HowTo Choose a Graphic Design Company
Choosing a design company can be a tricky process. In our guide to choosing a graphic design company we have listed some useful points to consider.
Some points to remember when choosing a graphic design company:
Does the company have a strong portfolio? Do you recognize any of their clients? Do they show more than one item for clients? Companies don't do repeat business with firms they are not happy with.
Can you view samples of their work on their web sites? This can be the best way to decide if you like the style of work they do. Looking at the individual work in their design portfolio, is the work memorable as well as appropriate for each project?
How many sets of revisions do you get with your design? Get this figured out before you start the job and avoid hidden costs often called 'authoring adjustments'.
Are they building from a template or are they developing the design from scratch? If you are paying for custom work make sure you are getting it.
Good design communicates and motivates; it does not merely decorate. Designers should be able to tell you how their work translated into higher sales figures, greater attendance at clients’ events, or some other concrete result of their work.
Will you own all the design work when the job is completed or do they retain the rights to the source art. Many clients learn this the hard way when they go to use the design for something else and realize they do not own it.
A good designer stays on top of all the details of your project and makes the best use of your time and money.
Understand what the final output will be and exactly what you will get at the end of the job. Make sure you know what the file type will be and what format they will deliver it on.
Check for formal education in graphic design, not just software skills. Graphic design is an art and craft with foundational principles that have a direct impact on the effectiveness of printed communication. A designer’s software skills have little impact on their ability to translate your brand.
Be careful of 'bargain basement' prices, good design takes time and good designers get paid for their work, at the end of the day you'll get what you pay for.
If you are getting a print quote make sure you know what type of press your project will be run on. Most cheap print quotes on the internet are being done using digital press. These are ideal for short run jobs (under 500 QTY) but bear in mind they do not have the same quality as an traditional offset press.
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