How to Hire a Freelance Graphic Designer

If you need help with logo design, small business branding or other graphic design services, exploring how to hire a freelance graphic designer is the first step toward a successful project.

While much of the selection process will depend on your business, your personal style and your budget, there are a few things you should always look for when hiring a graphic designer.

How to Hire a Freelance Graphic Designer

1. Search your local area. Hiring a local graphic designer is certainly not a requirement, especially in today’s technology-driven world. But a local designer definitely has its perks. The ability to meet face-to-face means you can start your relationship on strong footing. Inviting the designer to visit your business can give them a better feel for your company culture and design aesthetics. Start with some simple Google searches. If you’re looking for a New Hampshire graphic designer, try search terms like “graphic design NH,” “graphic designer NH”  or something more specific like “logo design NH.”

2. Review their portfolio. Reviewing a graphic design portfolio is an important first step toward finding the perfect small business graphic designer. I always recommend doing this before a call or hosting a face-to-face meeting. A graphic designer’s portfolio should include diverse examples of their previous work and should highlight their best designs. If a designer’s portfolio is not up to snuff, or if their design style doesn’t align with yours, they may not be the right fit. Be sure to look closely at how the portfolio itself is designed, too. A great designer knows that the look and feel of their portfolio is almost as important as the designs it holds.

3. Ask for examples of relevant work. While a designer’s portfolio is generally a strong example of their previous work, it may not always be enough. If you’re working on a specific type of project (a logo design, a brochure or an advertising campaign, for example), ask to see examples of the designer’s past work in those areas. Even a great graphic designer may not be right for your business if they’ve never designed the type of project you’re hiring for.

4. Take a look at their own brand. How a graphic designer presents themselves is a good way to determine how they’ll be able to help you present your business. Does the designer have a cohesive brand with company colors, fonts and graphic elements? Does their Instagram feed look carefully curated and organized, or is it a mash up of different colors, photography styles and themes? If you’re looking for a graphic designer to help you define your visual brand, you’ll want to know they understand and value small business branding.

5. Ask for references (and actually call them!). Just because someone creates powerful imagery doesn’t mean they’re great to work with. Contacting a designer’s references is an important step before you hire. As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you need someone who will be a dependable part of your team. It’s important to know how well they communicate, respond to feedback and incorporate your ideas into their work. Ask their references what it was like to work with the designer and you’ll get a good idea of whether or not they’ll be a good fit.

Elevate Your Small Business Branding

Hiring a freelance graphic designer is just as important as choosing a permanent employee. A graphic designer who truly understands your business and your goals is an important step toward elevating your small business branding.

Whether you’re looking for a one-time logo design project, a complete small business branding overhaul or are searching for a local NH graphic designer to be an ongoing marketing partner, using the tips above will ensure you find the right fit for your needs.

To learn more about graphic design services and how I can help your small business grow, click the link below to contact me.