Guidelines on Choosing a Graphic Designer
If you know nothing about graphic design, choosing a graphic designers can be intimidating, especially if you are choosing one online. Understand that all professionals out there claim to be able to offer outstanding services. Some would not be fully committed to offering outstanding services because they are only interested in making money. To find a dependable designer, it is important to research the traits of reliable candidates. Seeking the assistance of knowledgeable individuals can also help. Highlighted below are a few important things to consider when choosing a graphic designer.
Choose a designer according to the types of services you are seeking. Some of the services such as providers offer include graphic design, chalkboards, menu boards, murals, logos, illustrations, among others. Understand that some claim to offer services that they do not. This makes it important to confirm that they indeed offer the services they claim to offer. This helps avoid inconveniences, particularly if you need a myriad of services. If you need unique services such as one-color logos, premium logos, full-color logos, among others, choose a provider with that in mind. Do not assume that the professionals offer hand-drawn chalkboards, signs, menu boards, etc.
You should ensure that they are experienced enough. Your signs and chalkboards have to stand out from the rest in a good way. If your designer is not good enough, anything they design will be lost in all other bland items. To be on the safe side, look for providers with eye-catching samples of some of the items they have completed before. If you need menu boards, for instance, you should ask to see some of the boards they have done for past clients. You should also ensure that the images are not lifted from other sources. It pays to focus on providers with outstanding testimonials from past clients.
Ask about the process before committing. Do not assume that you will simply order a sign online and have a complete product the following day. A dependable provider should familiarize themselves with your business, its goals, and your needs. Gathering enough information ensures that they create a proposal, estimate, and most importantly, the type of product you need. A proposal helps you know what to expect because it outlines the project, completion timelines, delivery, fees, installation, among others. Inquire regarding mockups as well. A mock-up is important because it gives you a glimpse of how the final project is going to look like.
Make sure that they have sensible fees. While you should not expect outstanding services from a ridiculously cheap designer, do not assume that only the most expensive providers offer outstanding services. Since you have a unique graphic design project, look for a professional that would only offer you an estimate after evaluating the project. You should also know how they would bill you. If you need them for onsite services such as custom chalk murals, the provider is likely to charge an hourly rate. It is advisable to ask for a breakdown of all service charges before committing.