So, you’re ready to start a new design project, and you’ve got your new graphic designer waiting in the wings, ready to bring your vision to life. You might be wondering, “What can I do to make sure this process goesvwell?” Making your graphic designer happy not only ensures a harmonious working relationship but also helps in getting the lovely results that you want.
Below are some top tips for fostering a fantastic relationship with your graphic designer and ensuring your project runs like a well-oiled machine.
1. Be Clear With Your Brief
A well-crafted brief is your designer’s map. The clearer your instructions, the more likely your designer is to get it just right. Include as many specifics as possible, like your preferred color palette, design style, any text that needs to be incorporated, and the goal of your project. And if you’re unsure, that’s fine too! Feel free to talk it through to get across the direction you want to take.
2. Get Inspired and Share It!
Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, or design examples you’ve spotted on your local café’s menu – these can all serve as great inspiration. Sharing what you like gives your designer a glimpse into your aesthetic taste and can help them create something that suits your style to a T. It also helps avoid a lot of back-and-forth and speeds up the design process.
3. Trust in Their Expertise
Remember, you hired your graphic designer for a reason – their expertise! They know their Bezier curves from their raster images, their CMYK from their RGB. So do try to allow them the creative freedom to do what they do best. Trust their judgement when they suggest that Comic Sans might not be the best font choice for your professional business report.
4. Feedback, not Heartbreak
Feedback is crucial, and how you deliver it can make or break the design process. When giving feedback, focus on the problem rather than the solution. For example, instead of saying “Make the logo bigger”, try “I feel like the logo isn’t prominent enough. What could we do about it?” This gives the designer a chance to flex their problem-solving muscles.
5. Respect Deadlines (and set realistic ones)
Graphic design isn’t wizardry, though the end result might seem magical. Designs take time to conceptualize, create, and perfect. Rushing your designer may lead to a less-than-perfect result. So, set realistic deadlines and stick to them.
6. Communication is Key
Keep the lines of communication open. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear, but equally, be available to answer your designer’s queries. This doesn’t mean you need to be in constant contact, but timely responses keep the momentum going and make your designer feel supported. Projects deadlines can easily get derailed by taking two weeks to respond to an email.
7. Show Some Love
A little appreciation goes a long way. If you’re pleased with the work your designer has done, let them know! A happy designer is a motivated designer, and nothing makes us happier than knowing our clients are delighted with our work.
Remember, great design isn’t just about a great designer; it’s about great collaboration. I hope these tips help!