“To design is to communicate clearly by whatever means you can control or master.” –Michelangelo

 

When you’re looking for a graphic designer for a new logo design, web pages or graphics for your business you want the right fit. Every designer has their own individual style – so your choice is important. With so many graphic designers out there, I’ve listed some key pointers to keep in mind that will help in selecting the best designer for your needs:

 

• Portfolio – Look at the designer’s past work, either online or in person. This is the best way to see if you like the the graphic designer’s style. For instance, if you’re looking for a high end restaurant logo and the designer specializes in a more cartoonlike style, he or she may not be the right choice for you. You’ll also be able to see their client base and their depth of experience. A strong portfolio is a good indication of the quality of work you can expect.

• Testimonials – Find out what other people are saying about your potential designer. Some designers will have customer testimonials on their website; others you can email and ask for past/present clients and talk to them directly. This will also give you an idea how the designer works – are they good with communicating? Deadlines, etc.?

• Design Process – Let the designer discuss how he or she goes about creating a logo.

 

What are some of the questions they may ask a potential client? Here are just a few questions the designer should be asking:

 

• What is the overall market you are looking to reach (demographics)?

• Who are your main competitors?

• How do you differ from your competition?

• How would you describe your services?

• What are the key words that you often use?

• Customer Service/Professionalism – Another important competent of a good designer is good customer service skills. You don't want someone who cannot meet deadlines, does not treat their customers well, and is not trustworthy. Again, these are qualities you can check with other clients who have done business with the designer, either listed on their site or given to you from the designer as references.

• Price – Price is important to the client, but on the other hand I would encourage you to select your designer based on their portfolio and reputation and not just on their fees. (You know the saying “you get what you pay for”?) Logos are not cheap – they are the most important part of your brand and you’ll be using it for years to come. If you take the time to understand a good design process you will understand what goes into the designer’s pricing. Understand exactly what you’ll be getting for your money so there are no surprises!

 

“An image … is not simply a trademark, a design, a slogan or an easily remembered picture. It is a studiously crafted personality profile of an individual, institution, corporation, product or service.” – Daniel Boorstin

 

Picking the right designer to create your company logo is as important as the branding of your business. At Think Donson we take all those key points seriously. We want to give our clients the best experience possible.