How to choose a designer for your team

With a number of choices, finding the right designer for your specific needs can be tough. Below is a short guide on how to choose a designer that would be the best match for your team. It will help you make the right choice when selecting a designer – may it be for a graphic design project, a website project, or any designer for that matter.

1. Experience
By checking out the designer’s previous projects, you will have a good idea on what your designer is capable of doing and what skill level he is at. You may also check around what commonly used software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, your designer is using for reference.
Having a strong portfolio is probably the best indicator, but this is not to say that a new designer cannot produce top quality results. This point has to be considered along with all the other points mentioned below.

2. Feedbacks
What do previous clients say about their work? Reviewing feedbacks can give you an idea of their ability to communicate, solve problems and produce a quality work.
You may also need to check out the testimonial’s validity which can be done by looking for a web address. It is a great idea to know if the company exists. For new designers, you may need to get in touch with people they’ve listed in their resume for character references.

3. Portfolio
Design is a subjective art, but, the thing is, are you able to understand what they were trying to convey? Each portfolio item should provide a description, wherein the designer explains the problem they needed to solve or the project requirements.
A handy tip is to look for portfolio examples that have a similar aesthetic to what you want, or otherwise, within the style you prefer.

4. Price
The cost of the service is normally quite evident by the quality you will receive. In most cases, you will get what you pay for but, do not take price as the only indication.
So how much is normal? Since each company has different needs, the best approach is to draw up a customized quote for each client.
Remember, quality design takes time and effort. Think of how long the design will be in use – would you want that to be designed in less than a day or two? Design services are not a take away food store and that is why it does not cost like a fast food meal.

5. Affiliations
A good designer enjoys growth. Although not really essential, if a designer is affiliated with any design associations or local design groups, it shows how dedicated they are to their craft.
To cite an example, since 2014, I am a part of the Philippine Web Designer’s Organization (PWDO)and Graphic Artist of the Philippines (GAP) – the two most popular and by far the largest groups of design professionals here in the Philippines.

6. Professionalism
Communication skills, attention to details, time management and trustworthiness are all vital characteristics to keep in check. Keep in mind how you are able to communicate efficiently with the designer all throughout the whole process.

7. Appropriate Questions
A good designer asks questions – relevant ones. Questions should revolve around the company history, target market, goals, competitors, etc.

In summary
Here are the 7 things you should consider in choosing the right designer:
1. Experience
2. Feedbacks
3. Portfolio
4. Price
5. Affiliations
6. Professionalism
7. Appropriate Questions

Have a further point to add? Leave a comment below. 🙂