Designers of all sorts are professionals just as doctors, lawyers, and teachers are. However, it is sometimes difficult to qualify "good" design. Just as fine art produces different reactions in different viewers, graphic and web design can invoke different responses from those who experience it. The difference however, between an artist and a designer is that designers are, quite literally, problem solvers. Clients find designers to create a company brand, promote a product, create a website etc. all these things are created to solve the problem that the client initially arrives with. To this end it can be difficult to find a designer who will suit your needs and be a "perfect" fit. There are some things to keep in mind however that may help you in your quest to find a designer for your graphics, branding or website projects:
1. Talk to people you know. Do you know someone who has had a graphic or web design project completed? Ask them who they recommend, you may be surprised at how many people you know who have hired a professional designer.
2. Does your potential designer have a portfolio and how is it presented? Now, simply having a small portfolio does not automatically disqualify a perspective designer, but having a large cross section of work, especially in the area you are interested in, can be a big help. Also is their portfolio presented in a pleasing manner (especially important for web designers)?
3. Does your potential designer have references available? It's always advisable to speak to past clients of any potential designer. In most situations these will be people who won't know you personally and will give you a straight forward recommendation of the designer.
4. Experience. As with #2 above, a designer who does not have much experience or how has not been in business very long should not necessarily be disqualified from consideration. However, experience and time in business are very important factors to consider when looking for any professional.
5. Does your potential designer listen to you? I believe that one of the most important characteristics for a good designer is the ability to listen to their clients needs. Only by listening carefully can we truly understand what our client's goals are for their project. Does the designer who you are interviewing listen carefully to you and then respond to your questions and ideas in a way that makes you feel as though they are part of your conversation? Or do they look as though they are simply waiting for you to finish speaking so they can TELL you what they are going to do with your project, irrespective of your imput.
6. Decide what you need and them make sure it can be provided. Do you need a website with backend support for a shopping cart or database? Can your designer provide that for you? Or, if your site is going to be graphically rich, is your designer competent with the tools necessary to create the images you will need?
7. Does your potential designer utilize some form of proposal and/or contracts? I cannot stress enough how crucial this is for a number of reasons. A signed agreement or contract which clearly states the pricing, timeline and deliverables of a project certainly helps to protect you from the "I have this friend whose brother does web stuff on the side, he can totally help you out for cheap" scenario. Also, a competent designer who is also a competent business person will certainly want to utilize project documentation to protect his or her own interests.
This list is by no means comprehensive, however it should provide you with a few points to keep in mind when looking for and speaking with potential designers.
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