Asking the Right Questions: 7 Things You Need to Know When Hiring a Graphic Designer

Getting graphic designers nowadays is as easy as buying your milk in the supermarket. Graphic designers have become so endemic that everybody thinks that if they know how to use software programs and provide design and artwork to a material, they could easily get clients.

Graphic design is a two-way street of benefits- one for you and the other for the designer. To be able to maximize those benefits, here are 10 questions that we came up with to help you get the most suitable graphic designer working for your project.

1. How many years have you been in graphic design?

As I've said earlier, graphic designers are a dime a dozen. Almost everyone is a graphic designer these days. They even come younger than your next-door neighbor's son or daughter. Getting someone who has a background on graphic design is not enough anymore to build a strong working relationship. It is still better to have someone who has spent time training and getting the needed experience to do the job for you.

2. Can I see a portfolio?

Knowing what your designer has done in the past and getting his likes and dislikes on designs and art can suggest what he/she will be presenting to you. You might just get someone who has the exact look of what you have in mind.

3. Who have you worked for?

This is the most significant. Maybe I should put this on top. Anyway, your candidates should be able to produce not just clients but HAPPY clients. This is important because these clients are living references that you could talk to. Go one step further. Call them and ask about the candidate.

4. What's wrong with this project?

Prepare some material that includes an intentional mistake on the content. If they don't see any glitch or error, I think it's time to move on to the next candidate. Remember that editing and errors even minor ones will mean money out of your pocket.

5. Here's a page, what can you do?

A little test will go a long way in evaluating whether they say what they mean, and mean what they say. It's easy for them to tell you that they ca produce great results. However, you would need someone who CAN. So don't be afraid to give the test. Make it simple and give them a day or two to provide you with their results.

6. How long will it take you to do the job?

Your answer would be dependent on many things. Be more specific and ask for concrete answers. Also, try to ask our live references whether the candidate submitted late jobs. Not all projects are on time. We should accept that fact. Nevertheless, it's up to you to decide if chronic lateness can be within your tolerance for pain.

7. How much will it cost?

Prices do vary on the amount of work and your specifications. And do they make over-charges? This is another fact that you should accept. Overcharges are unavoidable because of the changing nature of the industry. Again, call the live references. They will know whether the overcharge is justified or not.

After everything has been said and done, choosing your Graphic Designer depends on you and your requirements. As with each fingerprint being unique, so does with graphic designers. Each of them has their own differences that can be an advantage for you and your company. So don't be afraid to look around. What you need might just be a block away from your office.