10 Must-ask Questions When Hiring a Brand Designer
You’re finally ready to take the leap and entrust your passion to a brand designer. But how will you find the perfect fit? There are many to choose from with wide-ranging styles, processes, and prices. And if you are new to brand strategy and design, it can be overwhelming and intimidating to invest in help.
Keep in mind your needs, goals, audience, and budget for this project. Then, ask these 10 insightful questions before hiring a brand designer to ensure you have a clear picture of their style, process, and expertise.
What do your brand design services include?
First and foremost, make sure the prospective brand designer provides what you need. Their primary offerings may include:
Brand strategy: For example, we start with a workshop to define the heart of your brand.
Brand identity basics: These typically refer to a primary logo, secondary logo, brand mark, font suite, and color palette.
Brand style guide: This serves as the blueprint for your future branding and marketing initiatives.
Be sure you know exactly what deliverables they provide and that you’ll be set up for future success.
What is your branding approach?
Ask the brand designer about their philosophy and ensure their values align with yours. Even if you don’t know much about branding and design, they should be able to explain things in relevant terms, so you feel comfortable and even inspired throughout the process.
On that note, look for a collaborative approach. Collaboration is key to the creative process, so the best designers will maintain open communication with you and ask for regular feedback. At SkyHouse, we correspond frequently with the client to nurture their dream vision with our expertise. We want to ensure everything feels and looks just right to you!
Additionally, experienced designers understand that brand strategy comes before brand identity. They will ask you in-depth questions to understand your services or products, why you do what you do, your ideal clients, and your style — just to name a few areas! Simply put, a lot more must take place before diving into the actual visual design process!
What sets you apart from other designers?
Many brand designers are out there, but each has their own perspective and specialties. Asking a designer what sets them apart from the crowd will help you understand their unique value proposition and what they bring to the table.
Are they the right fit for your brand? Do they think outside the box? Will they provide you with a timeless brand design that suits your business, rather than creating the latest trendy designs? Do they truly listen, absorb your needs and goals, and have the capability to bring your vision to life?
Plus, if your designer can answer this question, it will demonstrate that they genuinely understand brand strategy. And if they can set themselves apart, there’s a good chance they can make your brand stand out, too!
Do you create completely custom designs?
You’re not hiring a designer simply to look like everyone else! If you go with someone who creates designs that look like every other brand’s, there could be countless businesses with the same logo and design elements. So make sure you’ll receive a completely original logo and brand mark, not something created from a premade logo element.
What is your design process?
Ensure your designer is organized, prepared, and able to provide the support you need. They should be able to tell you how it will work, how many options you’ll receive, how many revisions are included, and how the feedback and final delivery process works.
At SkyHouse, our process includes:
Brand Strategy Workshop: We’ll explore your mission and objectives, assess your ideal clients, determine your goals, conduct competitor research and identify how you’ll stand out in your niche. This allows us to develop the foundation and necessary data to begin the creative process of your brand.
Research & Development: Here, we’ll start developing the concept for your brand. Once ready for review, we’ll provide you with the choices and explain the inspiration behind each. You will have time to review and reflect on your options.
Refinement: During this phase, you’ll provide us with detailed feedback. From there, we will fine-tune the design by making minor adjustments.
Delivery & Launch: Now comes the exciting part as we prepare your files and materials for delivery! You’ll receive everything you need for a successful launch, brand consistency, and a profitable future.
What is your turnaround time?
Make sure that your brand designer’s timeline and process align with your schedule and launch date. They should be able to give you a transparent turnaround time, including timelines for first drafts and each revision round.
Remember that fast and good don’t always go hand-in-hand — it’s often the opposite. High-quality custom brand design takes time, and a good designer will want to take the time to be thoughtful and create the best options for your business.
What is your payment plan?
Money: It’s never a fun topic, but necessary to discuss upfront. Your designer will understand it’s a significant investment for your business and should share transparent pricing, how to make payments, and if an upfront deposit is required. You can always ask if they offer payment plans, too.
Could there be any additional fees?
The initial payment to your brand designer covers their time and expertise. Sometimes, however, additional costs may occur if they need to purchase elements like:
Web hosting fees
Fonts
Licenses
Ask your designer how much you should budget for these potential expenses, so you’re prepared.
Will you manage the printing of my brand materials?
If part of your brand design project includes print and packaging materials, it’s worth asking how much the designer will manage for you and the potential costs. Designers often have vendor partners and can help set you up with affordable, high-quality printing. They can also recommend the best methods and resources based on your needs and budget.
For example, SkyHouse partners with noissue, a printing company that makes sustainable packaging available to businesses of all sizes. We love them because their products are 100% compostable, recyclable, and made from recycled materials!
An excellent designer will offer this level of customer service and take this additional stressor off your plate!
Can you help me with future brand design projects?
Prepare for both future projects and possible add-ons to the current project by asking how your brand designer manages these items. Find out if they have:
Hourly rates
Flat project fees
Retainer options
Either way, learn how you can continue working with your designer — especially if you like them! They’ll be a vital resource as your business grows. Partnering with the same designer will ensure brand consistency across your marketing and branding materials because she’ll have in-depth knowledge of your brand strategy and style. Not to mention, it will save you time and money down the road!
Are you still on the hunt for the perfect brand designer match? SkyHouse Creative will be happy to chat with you, discuss your options and goals, and determine if it’s the right fit for you. Please fill out our client inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch shortly!
