Most businesses don’t need an in-house graphic designer because they rarely need to have graphics created for them. When they require such services, they often turn to freelances to get the job done. Freelance graphic design services work well for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who need to launch an advertising campaign or complete personal projects. The designers are able to produce output for both print and online platforms. For instance, they can be hired to design a business logo, a t-shirt print, a concert poster, a pamphlet, a product catalogue, a business card, and so on. Keep the following in mind while evaluating your candidates:
Portfolio
All graphic designers worth their salt have their own website. They use this to promote their work and show off their portfolio. See if their previous projects agree with your own artistic sensibilities. You probably have a look that wish to achieve with the design project so check which one of your candidates come close to it. You may be aiming for bright and wholesome but one of them is rather fond of dark colors and minimalist design. This is unlikely to be a good match so keeping looking. It’s good to see the types of work that these artists can produce as they provide a glimpse into their creative mind, the experience, and their skills.
Rapport
List down a few of the most promising candidates and begin to reach out to them. Talk to them via email, chat, or telephone — whichever you find most convenient. In the process, their personalities will emerge and you will begin to gravitate to some and feel alienated with others. Tell them about the project that you have in mind and get their thoughts on it. Ask them about their ideas for themes and plans of attack. Inquire about their background and anything else that you may have in mind. See which one is the most engaged and the most willing to spend time to answer your questions.
Rates
Ask them about their rates which could be per hour or per project. Talk about billing and payment mechanisms. It is best to get this sorted out in the beginning so as not to have problems later on. Everybody has to work within a certain budget, after all, and they expect to get paid on time as well. Do not be afraid to negotiate the rate especially if you are giving them a large project but be respectful of their time as well. They have spent years honing their craft and are charging what they feel is fair given their level of service.
