Tips For Hiring A Graphic Designer
Hiring a graphic designer can feel a bit like dating—you’re hoping to find that perfect person who just gets your vision and can bring it to life beautifully. But if you’ve never hired a designer before (or even if you have), it can be tricky to know what to look for, what to ask, or how to tell if someone’s a good fit.
Let’s make it easier. Here’s what I wish more people knew when searching for a designer—and what will help you make the most of the experience.
Tips For Hiring A Graphic Designer
Hiring a graphic designer can feel a bit like dating—you’re hoping to find that perfect person who just gets your vision and can bring it to life beautifully. But if you’ve never hired a designer before (or even if you have), it can be tricky to know what to look for, what to ask, or how to tell if someone’s a good fit.
Let’s make it easier. Here’s what I wish more people knew when searching for a designer—and what will help you make the most of the experience.
Get Clear on What You Need
Before you even reach out to someone, take 15 minutes to jot down what you’re actually looking for. Is this a full rebrand? A new logo? A social media template refresh? What’s your timeline? Your budget? The more clarity you have upfront, the easier it’ll be for a designer to tell you whether they’re the right fit—or not. Think of it like hiring a contractor: you wouldn’t just say, “Make my house prettier.” You’d say, “We need to redo the kitchen. We’re hoping to finish by summer. Here’s our Pinterest board.” Designers appreciate that same level of specificity.
Look Beyond Pure Aesthetics
A designer’s portfolio will show you their style—but don’t stop there. Pay attention to how they talk about their work. Are they focused on results? Do they explain their thought process? Are their designs solving a problem or just looking pretty? You want someone who can design with intention—not just make things look good, but make them work for your goals.
Prioritize Good Communication
Design is a collaborative process, and how someone communicates will make or break your experience. Do they respond clearly and kindly? Do they listen to your ideas and ask thoughtful questions? Are they confident in guiding you without being dismissive? The best designers make you feel supported, heard, and gently challenged in all the right ways.
Ask About Their Process
Everyone works differently. Some designers will send you a detailed timeline and moodboard before they even open Illustrator. Others might prefer to hop on a call and talk it out. Neither is wrong, but it’s important to understand how they work, and make sure their process matches how you like to work, too. This is also a great time to talk about revisions, deadlines, and how you’ll communicate throughout the project.
Be Honest About Your Budget
Please don’t whisper your budget like it’s a dirty secret. It’s completely okay to say, “Here’s what I’m working with—can you recommend a service or package that fits?” A good designer won’t judge your number; they’ll help you make the most of it, or guide you toward an alternative (like templates or a smaller scope) if needed. Transparency from the beginning leads to better results and fewer surprises.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, don’t underestimate how important it is to feel good about who you hire. If you’re excited to work with them, if their vibe feels aligned, and you feel seen and understood—that’s a green flag.
At the end of the day, design isn’t just about colors and typefaces. It’s about building a brand that truly reflects you—and that requires trust.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re hiring your very first designer or you’ve worked with a dozen, I hope this gives you a little more clarity and confidence moving forward. And if you're looking for a creative partner who brings calm, clarity, and intention to every project, I'm just a message away. Let's build something beautiful.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
If you're feeling inspired but still unsure where to begin, let's talk. Book a 90-minute Creative Consult with me for design clarity and honest feedback—no pressure, just pure support for your next big move.
Get Clear on What You Need
Before you even reach out to someone, take 15 minutes to jot down what you’re actually looking for. Is this a full rebrand? A new logo? A social media template refresh? What’s your timeline? Your budget? The more clarity you have upfront, the easier it’ll be for a designer to tell you whether they’re the right fit—or not. Think of it like hiring a contractor: you wouldn’t just say, “Make my house prettier.” You’d say, “We need to redo the kitchen. We’re hoping to finish by summer. Here’s our Pinterest board.” Designers appreciate that same level of specificity.
Look Beyond Pure Aesthetics
A designer’s portfolio will show you their style—but don’t stop there. Pay attention to how they talk about their work. Are they focused on results? Do they explain their thought process? Are their designs solving a problem or just looking pretty? You want someone who can design with intention—not just make things look good, but make them work for your goals.
Prioritize Good Communication
Design is a collaborative process, and how someone communicates will make or break your experience. Do they respond clearly and kindly? Do they listen to your ideas and ask thoughtful questions? Are they confident in guiding you without being dismissive? The best designers make you feel supported, heard, and gently challenged in all the right ways.
Ask About Their Process
Everyone works differently. Some designers will send you a detailed timeline and moodboard before they even open Illustrator. Others might prefer to hop on a call and talk it out. Neither is wrong, but it’s important to understand how they work, and make sure their process matches how you like to work, too. This is also a great time to talk about revisions, deadlines, and how you’ll communicate throughout the project.
Be Honest About Your Budget
Please don’t whisper your budget like it’s a dirty secret. It’s completely okay to say, “Here’s what I’m working with—can you recommend a service or package that fits?” A good designer won’t judge your number; they’ll help you make the most of it, or guide you toward an alternative (like templates or a smaller scope) if needed. Transparency from the beginning leads to better results and fewer surprises.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, don’t underestimate how important it is to feel good about who you hire. If you’re excited to work with them, if their vibe feels aligned, and you feel seen and understood—that’s a green flag.
At the end of the day, design isn’t just about colors and typefaces. It’s about building a brand that truly reflects you—and that requires trust.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re hiring your very first designer or you’ve worked with a dozen, I hope this gives you a little more clarity and confidence moving forward. And if you're looking for a creative partner who brings calm, clarity, and intention to every project, I'm just a message away. Let's build something beautiful.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
If you're feeling inspired but still unsure where to begin, let's talk. Book a 90-minute Creative Consult with me for design clarity and honest feedback—no pressure, just pure support for your next big move.
More Tips & Tools
Check out my Instagram for curated resources and creative inspiration I use on the regular.
More Tips & Tools
Check out my Instagram for curated resources and creative inspiration I use on the regular.
