What You Should Expect from A Graphic
Designer?
“Choosing a designer
can be a difficult decision for a client. Here are a few important attributes
to expect from a graphic designer.
1. An informative
website
A client should expect
to learn something from the designer before paying a penny, and the designer’s
online presence should do the job.
Informative websites
help on a number of counts.
- Trust is built through communication in blog comments
- Attention to detail can be seen through design project
case studies
- Positive references will accompany portfolio entries
- Communication skills are evident through proper grammar
2. Excellent
communication skills
There’s no excuse for
typos in e-mails.
The client’s
reputation is in the hands of the designer, but just as the client makes a
hiring choice, design studios also judge potential clients on their
communication skills, and can readily say no to a large
budget.
3. Attention to detail
Changing smallest
detail can greatly alter the impact of a brand identity. Look at these 10 successful logo refinements for an appreciation of the finer details.
4. Great customer
service
How fast can clients
expect a response to their questions? Unless prior notice has been given, email
replies should be received within 24 hours during a project’s standard working
week. Telephone communication should be available throughout normal working
hours.
What about after the
design handover? A designer should remain on hand to help with any printing
questions or file-type issues.
5. Trustworthiness
How much is known
about the chosen designer? Does she have a successful track record? Is she the
new kid on the block?
Blogs play an
important role in overcoming
sales objections. The regular publishing
of design articles shows a passion for the subject, and communication skills
become evident through how comments are responded to.
Here are five easy steps to
building trust online, complete with a few
further resources.
6. Good time
management
Deadlines are a vital
part of the design process. A client could be waiting on the designer to
finalize the identity before an ad campaign is rolled-out, or before office
signage is installed, so the last thing needed is to have the agreed time frame
pushed back.
7. Positive references
References — or client testimonials — offer a great insight into previous
customer satisfaction. Comments will be accompanied with a web address, but if
not, a client shouldn’t be afraid to request contact details from the designer.
8. Flexibility
No matter how detailed
the initial design brief, there must always be room for flexibility. Things can
change during each stage of the process, requiring a different outlook from
that first anticipated. Both the client and the graphic designer should
accommodate some movement.
9. A strong portfolio
Previous projects
speak volumes about what to expect. Rather than focus on my own graphic design portfolio, here are some others containing nice
identity design work.
When browsing
portfolios, it’s good to see design diversity, both in client industry and
project outcome.
10. Common courtesy
Nice shouldn’t cost
extra.
To reiterate, 10
things to expect from a designer:
- An informative website
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Great customer service
- Trustworthiness
- Good time management
- Positive references
- Flexibility
- A strong portfolio
- Common courtesy”
Used by permission from: David
Airey, Graphic Designer: http://www.davidairey.com/choosing-a-logo-designer/
