How To Hire The Right Graphic Designer

By Andrea Lachapelle

Tip #1

Always look at their work. Make sure you like their style and what they have done in the past. Even if they haven't done any projects for clients in a similar industry as you, if you like what they have done for other clients, chances are you will like what they can do for your business.

Tip #2

Meet in person. I know with email, Skype and all the other ways of communicating that meeting in person is not always necessary, but it can really give you a feel for the person you will be working with... and giving your money to! If you just can't manage to have a personal meeting, at least talk to them on the phone.

Tip #3

Sign a contract. You may shy away if the designer wants you to sign a contract, thinking that it's only to their benefit, but in reality the contract should outline the work to be done and the price to be paid, and that really protects you and the designer. I know from personal experience that the few times I thought "oh, they are so nice, I don't need the contract", that's when I DEFIANTLY NEEDED that signed piece of paper! It's your only recourse if the designer isn't delivering what they promised you.

Tip #4

Hire someone with experience. If you are working with the neighbor kid down the street it may end up being more trouble than the money you think you are saving. Everyone seems to have that friend, uncle or neighbor that says they can design your logo for just $50 bucks, but I warn you, you will most likely regret it. Chances are they don't know the difference between CMYK and RGB or when to use a jpeg vs. an eps, or the proper pixel width to make your website, or the difference between raster and vector images... I could go on and on, but you get the idea. It will save you time, anguish and probably money in the end.

Bonus

After the hire. When you've made your decision, and you have the perfect designer at your disposal... let them do their job. Designers love input, and need to know as much as possible about your product or service to create something that will convey the message and feeling you are after. But sometimes the client tells the designer exactly what to do, not allowing for the creative process to happen. You have hired this person for their expertise, use it fully.

Andrea is a graphic designer in Minnesota, just south of Minneapolis. She is the owner of LaChapelle Design Works ( http://www.lachapelledesign.com ) and works with small to mid-size businesses. Her work is clean, refreshing and always on budjet.