Whether your firm is constantly working with a designer or you only hire one on occasion, it is important that you know how to work well with a designer. Here are five tips to help you work well with your next designer:
1. Have a Realistic Time Frame
Set clear expectations with your designer for when you need things done. Create deadlines at the beginning of your project for initial drafts, final designs, and a print-ready piece. Keeping yourself and your designer on a timetable will help make the process less stressful.
2. Come with Examples
If you have a very specific look or feel for your project, you should be prepared to provide physical examples of the look you are going for. Come to your designer with photos or magazine clippings and be ready to talk about why you like the examples you provide.
3. Give the Designer Some Control
Give the designer your thoughts and ideas and then let them do their job. It is more than appropriate to provide constructive criticism during a meeting, but trying to take over the project yourself is likely to add unnecessary time to the project and frustration for the designer. You’ve hired a professional, trust them to do their job well!
4. Ask Questions!
You are in charge of the final design. If they are going a direction with their design that confuses you, ask them to explain it. At the end of the day, you need to feel confident and proud of your product. Constructive criticism and effective communication will help both you and your designer meet your end goal.
5. Know When to End
Don’t obsess and try to make your product look exactly like the example images you gave the designer. It is their job to take that idea and create something original that matches your unique brand and style.