Three Common Worries About Working with a Graphic Designer

Working Together

11 Mar

“Rubbish, felt it was my fault for not being able to communicate what I needed clearly enough.”

This was one response in a survey I did a few months ago, asking about peoples’ experiences working with a graphic designer.

Being one myself I’ve never been on the client side of that relationship. But I was shocked when I discovered that many small business owners have some serious reservations when it comes to working with a designer.

Will they be huffy and petulant about having to make changes?

Will they “get” my business?

Will I still have to pay for a design I don’t like?

😱

I don’t EVER want my clients to feel that way!

It’s All About Trust

Working with a graphic designer can be quite a vulnerable thing. You’re putting a lot of trust into that person: trust that they will understand your business properly, and trust that they will produce something valuable and good quality at the end of the process.

This is why it’s important to find a designer you feel comfortable with, who you can open up to and ask anything, even the “silly” questions (although there are no silly questions at Paper Arcade).

Let’s dive into some of the more common worries folks have when it comes to working with a graphic designer, and some helpful suggestions to put your mind at ease.

White woman in red tartan jacket sitting on a log with a bemused expression.

Worry 1: What if I’m not happy with the design and I still have to pay for it?

As a small business owner, every penny you spend is precious (believe me, I know!) So when you’re commissioning something intangible like a design concept it can feel like a big leap of faith. Especially if it’s the first time you’ve not worked with that person.

What if you don’t like what they create? What if even after revisions it’s still not hitting the mark? And what if the designer is insisting on payment anyway, because the job was technically completed?

The thought is enough to make any unsure business owner reach for the Canva templates.

Ease Your Mind:
Firstly, make sure the project kicks off with a good, solid design brief. This will ensure you and the designer are on the same page about what is required of the project, and sets clear expectations on both sides.

When you first start working together the designer should ask you TONS of questions: about you, your business, who your audience is, what you do, what your goals are, and what it is you need designed.

All that information will then be turned into a design brief, which you will then need to approve. This is your chance to make any changes or raise any queries, so they can be worked into the brief before the word “Go”.

Secondly, make sure there are plenty of amendments built into the project scope. If your design brief is solid then two or three rounds of amends should be plenty.

At Paper Arcade I will never make you pay for something you aren’t happy with. It’s my job to make sure that at the end of the project you have something useful, practical and valuable that will make your business better. So if you ever have any concerns or questions please don’t be afraid to ask.

Worry 2: What if they don’t “get” me or my business?

As a passionate small business owner, your business is a part of who you are. You live and breathe what you do and you get super excited about your badass business. And you just want others to feel the same way and share in that excitement!

So when someone doesn’t quite get what you do, or why you’re so passionate about it, it can feel like a kick in the pants. Especially if you’re commissioning that person to create something for that business – yeeeeeah, that wouldn’t fill you with a whole lotta confidence.

Ease Your Mind:
Like the first worry, the key here is a good sturdy design brief and asking lots and lots of questions – that goes for you and the designer.

It’s our job as designers to be curious and ask the right questions, and to make sure we understand your business and what you’re trying to achieve. If we don’t then (you guessed it): we need to ask more questions!

Similarly, if you don’t feel like the designer has a grasp of what you’re all about then say so. The goal of the project is to make sure you get a design for your business that is authentic, accurate and adds value, so don’t be shy about double checking if there’s a wee voice in your head going “errr I’m not sure you get us”.

That’s why I love working with passionate small business owners. My absolute favourite part of running a small creative studio is getting to know them (i.e. you!) and digging into why they do what they do. I find it fascinating! We get each other because we both know what it feels like to be so excited about your own small business.

This is also why I haven’t niched down into a particular field or industry: I love getting to know all sorts of businesses. Whether it’s a culture agency in London, a day spa in Glasgow or a non-profit neighbourhood magazine in Glasgow’s south side – if you’re a passionate business owner then I’m dying to know more!

Worry 3: What if I can’t explain myself clearly enough?

You can see what you want in your head.

Or maybe you can’t, and that’s why you’re hiring a graphic designer!

But you can feel what it is you want, a notion – that little inkling inside.

But getting those thoughts from your head, out of your mouth and onto a design brief is a whole different kettle of fish. It can be really difficult to explain what you want, and sometimes you’re not even sure what it is you want or need.

Ease Your Mind:
This is a brilliant opportunity (read: excuse) to have a good long Pinterest sesh and gather up some visual examples. Or, for the more analog-inclined, have a rifle through some books and magazines for inspiration. The idea here is to build an impression of the idea in your mind. A picture says 1,000 words and all that.

Also I don’t mean to repeat myself, but questions, questions and more questions! In this case it’s the job of the designer to spot when you’re having trouble and ask a few more Qs to help you get your thoughts across.

And if you’re struggling with figuring out exactly what it is you need, then ask your designer to advise. An experienced designer will be able to see the whole picture and suggest avenues and ideas you might not have thought of.

There Are No Silly Questions

The single common thread that weaves through these solutions is asking questions.

It can be a difficult thing to do, and I have totally been there in the “I don’t want to ask a silly question” camp.

That’s why at Paper Arcade I have a There Are No Silly Questions Policy. I want for you to never feel shy or uncomfortable about asking any question. Questions are good and encouraged at this here creative studio.