Come with me as I walk you through 3 things that you NEED to look out for before settling on a designer for your brand or project. I think we often forget that brand designers need to be more than just that friend of a friend that you have been recommended…

IMG_4463 copy-cropped.jpg — ***Your brand is your baby and you are allowed to treat it that way… Nurture it, protect it and don’t just settle for ANYTHING for it!***

Think of finding the perfect designer for you the same as finding a babysitter for your little one - ***do your research, ask questions and use your intuition…*** If it doesn’t feel right or you’re finding that you don’t ‘gel’, then KEEP LOOKING!

#1 CREATIVITY

This one might seem pretty obvious (of course a Graphic Designer is creative, durrrr)… BUT creativity is key and it is becoming more and more easy to rip off a design you found on Pinterest. Creativity helps you to establish the ideas, that turn into design concepts that then forms YOUR BRAND. This is what makes your brand relatable and intriguing to your audience - no designer is going to expect you to come to them with an established colour scheme or brand design, and if they do... Odds are they're lacking that very thing called creativity (which is your sign to find another designer). When approaching a creative designer, you go to them with this little glimmer of inspiration and they, from there, work their ✨MAGIC✨and create the brand of your dreams.

TIP: Explore your potential designers’ portfolio - does their work stand out to you? Do you connect with their work? Do their designs evoke certain (GOOD) feelings? Does their work shine with personality? Is it original?

#2 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

FIRST UP… Do they even have them? Are they being clear and communicating with you in a timely manner? We know you don't like waiting 8 working days to see a simple response, and you should not have to! If your designer is busy, they should tell you. If they can't get on to your project for 3 weeks, they need to TELL YOU. As a professional, your designer needs to be cooperative and responsive to your emails or DM’s (Hit me up on Insta, I love it!). We know how EXCITED you are to see your brand or project come to life - why wouldn’t you be? If your designer isn't just as excited to get the ball rolling and work on your project with you, respond and engage with you, then it's time to say, "BYEEEE👋" , because they ain’t the right fit for you!

TIP: Check to see if your potential designer has positive testimonials from their clients? Do they have return clients, coming to them for work again and again? Are they real and cut the BS when engaging with you and others?

#3 HOW ARE THEY WITH FEEDBACK?

Are they able to take on your feedback and explore other avenues? At the end of the day, remember… This project is your baby... It's not every day that your designer is going to agree that your favourite logo concept is theirs, too, but you know what... THAT'S OKAY! If a designer doesn't love every concept they're sending you in the first place, then you’re working with the wrong guy or gal! YOU have to be happy with the end result and you have to be able to approach your designer to explore other creative avenues, if needed. If your designer isn’t okay with modifying designs and taking on your feedback about your vision for the project then, they are not a good designer!

This one might be a little tricky to establish before settling with a designer but… have a chat with them. Again, are they easy to communicate with? Do they seem like a genuine person? Are they understanding of how clear or unclear you may be on the overall vision you have? Are they happy to chat things over with you before you dive into working with them?

Do your homework and don’t be afraid to decide that someone may not be the right fit for you and your brand (just because they were recommended)!

Settling on a designer can and SHOULD BE a relationship that flourishes with your business!

A good designer wants to grow with you and will be one of your BIGGEST supporters! I have established so many amazing relationships with my clients that I value oh so much and I only wish the same for you and your biz! xx