How to Choose a Graphic Designer?
Gaphic design is an essential part of every marketing plan. It can greatly increase the professional look of your business, or express your bands creative style. Right from the first glance it will leave an impression.
Finding the right design company or freelance designer, can be a little daunting if you do not know what to look for. I am a freelance design and I could simply end here saying you want to use me. However, I would rather you choose me only after you are informed and know what you need to know.
Portfolio
Every designer must have a portfolio, both printed and online. This is how they sell themselves, by showcasing their work. The better the designer, the larger the portfolio will be. It may contain work they have created for themselves, or just for fun, but should be largely comprised of work they have done for their clients. Look over a designers portfolio and see what they have done, and more importantly, see if the work they have done, is the type of work you are looking for. If you see wild designs for bands, but need a corporate marketing package, you should probably keep looking.
Quality
If your looking for a graphic designer, it means your looking to have something done right. Make sure when looking at a portfolio you see professional quality graphics. Graphics that sell you on what they were supposed to. If you see poor quality images put together or basic clip art graphics being used in a portfolio, then that is likely what you will get as well.
Price
Price is a big issue with everyone. You could say "You get what you pay for" or you could say "You get more than you could have hoped for". Getting the lowest price does not always mean getting the least work. IF you choose to use a large company, expect to pay more. If you are going with a freelance designer, expect to pay less. The best way to determine if the price is right, is to check the portfolio, then request a free quote. Compare the quote to the quality of work in the portfolio. If you see good work, and a good price, you have a good designer.
Background / References
After you have looked into the portfolio and are happy with the price and quality, check into the background of the company or designer. If you intend to have more than 1 project done or are looking to start up a long term project, it is important to check and see how long the designer has been around, if they have any other long term repeat clients. This way you can ensure they will be around for the duration of your project and an future need you may have.
Response Time
It is important that a designer responds to your requests and queries as soon as possible so you know you are important to them. If they take days to respond to your email or voice mail, they are either too busy to work with you, or are simply not very professional. Either way, they are not for you.
Efficiency & Clarity
Make sure the designer is able to understand what you are looking for. Nothing worse than have a mental picture of what you need, only to get back samples that are so different you wonder what went wrong, and need to explain it again. A good designer will read your needs, confirm everything with you and ask question or provide suggestions before any work will begin.
These are all important points to consider when choosing the right graphic designer. It may take some time to find the right one, but if you do your homework, you will get the right product for the right price from the right designer.
When you are looking for a professional Graphic Desiigner, keeps these points in mind and you will find the right one for your project.
Ready to get a free quote? Get one from Creative Compulsions today.
Myles is a freelance web designer / graphic designer and owner of Creative Compulsions. With over 10 years experience creating professional designs for everything from business cards to books to web sites.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Choose a Graphic Designer?