In order to stay ahead of your competitors, your brand needs aggressive marketing. One sure way to achieve this is by incorporating captivating visuals to attract your target audience. This includes anything from websites to logos and brochures.

In case you’re thinking of hiring your best friend who designs flyers in their spare time, you should think again. You’ll need a professional graphic designer who’s not only knowledgeable about his or her craft but will help you achieve your desired results: growing your brand.

To hire the best graphic designer, you’ll need to consider a few factors which we’ll outline below

How to Select a Graphic Designer for Your Package Design Project

The packaging of your product is its silent salesperson. It is the initial presentation that attracts a customer’s attention on the shelf and makes them want to pick it up. Choosing the correct graphic designer is fundamental so as to create a package that will completely get connected with people. This is how you select and get creative partner who cannot go wrong in your project.

Portfolio Power: A designer's portfolio is your window into their creative mind. Look for strong past work especially in packaging design. Ideally, the portfolio should have variety of styles demonstrating versatility of the artist and his adaptability to different branding requirements. Don’t be scared when asking about their artistic process or how they might approach your particular item.

Who Is Your Target Audience?

Granted, you may have hired the best graphic designer in town, but your brand is entirely your responsibility. You need to clearly define your goals as a brand. Who are your target customers? Is your niche made up of middle-aged men or single mums?

Thinking Globally, Designing Locally:

Although employing an overseas designer might seem attractive, watch out for potential cultural disconnection. For example being aware of difference between states within American market place is indispensable while creating packagings which would satisfy their desires or expectations at most points (United States). Packaging that effectively communicates value without committing any cultural faux pas can only be done by one acquainted with USA consumer trends and regulations.

Understanding your target audience’s backgrounds and interests will help you clearly outline your vision to the graphic designer. This way the graphic designer knows the target market he or she is dealing with to formulate visuals that appeal to it.

What Work Do You Want Done?

When hiring a professional graphic designer, you need to be clear on the job you want done. Do you want a logo design for your company or website?

Here’s a great way to start your search, check out the Best Logo Design Companies of 2020 according to BestDesigns to see which companies and designers are at the top of their game.

Experienced graphic designers rarely throw in extra work unless you ask them to. For example, if you ask them to design an arrow logo for your media company (like this), seldom will the graphic designer also design an entire website along with brand identity design for you.

Beware the Bargain Bin

However, as you do so, be careful not to prioritize lower prices over everything else because cheap can always be expensive at times; meaning that low pricing could mean limited experiences or lack of attention to details. The right professional does not only possess good looks but also understand printing limitations, materials selection parameters as well as designs which would evoke emotions in your specific market segment.

In addition, specify the exact colors, font or images you require. If you don’t, you’ll leave this entirely up to the designer. Be clear to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure they know what’s expected of them.

Compile a Creative Brief

There are many graphic designers with varying levels of experience. Some only know how to design business cards and simple pamphlets while others offer the full package. To avoid attracting the wrong person, be proactive and write a creative brief.

In the brief you’ll specify exactly what you want done to attract the right person for the job. This will save you the trouble of having to scan through thousands of applicants who don’t meet your requirements.

Visit Reputable Sites

The ordinary man might view graphic design as pretty basic. After all, what’s difficult about designing a logo, right? Because of this misconception, it’s not surprising that everyone will claim to be a graphic designer. But the reality is that graphic designing requires high levels of skill and creativity.

To avoid hiring a person who’ll deliver substandard work, make sure you search for a professional graphic designer in the right places. Visit reputable freelance or industry platforms such as Behance and Dribble, and be sure to read reviews before hiring anyone.

Compare Portfolios

Sometimes reading reviews alone simply won’t cut it. Take it a step further and compare design portfolios. After all; what better way to see exactly what the designer is capable of than to view his or her past work.

Professional designers will always have portfolios showcasing their best work. When comparing the design quality, make sure you pick a style that matches your brand. No use picking a graphic designer who specializes in eclectic work when your brand is conservative. You risk alienating your target audience.

Experience Matters

Professionalism is one thing, but the level of experience the designer has is equally important. Experienced graphic designers have had the privilege to work with different brands and know-how to immediately interpret different company visions. As a result, translating your brand’s vision into a captivating visual concept that conveys your brand’s message will be natural for them.

Can you expect the same from a relatively new designer? Not likely.

If you want high-quality designs that are in sync with your brand vision, it’s in your best interest to look for an experienced designer.

What is Your Budget?

How much money have you allocated for your brand’s marketing efforts? This will significantly determine the graphic designer you pick. Naturally, if you’re working on a tight budget you can’t hire an expensive freelance designer.

Also, compare the going rates for the work you want done. This way you’ll know if you’re being overcharged and it will help you negotiate a fair price for the project.

Beyond the Look: Communication and Collaboration

Good design goes beyond beauty alone. Choose a designer who can communicate well with clients too. The designing process requires collaborative input because it helps in realizing what you want before it is too late. Assess if during those first talks (s)he possesses an understanding about your brand identity, target customers and overall project objectives.

The Right Fit for Success

Picking a designer is about finding the right fit. Select someone who appreciates your brand and whose target audience it understands well. Also, do not hesitate to inquire from the designers if they can provide you with any of their past clients as referees; by doing so you will know that the person has good work ethics and communication skills. Remember that selecting an experienced artist implies investing in success of your product because they could take a mere carton box and convert it into a powerful marketing tool which would lead to sales increase as well as customer loyalty.

Make sure that you find out the payment terms. Does the designer require payment upfront or in instalments? It’s important to be clear on all payment issues to avoid future misunderstandings.

Final Words

Follow these steps and you’re on your way to hiring the right professional designer for your brand. The designer you pick will make the difference between success and failure of your brand, so hire wisely.

Author Bio

Phil Eisenberg’s best skills include writing engaging articles, developing content strategies and planning digital marketing campaigns. He likes to play the guitar, and play with his dog while brainstorming ideas for his clients. He works at a local IT firm by day and freelance by night.