Logos, signs, wall murals, vehicle wraps, and the list keeps going… all are pieces that require a successful and diligent design process in order to stand out while reflecting your brand and message. Many think that once the idea is put together, the design piece is almost completed. Not necessarily so!
Design is a process that offers solutions to specific problems. You want to strive for the best solution and focus your efforts on hiring a company that can meet your needs, and solve your problem, while creating designs that will leave a lasting impression on your target market.
Design is subjective and does not always come easy. There is no exact “how-to” manual for the process. Each designer develops his/her own process as he/she builds on experience. Your goal should be to identify a company that has a vast portfolio of designs and that could offer insights on the following:
- Design approach for online versus offline pieces
- Budget restrictions
- Color versus black and white
- Recommendation on size
These are considerations that will clarify your expectations while giving graphic designers a clear understanding on parameters within which they can work as they develop the design piece.
The design piece has to help your audience take notice of your message while supporting the sale of your product or service. You also want to make sure that the company you are hiring will:
- Be familiar with your industry
- Be clear on who your target audience is
- Understand what you are trying to accomplish through the design piece (sell, promote, announce…)
- Provide you with many samples
- Offer design adjustments
- Be flexible if your needs change
- Deliver in a timely manner to meet your deadline
Like many fields and industries, the design process requires a specific set of skills and knowledge but the most important place to start is by being clear on what you, as a business owner, are trying to accomplish through the design piece that you need:
- Are you selling a building?
- Are you announcing availability at a new property?
- Are you revamping your office decor?
- Are you running a promotion?
