Graphic-iti

Following up on my past article, “Why hire a graphic designer?”, I have decided to offer some tips on how to make the relationship between client and designer a smooth one. This is necessary due to the fact that there exists various misconceptions on what a graphic designer is, what we do and what we’re suppose to offer. Being that graphic design is a mixed industry, both service and product, there are fuzzy lines in where one ends and the other begins.

The following tips are intended to be used by people who want to hire a graphic designer. Please have in mind that these are guides given by a graphic designer to the average client, people looking for a designer but don’t have an overall idea as to how designers work. I hope that you find them helpful.

1. Don’t ask for a “test drive”

There are many people out there that ask for a sample before deciding on whether or not to hire the designer. No one asks a plumber to stop the leak in their kitchen sink before deciding to hire them or not. Graphic Design, just like plumbing, is a service. If you want to see a sample, you could probably go online and see their portfolio. Don’t fall into this. I have had bad experiences with this and can’t stress this enough.

2. Let us know as much as possible

When you finally choose and contact a Graphic Designer, they will ask for a briefing. This consists on letting him or her know your ideas for the project. Please be specific! From the type of picture, down to the color, nothing is insignificant. This is the best way to assure that the price will be in your budget. When the graphic designer sends you a quote it is a base price, meaning that it could rise if you make many changes. At the briefing, ask the designer about change limits and timing. Anything and everything that will make the base price very close to the final price.

3. Discuss payments and other honoraries

As discussed in tip #2, the designer will have a base price and some rules in order for that base price to stay the same. Speak freely with the designer. Clarify any doubts you may have. This is your money, so be sure that know what you are getting. Also, ask about any other honoraries. The main thing is that you don’t get any surprises when the invoice comes home.

4. Accept suggestions

It takes a lot of wisdom to accept advice, especially if the project is yours. It’s your baby and no one should try to change it, right? Remember, designers are professionals with a background in art. Take up on their suggestions or discuss it with them in order to get to a happy medium. Don’t be so defensive, this is your project, but it becomes the designer’s project also. The two of you are in it together. You want your vision to get across, and the designer wants it to be the best job he’s / she’s done. Work together and the outcome will be great.

There is a huge do it yourself community out there. Programs like publisher and paint art pro are great tools for simple kinds of projects and hobbies. However, your business is something that you have worked very hard to achieve. Don’t be eager to do something that might hurt your image. I know that thinking of hiring an expert is sometimes scary. Money is a factor, but if you think an expert is expensive, wait till you see what an amateur will cost you.

Written by: Juan Rivera