5 Things You Need From Your Graphic Designer.

I know, I know. The excitement of starting your new business is exhilarating. You can't wait to build your following and more importantly your brand, right? So I'm sure you  have a couple things on your list that you're eager to cop like business cards, probably a lil' t-shirt with your business name? But before you invest in all of those cool things, here are five things you need to get from you Graphic Designer.

1. Advice

Firstly, you may think you do not need a Graphic Designer because there are so many free tools available on the Internet such as apps and even logo generators, but trust me, if you want to stand out from what everyone else has, you need a Graphic Designer....................or at least their advice. EVERYONE is using Canva - and don't get me wrong, I love Canva and Canva definitely changed the game for DIY Graphics and Marketing BUT sir/mam, remember that Canva is open and available to everyone. I am a thousand per cent positive that when you posted a cute Instagram template announcing some news about your business, you saw an almost identical post on another business/personal social media page. Let me know if that ever happened to you and how did it feel?

Apps like Canva, however, has premium and professional tools that you can pay for which gives you a measure of exclusivity- if you can afford it......but what's more exclusive than your own personal Graphic Artist. Even if you use such an application, you should consult with a pro so that they can advise you on what you should do to add a unique element to your artwork.

2. Logo  (in several formats)

When you create a business logo, you should receive the same in several formats such as .pdf, .jpeg, .ai, .eps and any other format you deem necessary, as you will need those logo formats to send to the printers for bags, stickers etc. or even to make a sign for the business - in the case where it's a physical location. Sometimes you don't know which format will be compatible with their software, so it's best that you have all just to be safe.

3. Your Logo and/or Brand Elements

There are several elements that filter into creating your brand. A lot of persons use the word brand and logo interchangeably, but they should not be confused. Your logo is just one element of your brand. It is wise, however, to maintain uniformity in all your brand elements so starting with your logo is just fine. But, the consistency in colours, fonts etc. should be there.Regarding colours, ask your Graphic Designer for the CMYK, RGB and even Pantone colours that are within your logo. Trust me, it will come in handy in the future.

4. Time

You and your Graphic Designer should sit together or even work out some time during the day when you can chat online/ over the phone to discuss  what you need from them or what changes you would like to have made to the current artwork that you have. A Graphic Artist is a very visual person and what appeals to them may not appeal to you and vice versa, so you have to ensure that you communicate your needs clearly.

5. Their Rates/Payment Method

Before you enter into any business transaction, you should definitely talk about rates and payment methods before committing. You don't want to be hit with an Invoice that you cannot pay and a severed relationship with a professional that could potentially assist your brand throughout your business' life span. By finding this out you will know whether you can afford it, compare rates to another person in a similar field and decide whether hiring a Graphic Artist is right for you in the first place.

Hope these tips were helpful.

Have you ever worked with a Graphic Designer before? How was the experience?

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(Please note the images used for this blog was found on www.pexels.com and did not require attribution).