Choosing A Graphic Designer

By Author: Kai Thorpe
Total Articles: 11
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Choosing a graphic designer can be a difficult process. You know that you will want to work with someone who will understand you and your business, with experience and a professional attitude. With so many graphic designers in Kent and across the UK it helps to know what to look out for.

These are the main points to look out for when choosing a graphic designer:

Portfolio

Ideally this should include work which is similar to what you require. Choose a designer or design studio with relevant technical skills and examples of their work in this area.

Many graphic designers profess to having a huge range of online and offline design skills, which may be the case, but the best way to find the quality of a studio’s work is by looking at previous work.

Look for a match of formal art qualifications and technical skills. It is of no use to hire a graphic designer with artistic ability but cannot transfer that onto a computer, just as it is not useful to use a graphic designer who can create technical projects which look unappealing artistically.

Business Skills

But design isn’t ...
... everything. You are likely to be looking for a design team which can create a strong business image, and not let artistic licence get in the way of purpose. Ask your designers about their previous projects which are similar in deadline and budget to your own. Graphic designers in Kent and across the UK should be able to give examples of how their marketing has translated into return on investment. Every aspect of a design should serve the purpose of communicating something to the viewer.

Attitude

Once you have a selection of possible graphic designers, arrange to meet them. Discuss your ideas and take note of the designer’s attitude. Look for someone personable and professional, who you believe can work to your deadline and budget. Look for someone creative too. It sounds obvious, but if your concepts are vague you will want someone motivated and enthusiastic in sharing ideas.

They shouldn’t however, be over-enthusiastic and create something which doesn’t fit your specification.

Good graphic designers will tell you straight away if they cannot create the product which you require. They should be honest enough to admit that their skills in website design, InDesign or photography are not adequate.

Also look for someone with time to chat. If you feel rushed by a graphic designer it is unlikely they will have the time to keep checking your project back with you to gain feedback.

References

Graphic design studios will be able to provide references. These may be on their website, in their portfolio, or you could ask for them and follow them up with a quick phone call.

Open Water are a design and branding agency in Kent. They work with large and small clients across the UK and offer a wide range of services, covering everything from brand strategy and print design to web design, flash presentations and HTML email marketing. Full range of design services