The question for many business owners is how to find a graphic designer that can help you make an impact.

Here are some tips on how you can find and hire a graphic designer.

Identify Your Project Requirements

Most designers know how to make logos, infographics, page layouts and websites. However, there are also designers that specialize in a specific field.

Before hiring a graphic designer to do a job, it is best to know what you need. For example, if you need a layout for a website, it is best to find a designer who is an expert in this field or somebody that has a lot of experience. The same is true if you need a branding expert or a logo.

Be thorough in identifying your needs. Not only will it help you find the right designer, it will also help you avoid potential communications problems in the future.

Find The Right Skills

Many graphic designers are versatile and well-versed in using programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, PhotoShop and Illustrator. They are the so called “gold standard” when it comes to graphic design software so most designers would know how to use them.

However, being a good graphic designer is not just about knowing how to use software. A good designer should also be able to communicate well, be creative, strategic, be a good team player and take a criticism well.

Check out their portfolios too. Try to see if they have past projects that are similar to what you want. Candidates should be able to show past work including the process they use from planning to conclusion. Find similarities between candidates’ past jobs and your company’s work. This will give both parties a reason to think that working together will be mutually beneficial.

Shortlist Potential Candidates

As the interview date draws near, you will want a shortlist of candidates from among the many applicants you have received. You need to look for:

• Professionalism – you can already get an idea of this by looking at the way a candidate has submitted their application.
• Talent – graphic designers create visual content and this should be clear in their proposal, portfolio and profile.
• Experience – is the candidate versed in design software? Do they have experience with working in your industry or with what you need?
• Feedback – what do previous clients say about them as a professional and about their work? Getting feedback from past employers through their references will give you a good idea on how they work and how they are at work.
• Portfolio – art is subjective just like design but it is also important that people are able to understand what they are trying to communicate. Their portfolio should contain a description of each of the project. Check out projects that have elements of design that you want.

Interview

It’s now time to prep for the interview. This is the best opportunity to learn about their approach, creativity, experience and talent. It’s best to prepare questions ahead of time so that you can ensure that you’ve covered everything you want to learn about them.

Good questions include:

• Tell me about 3 of your best projects.
• What is your timeline for projects?
• What makes a great project?
• What do you think about our past work?

Observe their responses for all the questions you ask. Using their responses and engaging the candidates can help you find a graphic designer that is well suited to your company and its culture.

Do you have any more tips to add? What is your experience in hiring a graphic designer? Tell us by leaving your comments below.

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