That is when you realize, there are people that literally do this for a living, and now might be the perfect time to find a designer and reach out for help. But you’ve never dealt with a graphic designer before, and you just aren’t sure how to go about finding the right one? Not to mention the intimidation factor in communicating with a designer that doesn’t know your vision. 

Don’t worry, you are not alone! 

Listed below are great tips and tricks for communicating with a new graphic designer and discussing your business and/or brand. 

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Tip #1: Be Prepared and Show Up with All Necessary Files and Documents

Nobody likes to be unprepared, so it only makes sense that when meeting with a new designer for the first time you are expected to come prepared. Not only does this make their job easier, as the designer, but it will also make you feel more comfortable and at ease handing over your “baby” to another person. 

Being prepared for a meeting with a graphic designer includes having the appropriate files available and within your possession knowing exactly what type of marketing you want to do and how involved you want to be in the marketing process. 

Items to prepare before your first consultation with a graphic designer:

1. Branding guides
2. Photographs and previous design assets
3. Logos
4. All copy/text needed for the project
5. Your ideas and blueprints 

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Tip #2: Keep Your Budget in Mind

Keeping your budget in mind helps you and your graphic designer focus on your priorities. Graphic designers are professionals and like every other professional working in their field, they each have their own prices and different levels of engagement. Know your limits, and what you are willing to spend before planning anything with a graphic designer. 

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Tip #3: Set Clear Expectations Early On

It’s important to understand that by committing to a project while working with a graphic designer, you will need to work together in coming up with feasible yet appropriate deadlines. You, as the business owner, first need to come up with a timeline that works for you. Then you must also collaborate with your designer to ensure that those deadlines are feasible for them as well. 

You want to get the project done in a reasonable amount of time, but you also need to plan a schedule that works for everyone involved in the project. 

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Ways to manage your time with the designer:

• Sit down and create a schedule together
• Always be clear with your expectations on deadlines
• Allow the designer to work at their own pace while meeting pre-set deadlines
• Be sure to always keep the lines of communication open
  

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Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Working with a professional can sometimes feel overwhelming but you must remember to always ask questions when you aren’t sure about something. The only way to know what’s going on in the project or what to expect from it is if you ask!

Graphic designers are here to work with you and create a marketing masterpiece that will blow the minds of your future clients/customers. Help them do their job by asking questions. Graphic designers thrive on challenges and questions, as it establishes profound communication with clients. Whether it’s about the approach they are taking to your design, their process in designing, or what a design choice symbolizes or means, your designer is happy to answer questions. 

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Tip #5: Share Your Inspiration

Graphic designers LOVE to see what inspires you the most. This is the easiest way for them to tailor a marketing plan that not only shows their unique flair of design and personality but also yours! 

Bring a few pieces of artwork, photographs, or other designs that you feel are a good indication of what you would like to see in your brand and share that inspiration with your designer. You can find inspiration on different websites such as Pinterest, Dribble, or Behance if you’re looking for something to help generate your ideas. 

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Tip #6: Always Give Feedback

A designer responds well to feedback, so never be too shy to give your honest opinion on the work that they are doing. Whether it’s good or bad feedback, it’s imperative that you are keeping your designer informed and that they know where you stand regarding the work they are doing on a project. A successful project comes from proper communication and feedback between you and your designer.  

Feedback is also a great way to let your designer know how they’re doing and give them inspiration to keep moving forward with the designs. Feedback is something you can never have too much of, the more the better! 

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Finding Your Graphic Designer in San Antonio & Austin

If you’re a new business owner or current business owner looking to revamp your branding strategies and marketing techniques, consider reaching out to a graphic designer. Reach out to ColorWorks and learn more about our work. We’re a San Antonio based graphic design studio that specializes in branding, marketing, and project management for businesses that need a little TLC in the marketing arena. 

ColorWorks takes the time to personally tend to each project she is working on and will take the stress of branding and marketing off your shoulders. View our portfolio today and book a consultation. Get the most out of your next marketing efforts.