A Quick Introduction To Graphic Designer
A graphic designer works with typography, images, and motion graphics to create designs for brands. They mainly design graphics for electronic, printed, or published media. Their work is seen in logos, brochures, banners, and the likes.
Graphics designers are important for companies because they play a role in creating the brand identity. Customers know the brand through the logos or brochures they create.
Why hire a graphic designer?
Hiring a graphic designer is important for multiple reasons. Here are the top five reasons why you should hire graphic designers:
Making the brand stand out: A sure way for people to remember a brand is to make its logo stand out from the rest. A logo that looks like it is made last minute or bought online does not leave a good impression. Graphic designers help to create a distinct branding through their work.
Ensuring consistency in look: A graphic designer knows the right font colors and sizes to use for a brand. They aim to keep the look of the brand consistent across their logos or banners they design. So, expect to see the brand colors and voice reflected in the work that they do.
Gets the expected results: Most companies have a mental picture about the look of their business material. But they are unable to convey that look. A graphic designer comes into the picture here. They understand the brief and put the mental images into real logos, brochures, and more.
Saving time: Graphic designers are experts at their work. They have the ability to come up with formats and designs fast and quick. It would take a lot more time for anyone without expertise to do the work. Also, the other employees of the company are more suitable to handle their core responsibilities. Graphic designing is not their forte.
Saving money: Designers will take the most affordable route to get the work done. They know the ways to keep the printing costs down. They work with an entire suite of software that adds precision to their work without adding to the cost.
Skills to look for in a graphic designer
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Creativity is the most important asset for a graphic designer. They have to constantly come up with ideas and designs to make a brand stand out.
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An eye of detail helps because it lets a designer be more thorough with the work. A detail oriented designer will take care of the smallest element of designs.
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Understanding typography is necessary. It is not just about using the fonts. A graphic designer has to know the suitability of fonts as per the work.
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A graphic designer does not need to know the finer details of HTML. However, it is important to have a basic idea about it.
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A majority of companies look for someone with prior expertise in Illustrator and Photoshop. They should also know the details of using InDesign tools.
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Knowledge about UI/UX is not mandatory. But it helps to have that knowledge because that adds quality to the work of a graphic designer.
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Prior experience of working for two-three years as a graphic designer is helpful. It gives the designer a chance to sharpen the skill-set. It also shows that they have practical knowledge in the field.
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Soft skills like the ability to listen keenly, process information, and explain designs are crucial. Companies are keener to work with designers who have excellent communication skills.
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A graphic designer has to understand the brand closely. Branding through different social media platforms is in demand right now.
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Graphic designers have to be storytellers. They should possess the ability to take complicated data and turn into something easy to understand.
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Additional skills like knowledge about PowerPoint, marketing, and presentation are useful.
How to hire graphic designers
Hiring graphic designers needs a lot of thought and careful consideration. Given below is a step-by-step guide on how to hire graphic designers:
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Start by inviting applications for the job role. Hiring an in-house designer or a team of them is only useful if the company does full-time graphic designing. Outsourcing the job is suitable in all other cases.
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Shortlist the candidates based on their skills and prior experience. Ensure that they have the specific skills necessary for the project.
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Ask the shortlisted candidates to show their portfolio of work. It will help to further shorten the candidate list.
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Communicate the project brief to the candidate and note their response. It is a good sign if they can easily understand the brief and respond with ideas.
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Talk about a suitable time-frame for the delivery of the completed work.
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Discuss the salary or the charges of the designer. See if the amount quoted meets the budget.
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Hire when the graphic designer ticks all the boxes.
