Tips to Working with a Designer

Follow 6 Important Steps for the Best Collaboration.

Graphic Design is a creative field; therefore the design process is not an exact science. But following these simple steps will create the best collaboration between a client and a designer to ensure a smoother production and make your project a top priority.

1. SET A REASONABLE TIMELINE.

Be Realistic When Establishing Time Frames.

A rushed job only leaves room for error or incompletion. To establish a timeline for the project, it is helpful to work backward from the projected completion date and put deadlines in place for proof approval, revision of edits, and print production.

NOTE: Midnight Boheme is a freelance designer and carries multiple clients at one time, juggling numerous projects. Be sure to allow enough advanced notice so you fit into the designer’s schedule and still meet your deadline.

2. SHOW... DON'T TELL.

Collect Materials & Provide Samples.

Deliver content upfront such as the copy (text), imagery, etc. Rather than using words, show your designer what you want with visual examples.

Mood boards, thumbnails, screenshots, mockups, and competitor examples are good visual aids to collect and show your designer to help bring your vision to life.

3. GIVE TIMELY FEEDBACK.

Correspond in a Timely Manner.

The sooner the client delivers resources or feedback to the designer, the sooner they will be able to revisit the project and apply the revisions.

Like many things in life, waiting to the last minute to give feedback on a project only results in a rushed job which leaves room for error. For efficiency, respond quickly to get the best results.

4. BE SPECIFIC, CONCISE, & OVEREXPLAIN...

But Please, Try Not to Micromanage!

Designers need to know as much information as possible to deliver your design exactly as you desire. However, remember that your designer is an expert in design. By telling them what to do, not only do you ignore their expertise, but you also cut off the opportunity of them thinking up a solution that is even better than yours. When it comes time for feedback, point out what you need, but do not make the revisions for them. Let their creativity flow!

5. KEEP AN OPEN MIND.

Trust your Designer’s Ability.

When you hire a graphic artist, you are paying for artistic skill, knowledge and expertise. Allow your ideas to blend with those of an expert.

As the bard says, there's method in the madness. Sometimes the designer makes choices that may seem out of the box, but there's probably a reason for those choices. Ask and we shall explain. Every choice is made in your best interest. Trust.

6. KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN.

Be Progressive.

Extensive rounds of revisions stunt the project’s momentum and limits the designer’s artistic motivation. Be efficient with edits; compile a list for the designer to do all at once.

Multiple rounds of edits may result in higher fees, so the more data you can deliver in one revision, the quicker the job can be finalized at your quoted rate.