| Graphic design is an important part of both traditional | | | | cost on top of the actual design service. Most |
| and online business. A good marketing campaign is well | | | | experienced designers can provide you with a printer |
| planned and well designed, both strategically and | | | | whom they prefer to work, so if you do not have one |
| creatively. There are many avenues to meeting your | | | | of your own it may be a good idea to ask up front |
| graphic design needs. One very popular method is | | | | about printing. Remember that most freelancers, unlike |
| hiring a freelance graphic designer. Freelancers offer | | | | design houses do not carry a large amount of |
| services at either a set rate or by a set price per | | | | overhead and therefore will probably require payment |
| project, which can vary depending on what type of | | | | to secure printing up front, if this is a service you are |
| design you need, whether it is simply a logo or a | | | | requesting from the designer. Many freelancers, at |
| complete marketing campaign. What ever your needs | | | | least in the early stages of the business relationship |
| are, a qualified freelancer can provide that service | | | | may require a deposit on the work they are being |
| without the overhead costs a traditional employee | | | | contracted to provide. This is a very common practice |
| carries. Of course "freelancer" is a very broad term, | | | | and should not be a problem if you as a client have |
| so it is important to remember that the focus of this | | | | every intention to pay the final bill, but at the same time |
| discussion is "graphic design freelancers". | | | | never pay in total up front, that as with any other |
| Not all freelancers are created equal, not every | | | | service or product is a gamble if you have never |
| designer can "do it all". Some specialize in | | | | worked together. |
| advertisements or logos or brochures, etc. etc. So it is | | | | As with any other contractor, in most cases you get |
| very important that you be very specific when hiring | | | | what you pay for. As I stated in tip #3 graphic design |
| and make sure the designer can professionally provide | | | | is not a cheap service. Professional and experienced |
| the service you are in need of. Always ask to see a | | | | freelancers can and will charge more than less |
| portfolio that contains examples relevant to the | | | | experienced or unprofessional designers. Although |
| project(s) at hand. Don't be afraid to ask for | | | | price should never be the only deciding factor, you |
| references, current or former clients who can provide | | | | should consider all of your needs when hiring, |
| insight into the talents and professionalism of the | | | | sometimes that younger, less experienced designer is |
| designer. Any freelancer who is not willing to provide | | | | just what you need and you can get a better deal in |
| these items when trying to win your business is | | | | the end, but expect that a less experienced designer |
| probably not worth hiring. | | | | will most likely need more attention and direction from |
| Not to contradict my previous statement about asking | | | | you during the design process, it's a trade. Always be |
| for relevant work examples, but it is also important to | | | | very cautious of a deal that seems too good to be |
| remember that many students and recent graduates | | | | true, don't be afraid to ask for additional references |
| may be able to provide very creative services without | | | | and examples if you are unsure about the |
| the luxury of a lot of experience. If you consider hiring | | | | competence of a freelancer. If they really have nothing |
| a junior designer make every effort to feel out the | | | | to hide they will willingly give you any information you |
| designer first, ask to see some school project | | | | ask for. |
| examples and even ask for a professor's e-mail | | | | I suggest building a lasting relationship with a freelance |
| address for a reference. Not only can you possibly | | | | designer. Not that every freelancer is worthy of that |
| find a great resource for your design needs, you will | | | | coveted relationship but if you are happy with the job |
| be able to get great deals and value from the right | | | | they have performed on that first contract, continue to |
| designer. Always air on the side of caution though, | | | | work with that designer in the future. It will not only |
| because it is no great mystery that reliability comes | | | | boost the designers reputation in the community and |
| with age and experience. | | | | provide them with a healthy career but it will benefit |
| Be realistic in what you expect from a freelancer. | | | | your business as well by having a designer on hand |
| Graphic design can be expensive and if you are | | | | and on call that knows at least a little about your |
| planning on having printing as well, that is an additional | | | | business and your expectations as a client. |