6 Questions to Ask a Graphic Designer Before Hiring

Do you have a design idea in mind and are not sure how to create it? Are you starting your own business and need a logo? You know that you need a graphic designer to create your vision. Hold on a minute before running out and just using any designer! It is important to do your “homework” and find a graphic designer that knows what they are doing. We have customers come in all the time with graphics that needs to be re-designed in order for them to print properly or the designer they originally went to did not get the design right. Our Panama City Print Shop wants to help you get quality work without incurring extra costs. Take a look at these 6 questions to ask a graphic designer before hiring.

1. Ask how long they've been in business.

Although a graphic artist with a lot of experience may cost more initially, you can save on cost in the long run. Unless you have a solid idea of what you want, a less experienced graphic designer may take several tries to create what you are envisioning, costing you more money, as most are paid by the hour.

2. Ask to see previous work.

Having a portfolio is a must for any graphic designer. If they cannot provide you with a portfolio, whether digital or the finished product, don’t risk it.

3. Ask for references.

Even if a portfolio is provided you should still ask for references.

4. Who does the actual work?

Are you hiring from a large firm with many designers or an individual working freelance? Both have pro’s and con’s. Although you may get your design quicker with a large firm you won’t get the personal attention like you would with a freelance designer. On the other hand, hiring a freelance designer may take longer to get your proof. So weigh out the options and decide what will work best for you.

 5. Ask about copyrights.

Does the graphic designer keep the copyright and just license reproduction rights to you, or do you get the copyright? Make sure the designer can ensure that the brand s/he creates doesn't infringe on any existing brands or copyrights. Also, make sure you will get a digital copy of your logo for future use. In most cases you should be given a vector version of your logo that can be manipulated. You will also need vector format to order items such as t-shirts and advertising specialties. Without a vector format such as an EPS, you will have to pay to have your logo re-set and incur additional charges.

6. Ask if he/she has ever dealt with a printing company

Many graphic designers right out of collage have no experience with commercial printers. Having the ability to design a beautiful brochure is one thing, but being able to set the brochure up correctly for commercial printing is another. There are so many factors to make sure your design prints correctly. It is important to have a graphic designer with the proper knowledge. Most printing companies will charge clients per hour to make jobs PRINT READY, so make sure your graphic artist knows what they are doing so you do not have to pay for it in the future.

As you can see there are several important factors in which to keep in mind prior to hiring a graphic designer. Here at Creative Printing, our graphic designer meets all of the qualities above and has the creative touch needed to help you get the design you envisioned. Give us a call or stop by the print shop and our friendly team will help you get started. Remember, here at Creative, we are a one stop shop, for all of your printing needs.