Image via Wikipedia6 Steps on How to Hire A Graphic Designer for your website
To make a website and a business your own, to give it a personality and to create an impression with customers and prospects, graphics are essential. Colors, shapes, and images all help to create your brand. Here’s how to hire the right graphic designer for your business.
Step One. Determine in advance what you need a graphic designer to do. Do you need a logo? Do you need a book or product enhanced with graphics? Do you need a website? While some graphic designers offer a full range of services, others specialize. Additionally, knowing what you need in advance will help you get the best pricing.
Step Two. Ask for referrals. Chances are many business owners you know have worked with a graphic designer. Ask who they’ve used and get their contact information. Referrals and recommendations are the best way to ensure that you’re working with a qualified and professional graphic designer.
Step Three. Visit their website and browse their portfolio. Any graphic designer worth their salt will have a portfolio of their work. While some are capable of designing in a variety of styles, others have a unique style and voice. It’s important to find a designer whose style matches your own.
Step Four. Contact a few designers. Ask about the process. Tell them what you are looking for. Ask about fees and time frame. The designer will likely have a lot of questions for you, be prepared to answer them. The questions will likely be about your company image, mission statement, and industry so the designer can get a feel for what you and your business represent.
Step Five. Get a quote from designers you felt understood your needs. If you’re uncertain about hiring a designer, consider having them do a test project. A test project is a smaller project that can help you evaluate the designer’s skills.
Step Six. Hire your designer. Get the fees and estimated delivery schedule in writing. It’s important to understand the process from the beginning and to have it in writing. Will you receive a first draft of the work for review? How many revisions are included in your fee? Do you retain copyright? Often, a designer will ask for 50% of the fee upfront to get started. Be prepared to pay it.
Hiring a graphic designer is a straight forward process. Finding one, however can be a bit trickier. Referrals and recommendations are your best chance at finding someone qualified and professional. If in the event friends and associates are unable to refer anyone, check out the American Institute of Graphic Artists website found at www.AIGA.com. They have listings of graphic designers, among other professionals, and can be a great place to start.
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