and a sizzling brand!
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Photo © Alan Crosthwaite | Dreamstime Stock Photos
Great post Dana. I love that you’re giving your audience the things to watch out for. There is a lot of talent out there but not all talent is the same. Thanks for helping us determine the difference.
So true, Alex. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for!