How to get the most out of your designer
June, 2020
When working with a Graphic Designer there are a few ways to make the experience easy and not blow your timeline or budget. Following some simple rules can make the process a breeze and produce a lasting design which you are happy with.
Provide a detailed design brief
You wouldn’t tell your builder or hair stylist to “just come up with something” so why should Graphic Design be any different? Giving your designer some clear direction can save a lot of time and money. You don’t need to have the layout sorted, but giving an idea on your goals and what you are hoping to achieve, colour preferences or imagery can be beneficial when coming up with a concept. Provide a mood board or samples of designs you like. Websites like pinterest are great for compiling inspiration and images, the more visual aids the better!
Supply quality material and high-resolution images
To create the best possible design that is going to print great and look professional we need high-resolution images and logo files. This means no images pulled from the web/google. There are many great free stock image sites such as pexels and unspash, or if you need a little help in this area let your designer know, they will be able to find something to suit or suggest an alternative.
Where will the design be used once it is complete?
This is probably the most important part of the design process – where will the design be used once it is complete? Is it a flyer for a letterbox drop? A multi-page corporate brochure? Will it be used on a website or social media? This will determine how the designer sets up your file and provides the finished design for print or web. If you are unsure ask your designer for their advice and they will be able to point you in the right direction. Considering this can help you appeal to your target market appropriately and get the best out of printing and advertising costs.
Tell us what you don’t like and give honest feedback
One of the most common mishaps when proofing or providing feedback is feeling like you will hurt the designers feelings. The truth is, you won’t. If you dislike something about the design, whether it be the colours, typeface or the layout just isn’t working for you, we can try other ideas and options. When in doubt revert back to who your target audience is and what your goals are to help get it back on track.
Keep communication lines open
Things like deadlines and budget are key when it comes to the quality and refinement of a design. A good designer can usually put something together pretty quickly, keep in mind that creativity can’t always happen on the spot and that we need all of the content and wording to get started. Have trust and allow your designer to add their creative touch. And if you do need something done in a hurry or the circumstances change remember to communicate, it can be the difference between a good finished product or a GREAT finished product!
Always bring the discussion back to your goals and target audience. The client has an important role in the design process and knowing how to communicate and get your ideas across will lead to a better design outcome.
If you have any questions or a ready to start a design project get in touch!
