When commissioning design, we all search for the top people in the field. Obtaining a competent graphic designer is not an exception. Everyone wants the most talented designer available to manage their design projects. However, it is not always simple to identify a talented designer.
And let’s remove originality and imagination from the list of requirements immediately. One cannot be a designer without creativity and inspiration. And merely understanding how to use Photoshop is not equivalent to using it effectively.
A designer who lacks these two essential components is comparable to someone who attempts to create tea without tea leaves. And a short glance at a designer’s portfolio will give you an idea of the materials they’re working with.
So let’s move on to the other attributes you should seek when choosing a designer. A little phone call or first encounter will go a long way in this situation.
1) Enthusiasm
Why aren’t cats allowed to design? Because a cat’s curiosity is fatal. However, a designer must be inquisitive. They must look beyond the surface and comprehend issues on a deeper level. They must be motivated by a desire to discover the components of objects. To be a great designer, one must be able to break down what they see into fundamental shapes and colours and then reconstruct them in their imagination in a variety of different configurations.
How and why? How? When? Who? A talented designer is full with inquiries. It is not due to their lack of knowledge. Because they don’t presume they know everything and are eager to learn more. Entice their interest, and you’ll be the recipient of some excellent designs.
2) Perfectionistic attitude
Professional graphic designers are difficult to please. There is a place for everything, and everything must be in its place. This is the only way they can maintain their happiness. As a client, you may expect this to be one of your designers’ most useful traits.
You will never get a half-hearted design from them. Every design they create is a masterpiece in some manner due to their meticulous attention to detail. Quality designers place an emphasis on attention to detail and drawing attention to these aspects via smart design. Asking prospective designers to take you through their portfolios is a wonderful method to evaluate this.
3) Tough Skin
Designers are not fragile flakes of snow. They strive to satisfy a variety of clientele and conflicting deadlines on a daily basis. They must possess thick skin, and not just any thick skin. The discussion is as thick as a dragon’s skin.
A design is mostly driven by the client’s requirements. Therefore, designers of high calibre are always willing to take criticism and suggestions with a smile. They are aware that their vision and the demands of their clients might change. They are prepared to do everything to achieve their client’s objectives. It is an essential element of their professionalism. Ask your prospective designer about situations in which they had to strike a compromise between their client’s vision and their own.
4) Receptiveness
This one is rather apparent. However, it is often undervalued. Every day, a designer must be current on the latest trends and best practises. This is non-negotiable when servicing sectors undergoing rapid change and operating inside one. And a designer can only continue to improve if they have an open mind. This necessitates an awareness of the design ideas upon which their business is founded, but not an unwillingness to experiment.
If your designer belongs into the group of high-quality designers, they will listen to your comments and ideas with an open mind and recognise their importance.
5) Problem Resolution
The completion of your design is your concern. And the answer rests with the appropriate designer. Once you locate them, they will dedicate themselves to assembling your puzzle. They like doing it.
Amazing designers have the capacity to adhere to your directions precisely and go above and beyond. Not always on the first attempt, but as you collaborate with them, you will see their attempts to better understand your vision and reduce the number of modifications. They assess the overall picture and identify potential points of failure. Or how they can be improved. They have answers to your problems or are eager to look under every rock for solutions. In addition, they are wise enough to provide their own viewpoint on a number of subjects.
6) Exploration
Life, according to Ray Bradbury, is “testing things to see whether they work.” A design may be addressed in practically an infinite variety of ways. And although some of them may be difficult, a competent designer can handle them with ease. And when you request additional ideas, they are more than happy to provide them; they are enthusiastic about developing something fresh.
For starters, no designer wants to be left behind by techniques and methods that were only relevant a year ago. They want not just to stay up with the times, but also to explore all possibilities. If the designer you choose has an explorer’s mentality, you’re in luck. Ask your designer about the many ideas and styles they’ve explored to get insight into their expertise.
7) Personal Motivation
Much of the design business is subjective. Rules and guidelines might be interpreted differently depending on the project or the individual carrying out the activity. Without a rigid set of rules and a number of distinct standards, designers must often find their own drive.
Experienced designers are able to structure their design process in a manner that benefits both themselves and their clients. They will complete the assignment with constant passion and will gladly welcome criticism. While an untrained or immature designer would abandon a project after receiving criticism, a skilled designer will find a solution. On time and to specifications.
8) Flexibility
In an industry as dynamic as graphic design, survival requires adaptation. Every day, new combinations of design components and technology are introduced. With each design they create, designers improve their compatibility with the design environment. Observe your designer’s efforts throughout the period of time. If their designs are improving with each iteration, they have the desire and capacity to become great designers every day. And they are the only ones capable of delivering the quality you deserve.
9) Communication Skills
A good design is the outcome of the client’s desires and the designer’s ability. As a design industry expert, it is the designer’s responsibility to keep the customer and oneself on the same page. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of communication in the design process.
As humans have not yet attained telepathy, our best option is to communicate our demands via other ways. A designer that strives to give their customer the finest possible outcome will constantly have open lines of contact with them. They will not leave the work at hand to the client’s discretion. They will ensure that a large number of questions are asked and answered.
10) Politeness
No one loves a miserable person. Designers of the highest calibre never fall into this group. They view each assignment as an opportunity and value the confidence put in their talents. Their attitude toward their clientele is always kind and professional. In addition, they can put their customer at rest and give comfort if any obstacles arise.
I hope this helps you in your quest to find a really great design partner. If all else fails you can always give Reform a call we have been delivering delightful design solutions for over a decade. paul@reformcreative.co.uk
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