You cannot know everything about a graphic designer by reviewing an online profile. Conducting a thorough interview, whether by phone or in person, is recommended for any client who’s serious about getting good services. There are a few questions that are important to ask upfront before starting the project.
Can I See Your Portfolio?
Every graphic designer should have a portfolio of his or her work that’s been collected over the years. This is a display of the artist’s best and worst talents along with the dates, times and locations. Looking through the portfolio is not required but is recommended to see proven examples of a designer’s expertise.
Can I See Your Resume?
In addition to reviewing the portfolio, review the graphic designer’s resume. This contains a list of the professional’s education and work experience, such as how much training they received and how long they’ve worked in the industry. Also look for more detailed information about any special skills or projects.
Do You Have Specialties?
Every professional, regardless of industry, has special skills and talents. For a graphic designer, the most common design specialties include:
- Logo and brand
- Blogs and websites
- Packaging
- Mobile devices
This step is also recommended but not required. If you need a new logo for your business, you can hire a Web designer, but it’s more effective to hire a graphic designer who specializes in logo and brand design. Web designers will make generic designs that have no meaningful context or relevance to the company. Logo and brand designers will research and analyze the company first before coming up with ideas. They are trained to understand the importance of brand identity and promotion.
Do You Work With Collaborators like Writers or Web Developers?
Many, but not all, graphic designers work closely with collaborators, who are other professionals in related fields, like copywriters, Web developers, marketers, etc. Their creations are usually part of a larger project that includes several team members. If the designer that you want collaborates with other people, you may need to know their contact details in case you have questions.
What Are the Steps of Your Design Process?
Every graphic designer undertakes certain steps to create, edit and finish a design. Learn about every detailed step that your designer will complete, such as researching the company, brainstorming, editing drafts, etc. This information is also important to know how much the professional will charge on the final bill.
What Are Your Turnaround Times?
Many artists tend to work at a slow pace. When you’re working with professionals, it’s necessary to know how long it’ll take to complete specific projects. Some people take longer, while others take less time to complete the same amount of work. However, people who take less time may do worse jobs than those who take longer.
All artists have good and weak spots that make them unique from the others. Interviewing your designer is one of the most important steps when choosing one. A typical design project requires weeks and months of hard work and dedication. You don’t want an artist who is inexperienced or doesn’t want to communicate properly. Find an experienced professional who works in the Hoboken, New Jersey and the New York areas.
Recent Comments