In this week’s blog post, we meet Custom Creative Newsletter Specialists co-founder Shelley Walker (yes, she IS a relation!) and ask her about what to look for in a graphic designer.
Adam: So, Shelley, you have worked with many creative professionals in your 40-plus-year career. In your opinion, what should people look for when choosing a designer?
Shelley: Yikes, I hadn’t thought of my career as spanning 40 years, but I suppose it has. I may need to sit down!
People should consider many things when engaging a designer, either as a freelancer or as an employee.
The first thing I like to start with is their portfolio of work. I want to see various styles and projects and someone who has worked with a wide range of industry clients. This history is critical to me because it shows they can be responsive and adaptable. Sometimes you may look for an illustrator with a unique style but not a graphic designer.
The next things I look for are their personality, communication skills, and history of collaboration. The role of a graphic designer often involves working with a wide range of other creative professionals, and that can take tact and diplomacy. Being a good graphic designer also demands accepting constructive criticism with poise and grace and offering solutions that work for the client. Do not underestimate how important these things are.
This next one is obvious, but of course, their creativity is key. Look for a designer who can bring fresh ideas to the table and deliver new and innovative solutions.
Last, and certainly not least, is attention to detail. The creative process is iterative, involving countless drafts, edits, and versions. Your designer must have a laser focus to ensure their final work is polished and typo-free!
Adam: Thanks! Those are helpful! Of course, here is the shameless plug; it is much easier for folks to leave it to us, the good people of Custom Creative Newsletter Specialists.
