You’re here because you’re not sure how to hire the right designer for your business. You know it’s crucial to ensuring your brand, website, and marketing materials speak to the right audience in the right way, but finding the best person for the job can a can feel like a huge risk! (Especially if you’ve been burned in the past.)
It’s a bit like finding a mechanic: You’re expected to trust them with the safety of your vehicle, but you don’t actually know anything about cars. How do you trust that they will understand the problem and know how to fix it, and not just take you for a ride that ends up costing you more in the long run?
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to leave it up to chance.
I’m going give you seven ways you can determine if the designer(s) you’re considering is not just talented, but trustworthy, knowledgeable, and professional. By knowing what to look for, you will reduce the risk of hiring the wrong designer and find someone who you actually enjoy working with.
1. Review the quality of their work.
There are many things that make up quality design work and these will be evident in a designer’s portfolio. Take the time to review their previous projects and assess the quality and style of their designs. High-quality work will not only look good but also communicate the intended message effectively. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Do they have several samples of the type of work you’re looking for?
- Does each example seem to uniquely represent the company it was created for?
- Is the purpose of their designs clear and messages easy to understand?
- Do the designs seem well balanced and harmonious?
- Do the designs seem consistent with the brand identities they represent?
While a designer may have a signature style, their designs should not look exactly alike. A good designer should be able to adapt their style to meet different project requirements.
Tip: If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for in a designer's portfolio, just ask. If the project is still in progress or they signed an NDA with their client, they may not be able to show all their work on a public platform.
2. Look for transparency.
You want to work with a designer who is open and honest about their process, pricing, and timelines. They should be willing to jump on a 15-20 minute call to gain an in-depth understanding of your company and your project goals before offering a proposal or contract.
A transparent designer will clearly outline what you can expect at each stage of the project, including deliverables and costs. They should also be upfront about any potential challenges and how they plan to address them. Transparency builds trust and ensures there are no unpleasant surprises down the line.
Tip: It's a very good sign if the designer you're considering has a step-by-step process and clear way to book a call or service outlined on their website.
3. Test their design knowledge.
A professional designer should have a deep understanding of design principles and how to effectively share information through design. They should be knowledgeable about different design software, tools, and file types, as well as best practices for various types of design work, whether it’s print, digital, or UI/UX.
During your initial conversations, the designer should not demonstrate their knowledge through bragging about their past clients and solely talking about themselves. Instead, they should ask clarifying questions about you, your business, and your brand. From there, they should be able to make recommendations for your designs that address your challenges and align with your goals.
Tip: Search for professionals that specialize in brand design, not just logo design. Many will have case studies on their website that outline their understanding of the clients problem and demonstrate the solutions. Instagram, Facebook business groups, and TikTok are great places to find specialists (and, of course, Word of Mouth). If you’re searching on sites like UpWork and Fiverr, proceed with caution. While inexpensive, some hires may skip the consulting process and/or research process, which can put your logo at risk when it comes to trademarking.
4. Seek clear communication.
The quality of communication will make or break any design project no matter how talented the designer. Clear communication ensures your vision and requirements are understood and met. During your initial call, your designer should be able to clearly articulate the services or packages they offer, what it’s like to work with them, and the next steps in the process.
When you’re working together, the designer should be able to explain their ideas and concepts in a way that is easy for you to understand. They should also be receptive to your feedback and willing to make adjustments as needed. Regular updates and check-ins can help keep the project on track and prevent misunderstandings.
Tip: Social media can be a great place to determine a designer's ability to communicate design concepts. Look for videos or content that explains their past projects, including the problem their client presented, the solution the designer offered, and their explanation of how their design decisions met those goals.
5. Build positive rapport.
Building a good relationship with your designer can make the collaboration more enjoyable and productive. It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable working with and who understands your vision and goals.
You don’t have to be best buds with your designer, but a good rapport can lead to better communication, more creative ideas, greater trust, respect, and a smoother overall process.
Tip: It's a good sign if you find a designer easy to talk to, open to hearing your to your ideas, and candid with their professional opinions or concerns.
6. Don’t settle for unprofessionalism.
Every designer has their own personal creative process, which can be guided by feeling and intuition. could also look messy and disorganized from an outsider’s perspective. However, working with them should never feel this way. Artistic genius is not an excuse for lacking professionalism.
A professional designer will meet deadlines, respond to communications promptly, and handle feedback constructively. They should be willing and able to provide you with a detailed project proposal that outlines the project, goals, timeline, and pricing, before starting work or offering a contract. They should also provide clear contracts and invoices, ensuring that all aspects of the project are documented and agreed upon. Professionalism is a sign of respect for you and your project and is crucial for a successful working relationship.
Tip: Working with a professional designer should feel like they're guiding you on a journey that they've successfully taken many others on. They will be able to spot potential pitfalls and road blocks and will never leave you guessing about the next steps in the process.
7. Test your compatibility.
Your designer should not only be a good professional fit but also a good personal fit. After talking with them, do you get a good vibe? And do you actually like them? Consider your working style and preferences. Do you prefer a collaborative approach or do you like to give more autonomy to the designer? Do you want someone who takes the lead on creative decisions, or do you want to be more involved in the process? Finding someone who matches your preferences can make the working relationship more enjoyable and productive.
Tips: If you find yourself thinking "They just get me!", then congrats! You're probably compatible.
You deserve a designer who truly understands your brand. Take the time to thoroughly vet potential designers and don’t rush the process. When you hire the right designer for your business, it will have a significant impact on your brand’s success.
Happy hunting!
Ready to get the ball rolling? Download the Hire a Brand Designer Prep Kit. You’ll learn how to assess a designer and ask the right questions to get the results you want.
Includes an Interview Prep Sheet; pricing guide based on design specialities and skill level; and an Interview Gut Check(list) to use during interviews or discovery calls.
Of course, you can always put Lindsey Beharry Design Co. to the test and schedule a free consultation today.
