How to find the right freelance graphic designer
Blog / Article
Do you need graphic design help but don’t know where to look or what to do once you’ve found a freelancer? Finding the right freelance graphic designer can be challenging, but the process can be made easier by following these steps and tips.
STEP 1: Finding a Freelance Graphic Designer
Use your network: This is one of the most successful ways of finding a freelance graphic designer who will be a great fit. Leverage your online network to find referrals for freelance graphic designers. A quick “looking for recommendations” post on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can easily deliver multiple professionals to consider. Attending networking events can be a fantastic way to meet candidates face to face or find recommendations from those who’ve worked with freelance graphic designers in the past.
Search Google: We live in a world where it is nearly impossible to do business without having a website. Search Google for freelance graphic designers, but be sure to include important keywords in your search. What are the important keywords? You decide. Is it important that your freelance graphic designer be local? Do they need a particular skill, like illustration or motion graphic design? Should they have experience with a certain project, like logo or website design? Ask yourself what is important to you in a freelance graphic designer and then search for that. As always, Be cautious of clicking on design sites offering work at crazy-low prices. These sites are mostly populated by amateur designers, which can lead to frustration, disappointment, and wasted time and money.
Post the Job: Post your project request online through a reputable job/project board such as:
– LinkedIn Pro Finder
– Google Jobs
– Authentic Jobs
– Angel.co (Angel List)
– Coroflot
Cut the search short! We’d love to help you with your design needs.
STEP 2: Doing Your Research
Review their portfolio: So you’ve found a freelance graphic designer. Take a look through their website to see if they have experience on what you need. Review their projects to get an idea of their style and versatility. Read through their blog, if they have one, to learn about their process and how they conduct business.
Read the Testimonials: See if they have testimonials or reviews on their website, Facebook page, or Google listing. Keep an eye out for reviews that mention how their clients continue to work with them. If businesses continue to work with the same freelance graphic designer, it is a clear sign that they are providing quality work and maintaining good relationships.
Set Up a Meeting: Meet up with your potential graphic designer to discuss their process, experience, and initial ideas on your project. This is a huge indicator of whether or not they will be a good fit. If you’re able to communicate with your designer easily and effectively, that’s a good barometer of how your relationship will work. If talking with a potential freelancer is like pulling teeth, it may be a sign to move onto other options.
STEP 3: Getting Started
Set Expectations: It’s important to start off on the right foot with your project and your relationship with your freelance graphic designer. One way to do this is to lay out clear expectations on both sides. Discuss how you will be communicating with each other and how often. Talk about how involved or hands-off you want to be in the creative process. Agree on a timeline for your project. Make sure that you have a detailed discussion about your project and write up (or have you designer craft) a creative brief.
Sign a Contract: Now that expectations have been set, you need to have a contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties (you and your designer). Many freelance graphic designers will already have a contract for you to sign but some may not. Be prepared to have something written and signed, it protects both you and them.
Communicate: The number one reason a graphic design fails or “misses the mark” is because there was a communication breakdown. Make sure that you’re communicating all of your expectations, requirements, and ideas to your freelance graphic designer. This will ensure that they have all the information necessary to make the best design decisions. Keep in mind that successful designs require revisions based on your feedback. You and your designer should be checking in after each revision round or concept delivery to discuss what is and is not working. Ask your freelance graphic designer questions about the decisions they made. You may find that you may agree or can come to a compromise and a stronger final solution.
By following these steps and tips you will be able to find the right freelance graphic designer to fit your needs and project. Happy searching!