Customer tips on working with a graphic designer.
In the number two spot for best definition of a graphic designer on the urban dictionary website is, “noun: An under-paid, under-employed, and under-appreciated creative professional known for their keen sense of ‘what looks right visually’. A very opinionated and possibly unemployed person,” (77jim, 2011). I love this definition because not only is it funny, but it is accurate. As a graphic designer, I have grown to understand that our work is important, but it is not always portrayed as such. We are also very opinionated individuals, which is why I have come up with some tips for you, the customer, to know for when you need a graphic designer’s talents.
Maybe you need the help of a designer because you have absolutely no idea what you want or need. If this is the case, you can give your designer “creative freedom.” This means that you want to see what a professional could come up with, given little or no instruction. If you give us creative freedom, expect us to go a little crazy with the creativity and options. Giving up all control to your designer might sound a little scary, but remember, your designer has a degree and knows what they are doing. If you are not very picky, you are going to make us very happy by giving us creative freedom.
If you are a pickier person, it is perfectly fine; give us all your ideas up front. Maybe you have a color scheme, layout, or graphic in mind; we will write it down and work with your ideas. You can even provide examples of what you like. The more instruction you provide, the more money you will save in design time. Even with instruction, we can also provide you with multiple design options based on what you like and the vibe you are going for.
If you do provide examples, do not expect your designer to recreate them for you. This is a copyright issue, and we cannot duplicate another artist’s work. The point of hiring a graphic designer is to have an original graphic created; this is our passion, and your designer will come up with something truly unique to your business!
Do not compare the proof your designer sends you to stuff you find on the internet. A proof is a sample of the design that the artist has created for you to look over. In the early stages of design, this could include multiple proofs for you to choose from. In the later stages, this will be one proof that you might have asked for changes of. On behalf of all graphic designers everywhere, we politely ask that you do not go to the internet to compare our design abilities and styles to others’. This will just leave you disappointed and often it takes your designer right back to the drawing board because you might have found something you like better. Search the internet before even speaking with your designer for the first time; this will reduce comparisons later (and will save you money!).
Finally, look up the designer beforehand; find their website, scroll their social media, even speak with them over the phone. Make sure you like their artistic style and prices and ask for a quote if you need to. Some designers charge by the hour (mostly designers that work for an agency) and some charge by the project (mostly freelance designers). This means that a designer might have a flat rate for a logo and a different flat rate for a business card. You might be surprised at some of the prices graphic designers charge, but remember, the final product is most likely going to be seen by all your current and future customers. If you are not happy with the style or prices of a particular designer, look for another one; you will be happier with someone who shares your artistic vision.
Graphic designers are passionate about what they do; they must be if they expect to thrive in this profession. We want to make you happy; we want to see your face light up when you see what we design for you! I would advise every graphic design customer to be kind, be appreciative, and be patient, because in the end, the product is going to be something you love that will represent your business.
77jim. “Graphic Designer.” Urban Dictionary. 23 March, 2011. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Graphic%20designer