Tips for Working With A Designer

If you choose to work with a graphic designer, here are some tips for making sure the business relationship starts off on the right foot.

1. Have a vision for your project - The more you can communicate the message the design should convey, the easier it will be for your designer to come up with concepts. Have examples of other similar designs that you like and dislike and be able to tell your designer what specifically about the design that you feel works or doesn’t work.
   
   
2. View your designer’s portfolio - Make sure you like at least some of the pieces in your designer’s portfolio - or the designs they’ve done for themselves. If you don’t like any of them, chances are that you won’t be happy with this designer’s work.
   
   
3. Vocalize your budget and other constraints - Be honest with your designer about how much you can spend - at least give them a price range. Each element of graphic design - including design concepts, design development, typography, copywriting, photography, illustrations, and printing - has numerous options and costs. It is virtually impossible for a designer to accurately estimate something without knowing if you’re looking a high end design with all the bells and whistles or the cheapest design possible.
   
   
4. Get a written agreement - Make sure you have the price, timeline and terms of agreement in writing. Know who owns the copyright and what design files you will receive at the end of the project.
   
   
5. Communicate with your designer at each step - Your designer is not a mind reader, so they will need your feedback to create something that you are happy with.

   When critiquing designs, always start with the positives of the designs and what you like before you mention ideas and revisions you have. This gets the designer on you side, assures them that you are happy with the direction of the project, and makes them more receptive to changes.

   That said, don’t be overly vague or micromanage your designer. If you don’t like something, clearly articulate how the designs don’t meet your initial objectives and propose a solution. The most frustrating thing you can tell a designer is “I’ll know it when I see it.”

6. Proofread - It is your responsibility to provide your designer with the correct text. Have as many people read the piece as possible.