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Ten Questions To Ask When Hiring a Freelance Designer
by Joe Donnelly - Joe Donnelly Design
1. First, ask yourself
- What are my needs?
The first step to any successful project is clarity of purpose.
Define for yourself what specific items you need created,
and detail your needs in as much detail as possible, and only
then can you determine the type of designer you may need to
create your item. Will you need a designer with experience
designing a logo or a Website designer?
How much do I have to spend?
In design you really do get what you pay for. Items such as
logos and corporate branding will be your image for years
to come, do invest enough to buy quality work. Mention any
budgetary constraints to your designer to allow them to show
you what services your budget can buy.
2. What type of design
do you do?
While most freelance designers are talented, they may not
have the experience needed to complete the project you need.
Ask to see samples from their portfolio featuring the type
of pieces you are looking for. Compare design styles, and
judge whether the designer's design style matches what you
are looking for. Inquire about other services the designer
also provides. Can the designer create all the pieces you
are searching for, or will you need more than one designer
to complete your work.
3. Do you provide
references?
Be sure to get references from your prospective designer.
Past clients will be able to confirm that the freelancer is
professional, prompt, courteous, and will keep in close touch
with the you throughout the project.
4. How do you charge?
Many freelancers work on a per-project basis providing a price
for the entire project. Some require one-third to one-half
of the fee upfront, with the balance due upon final file delivery.
Others work on an hourly, per-day or per-week basis. Make
sure you get the details before you hire the freelancer.
5. When will payment
be due?
Always inquire about the payment terms and scheduling. Freelancer
are often sole proprietors and are sometimes reluctant to
extend credit to new clients. Always get a written quotation
showing the final amount payable at each stage of the project.
What methods of payment
are accepted? Can you pay using cash? by credit card?
by check? If your accounting department issues purchase orders,
or requires certain terms prior to making payment, make these
constraints known to your new designer. Some designers even
offer deferred payments or creative financing through a barter
arrangement. Ask about your options.
6. What guarantees
or assurances do you offer?
Since design is subjective, what assurances do you have that
the output created by the designer will be to your liking?
Find out if the designer offers a 'Satisfaction Guarantee',
Revision Guarantee, Money-back Guarantee, or any other assurances
to calrm any worries you might have.
7. How will you communicate
and deliver?
Be prepared for a virtual relationship with your freelance
designer. More and more freelancers are working via email
and instant messaging. In fact, you will most likely not deal
with the designer face to face at all! Most freelancers also
work by phone, fax and overnight mail or courier. If the desiner
is located in your city, then face to face meetings may be
possible. If greater travel distances are required, you may
be charged for the designer's time.
8. What is your turnaround
time?
Deadlines are king. If a freelancer cannot meet your deadline
or fit you in, they are probably too busy to handle your project
with care. If the designer is qualified and in demand you
may have to wait for their attention - and it will be worth
it if you have a flexible deadline. If you are on a tight
schedule make it know up front, and if the designer cannot
meet it, do not expect a miracle.
9. Who will be doing
the designing?
Busy, successful freelance designer often outsource design
projects to other designers. Most reputable designers who
does this will typically send the work to someone he or she
trusts to do the work to your specifications. However, price
and competitive pressures sometimes cause the freelancer to
farm out your work to less experienced designers. If you are
used to working with one particular designer you may not want
your job farmed out.
10. What is included
in the price?
How many different options and concepts? Revisions? How many?
Final files? What formats? What other charges are there? Taxes?
Mailing and courier costs? Image costs? Get an itemized quotation
prior to starting any project.
Ask these questions, along
with any other areas of concern and you'll be on your way
to finding a qualified, talented, hard working, creative and
dependable freelance designer with whom you can build a lucrative
relationship.
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