Selecting the right designer to create your new brand identity is such a crucial step for your business or brand. Getting it right, from the get-go, is absolutely key to ensuring a streamlined process throughout the entire project. No one wants to get half way through a project only to realise it's not a good fit. This would be such a waste of time, resources and money. A branding project should be fun and rewarding and also straightforward, but it all hinges on selecting the right designer to work with. Here are my tips to ensure you make the right decision and invest your time and money wisely
1. Choose a designer whose aesthetic reflects your brand's aesthetic
Designers need to be versatile and adaptable, but most designers do have a particular style, design aesthetic or even a specific niche. Browsing the portfolios or websites of a number of different designers will give you an insight into their style and the type of work they do. For example, if a designer's portfolio contains a lot of whimsical, hand drawn work but your business is a very corporate financial firm, then perhaps that particular designer is not the right choice for your project.
2. Don't just look at price, look at value
Of course budget plays a large role in choosing a designer, and you should absolutely choose a designer whose rates are fair and within your budget. However visual branding is an investment in your business, so it's really important to think in terms of the value you'll be getting for your investment, and not just the amount you pay. Do not sacrifice quality in order to save a few dollars by simply going with whoever's cheapest. Really think about your budget and whether this matches up with the final outcome you imagine for your project, and how you want your customers to perceive your brand.
3. Choose a designer you have a great connection with
Often from your very first point of contact with a potential designer, you will know if they are the right fit for you or not. Noticing how they correspond with you, their tone, how long it takes to respond to emails, their interest or excitement in your project, and simply how well you communicate and get along with each other, will be a fairly good indication of how the project will proceed should you choose to go ahead and work with them.
The best advice is to simply go with your gut! Sometimes you just get a good feeling about someone, so listen to your inner voice and hire someone you just know will be right. And conversely, if there are any red flags early on—steer clear!
4. Where to start?
So we've gone over how to find the best designer for your branding project, but exactly where do you go do find them? Here's a few ideas to get you started.
Referrals
Ask your friends, family and colleagues if they've worked with any designers before that they would recommend. Someone usually knows someone, or has a friend of a friend who's a designer. This is a really simple place to start.
Love the logo of your local cafe and think your business has a similar customer base? Go in and ask the owner who designed it for them and if you can have their contact details.
Directories and portfolio sites
Online directories and portfolio sites are a great source of creative talent that you can often filter according to location or skills. Some suggestions are the Creative Lady Directory, Behance, Dribble and The Loop.
Google search
This one's a no-brainer. A simple search for Freelance Graphic Designer, Creative Design Agency, or Freelance Branding Agency, for instance, will bring up page after page of designers. Search within your local area if working with someone local is important to you, however it is not uncommon for designers to work with clients all over the globe.
Search hashtags such as #logodesign or #branding as a starting point. Designers often use Instagram as a kind of mini portfolio, so this is a great place to look for a designer.
Branding your business should be a fun and rewarding experience and it all starts with choosing the right partner to work with. It might take a little extra time at the start to find the right designer, but getting it right will make it all worthwhile.
If you'd like to work with us, we would love to hear from you!