So you need some graphic design or branding work done, and you’ve started to look for a graphic designer. How do you find quality graphic design services in Canberra? What things should you consider? Do you even need to worry about graphic design?
Let’s answer that last question first:
- 85% of people are attracted to brands that use visual graphics.
- Nearly half of website visitors associate website design with the business’s credibility.
- 94% of consumers leave a website if they think it has poor graphic design.
That’s pretty convincing – graphics are important. But how do you decide on who to work with? Here are the top 7 questions you should ask (and answer!) when you’re looking for a graphic designer.
1. What services are offered?
Freelance graphic designers or small graphic design studios may focus on a few types of design, such as logos, illustration, web design, or design for print publication like brochures, signage, or annual reports. If you need different expertise for your design project, they may recommend other vendors to engage who specialise in copywriting or website development.
Larger full-service creative agencies may provide all of the above design specialities and more, including strategy and digital marketing, branding and logo design, illustration, website and mobile design, photography and video recording, signage, and design for print publication.
2. Do they have experience in my industry?
Looking at the website is a good place to start. Are they based in Canberra? Who are their clients? Do they work across industries?
Next, look at the design portfolio or case studies. Does their design work show innovation and creativity? How versatile are the design styles? Do the styles they work in resonate with you and work with your business goals?
If you’re struggling between a few options, there may be benefits to working with someone who has that industry experience.
3. Can you work with my budget?
This is probably the most important question because the answer is make-or-break. If you can’t afford the design fee, then there’s probably no reason to continue looking at that designer.
Graphic designers should be able to provide a per-hour or fixed-price amount for the project. They may also offer discounts or packages for new clients or small organisations.
While you will need to have a meeting or provide a brief to get an exact quote, most graphic designers should be able to give you a ballpark figure so that you understand if they are within your budget early on.
4. Do their values align with my business values?
When there’s a mismatch in values, the working relationship suffers.
If you value highly personalised, immediate support on your project, you may be unsatisfied working with an agency that prizes efficiency and cost minimisation. Or if you are demanding high-quality work on an extremely tight deadline with an extremely tight budget, you may get frustrated working with a company that values fair compensation and quality of life.
You could go even further and compare a company with a local Canberra-based team, versus someone who is based overseas. While they may provide similar levels of work, their business values might not align with yours.
5. What’s the creative process like?
The process itself should be fairly straightforward. It usually starts with an initial meeting or conversation to understand the scope of the project. Next a price quote or estimate is delivered, followed by a contract if the quote is approved. The designer will then work up initial ideas, followed by revisions based on how many drafts were agreed to in the project. Finally, the designer will deliver the final files. The number of drafts and length of time for feedback may drive how long the overall project takes.
One thing to clearly communicate is how hands-on you want to be. How much collaboration and input do you want? Do they plan on taking the time to learn your business to make sure their strategic vision and design solutions are tailored to your business objectives? Will they follow your branding guidelines for visual consistency across their work?
6. How well do they collaborate?
You’ll want to work with a designer or designers who can interface with you, your in-house team, and other vendors. How are their communication skills with clients, copywriters, web developers, or printers? Strategic graphic design often requires seamless liaison with other teams to get the maximum impact.
7. How is the customer service?
Being accessible, transparent, and flexible are all signs of excellent customer service. Ask about their response time for standard inquiries or support requests. Ask how they have handled problems in the past. Check out their online presence: are there customer reviews you can read?
The answers to these 7 questions will help you find premium graphic design in Canberra.
Futuretheory graphic designer Canberra
Futuretheory is a Canberra-based full-service marketing agency, and design is a large part of what we do. Whether it’s graphic design, web design, branding, or numerous other types of design, we have an in-house team that can work with you.
If you would like to discuss your design project, please get in touch with us. We offer obligation-free meetings and quotes, to make sure that we are the right fit and can deliver exactly what you or your business needs.
