Maybe you’re in the market for a new website or a logo, but you don’t know where to start. Hiring a designer can be a little intimidating, so here’s what you can expect and a few tips to make your design experience go smoothly.
Determine Your Budget
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What is the scope of the project? What do we need the designer to do?
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What is our timeline? Do we need this done next week, next year, or somewhere in between?
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Is there going to be an on-going retainer after we’re done?
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Are there any unique features that we need the designer to implement?
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The designer is responsive to emails and willing to answer questions and concerns
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The designer has a great portfolio
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The designer has several referrals and testimonials
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The designer can provide a proposal with an outline of their services, timeline, and costs
The Process
- Send the designer a message and let them know that you’re interested in hiring them for a project. Let them know the scope of the project, the timeline, and your budget. It may be helpful for you to place all of this information in a single document to easily send to several designers that you contact.
- The designer should follow up with you and let you know that they can take on the project. They may have some additional questions at that time. You could also request a proposal from the designer so that you’re clear on all details of the project.
- When you’ve found the designer that you want to hire, let them know. They’ll likely have you sign some kind of formal agreement (like a contract) that outlines the specifics of the project. They may also have you pay a deposit. Sign the contract, pay the deposit, and you’re ready to get started! Another thing that I’ll mention here is that you should reach out to the designers that you’ve contacted but have decided not to hire and let them know that you’re going with someone else. This is a nice courtesy and allows those designers to open their schedule for other projects.
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Enjoy the process and know that YOU are in the drivers seat. If something feels off, you don’t have to hire that person.
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A lot of designers prefer to take phone calls after they have the foundational information in place. It’s really helpful if you come to a designer with your budget, scope of project, and timeline in hand.
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You get what you pay for.