- You've explored the options
and decided that your brand and communications strategy
is important and deserves professional expertise.
Now it may seem that everyone you know
has a friend who is a graphic designer.
But hiring the right designer is critical.
It would be great if all designers were the same.
But like every other profession,
there is a range of personalities and talents.
It's your job to find the right person
for the job and for you.
Before looking for a designer,
it's important for you to understand what you want.
This is a partnership.
The designer is a collaborator,
not a short order cook or pair of hands.
First, determine the scope of the project.
If you're not sure, be aware of that fact
and ask the designer to help identify the needs.
Second, be honest with yourself.
How closely do you want to be involved?
Would you like frequent updates and close collaboration
or do you prefer to give the assignment
and not be bothered until it's finished?
Once you know the answers here, you can refine your search.
Does the project require a designer working alone
or does it need a firm with wider capabilities?
In either case, the best approach is to
ask someone whose branding or design work you admire.
It's perfectly acceptable to inquire
whom they hired and if they liked working with them.
Another venue is AIGA,
The American Institute of Graphic Arts.
It's a national organization with 27,000 designers.
Start with the AIGA medalists and fellows.
You can find them at AIGA.org.
These are typically the most well known
and established designers.
If you find a designer here that you think is a good fit,
contact them.
Even famous designers need clients.
And most complain that they are passed over
because it is assumed that they are too expensive or busy.
That's not usually the case.
Everyone likes good work.
Look up the designers on your local AIGA Board of Directors.
There is amazing talent in every city.
Other good venues are Pinterest and Behance.
If you find a piece that resonates with you,
you some digging and go to that designer's website.
Make sure to check the About page
to make sure the designer's philosophy
works with your approach.
And word of mouth is always good beginning.
But everyone has subjective view points
and the great designer your friend Sue hired
may not be right for you.
At this point, you're gathering information
and doing research.
Don't worry about hiring someone that is down the street.
I have many clients on the opposite coast
or in Europe that I've never met in person.
The process works fine with modern communication.
And one last point, trust your gut.
If everyone tells you So-and-so is incredible,
but you can't connect with the work,
it isn't a good fit.
Find a designer that feels right.