You’re a marketplace leader. You’re made of pure grit, resourcefulness, and vision. If it’s a business idea, you’ve got it down pat. And you might even say you’ve got some artistic flare in you. Popsicle crafts? Bring it on! Yet when it comes to graphic design, there is something about the craft that is beyond you and you feel understandably overwhelmed.
Let’s face it: you’re in a tough spot. You need that brochure designed and printed … stat! A logo for a new business line? That should have happened yesterday. Not to mention all the “artsy fartsy” lingo to muddle through. Just how do you hire a graphic designer to solve your design problems with minimal fuss?
I know your pain. I come from a family of business owners and leaders just like you. Yes, hiring a designer can be daunting. And yes, hiring the wrong designer can be quite a headache. Here are three things to consider when hiring a graphic designer to solve your design problems with minimal fuss.
1. Your designer should have your long-game in mind.
I’ve seen too many organizations fall into the trap of cheap design. This is not just about the money, but certainly a monetary value is associated with a top-notch designer. Listen, you can go on Fiverr right now and get a cheap logo done in hours. What you might miss in that transaction, however, is a designer who is committed to the longevity of your brand.
Whatever you do, make sure the designer you hire is thinking about where your brand will be years down the road.
2. Your designer should be a ninja.
Here’s another pitfall of some designers: they are really good at artwork they are comfortable with, but the brochure they designed for you doesn’t fit your brand. That’s why your designer should be a ninja. She should sneak in there and sneak out unnoticed, not drawing too much attention to herself.
Your next flyer, brochure, or business card should not stand out from your brand. The purpose brand adaptations like those is to support and not subvert your brand at large. So hire a ninja to protect the longevity of your brand. Your organization’s future is much safer for it.
3. Your designer may, or may not, need relevant client experience.
I get it. You want a designer who’s been designing for companies in your industry for twenty years. The reality is that some of the best perspectives may actually come from client experience outside of your industry. Organizations get stuck because they do things they and their peers have always done. Don’t fall into that trap.
At the same time, your designer does need some relevant experience depending on the project’s scope. Avoid hiring a newbie for a multimillion-dollar marketing campaign. But sure, hiring someone new to the field may be fine for simple flyer design. Practice wisdom here!
Remember your responsibility.
The advice above applies to both freelancers and agencies alike. You have great responsibility to protect your brand as a leader in your organization. Hire designers who care as much as you do, and who will go the extra mile with you. If you are still unsure about who to hire for your next design project, send me a message. I’d love to chat and point you in the right direction.