You might be thinking, “Do I really need a graphic designer when I can just use Canva or Visme?” Well, let me tell you—graphic designers are the alchemists of the marketing world. They turn your ideas into visual gold. Sure, you can follow the recipe on Canva, but it’s like comparing your homemade dish to what a professional chef makes—it just doesn’t hit the same.
Hiring a graphic designer isn’t just for the big guys. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a small business owner, bringing in a graphic designer can elevate your brand and set you apart from the competition. Let me break down the top reasons why you should hire a graphic designer and how to go about it the right way. Plus, I’ll throw in some low-cost hacks to keep your budget in check.
Hiring a Graphic Designer: The Why and How
Professional Designs Get Better Results
You’ve probably played around with design tools, picked a template, and customized it only to feel… underwhelmed by the result. Why? Because design is a skill. Graphic designers are trained professionals who know how to combine elements like color, typography, and spacing to create visuals that connect with your audience.
Think of a graphic designer as your creative partner. They’ll understand how to tell your brand’s story through visuals—whether it’s in a logo, brochure, or Instagram post. Great design isn’t just about making something look pretty; it’s about creating something that grabs attention, communicates your message, and sticks with your audience.
When you’re hiring a graphic designer, you’re hiring for skills you didn’t know you needed. There are subtle and invisible skills such as choosing images with the right color palette, or laying out text around images that makes it look 1000 times better than you ever thought it could.
Pocket-Friendly Power Move:
If you’re really strapped for cash, you can still get some solid results by hiring a junior designer or design student. They’re often willing to work at a lower rate to build their portfolio. Check out local colleges or online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to connect with up-and-coming designers.
1. Hire a Designer as Soon as Possible
The best time to hire a graphic designer is right away—even if you’re just starting. A professional designer can help lay the foundation of your brand by developing a cohesive visual identity. This includes creating your logo, defining your brand colors, and setting up design guidelines that will keep your brand consistent across all channels.
Without a clear visual identity, your brand risks looking disjointed. A polished, professional look builds trust, making your small business appear bigger and more established than it may actually be.
Budget-Friendly Branding Boost:
If hiring a graphic designer right out of the gate seems too expensive, consider splitting the project into phases. Start with a logo and color scheme, and build from there. This allows you to spread out the cost while still establishing the foundations of your brand. You can also use platforms like 99designs to run a design contest and get multiple ideas for a flat fee.
2. Write a Detailed Design Brief to Get What You Want
A well-defined design brief is the key to getting great results without blowing your budget. The clearer you are upfront, the fewer revisions you’ll need, and that saves time and money. A design brief should outline your brand’s vision and provide the designer with the information they need to create visuals that match your brand’s personality.
Here’s what to include in your brief:
- A clear description of your target audience
- Your core marketing message
- The types of products/services you offer
- The personality and tone of your brand
- Examples of designs or websites you like (and don’t like)
- Your preferred color scheme
- Whether you prefer illustrations or photos
- Examples of designs you like and why you like them
By giving a designer a clear direction, you not only save time but also ensure that the end product aligns with your brand vision.
Pro Tip Without the Pricetag:
Use a free design brief template you can find online to help guide your thoughts and make sure you cover everything. It’s free and it ensures that you communicate your needs clearly from the start.
3. Match the Designer to Your Needs
Not all graphic designers are created equal. Some are better at taking a vague concept and turning it into something beautiful, while others excel at executing specific directions. Some specialize in print media, digital graphics, illustrations, or even web design.
Before hiring, consider the skills you need for your project and find a designer who specializes in that area. Do you need someone for a one-time logo project, or are you looking to build a long-term relationship for ongoing marketing materials?
Sneaky Savings Tip:
Instead of committing to an expensive long-term contract, start small. Many designers offer one-off services like a logo design or a simple brand refresh. You can gauge whether their style fits your vision before committing to larger projects.
4. Budget for Success
You get what you pay for, and hiring a graphic design is no different. Before starting the hiring process, set a clear budget. Basic design work, like a single piece of artwork, can range from $40 to $150 depending on complexity. But if you’re looking for a full rebranding package—including logo, website design, and business cards—expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Don’t let that scare you off! You can start small and gradually build up as your budget grows. Plus, remember that design is an investment. The payoff in terms of professionalism, brand recognition, and customer trust is well worth the price.
Wallet-Smart Win:
If you’re in the early stages of your business and don’t need a complete branding overhaul, use free tools like Canva to get started. When you’re ready, you can hire a designer to refine what you’ve already built. This hybrid approach helps stretch your dollars.
5. Explore Your Options on Marketplaces
If you’re ready to hire, there are several great platforms to explore:
- 99designs: A project-based, crowdsourced platform that walks you through a detailed brief to get high-quality designs for everything from logos to entire brand packages. Prices start around $350.
- Upwork: A freelancer platform where you can hire designers for specific tasks or ongoing work. It’s great if you already have a clear idea of what you want.
- Fiverr: If you’re looking for something small and specific, like a social media post or a book cover, Fiverr can be a budget-friendly option. But keep in mind that you often get what you pay for.
Designer Discount Tip:
When using Fiverr or Upwork, filter by designers who are newer but have strong portfolios. They often offer lower rates to build up reviews. You can also negotiate a package deal if you need multiple pieces.
6. Review Portfolios and Work History
Once you’ve found a few candidates, it’s time to review their portfolios. Here’s what to look for:
- Do their designs vary based on the brand, or do they all look the same?
- Do their visuals look current and aligned with what you’re looking for?
- Are they experienced with the type of project you’re hiring for (logos, social media, print, etc.)?
Mini Portfolio Savings Tip:
Some designers are willing to do a small test project for a reduced fee or even free in exchange for feedback and a potential long-term relationship. It’s worth asking if they’re open to this arrangement.
7. Shortlist and Interview Candidates
After reviewing portfolios, narrow down your list to a few designers. Whether it’s through text, email, or a quick phone call, ask them about their design process, communication preferences, and availability. Chemistry matters—you want a designer who “gets” you and your brand.
Interview Insights:
My favorite interview question is to ask them what they LOVE to do, that if they could do just that, all day, every day, and can’t believe they’re getting paid for it, what would it be?
8. Communicate Clearly and Set Expectations
Once you’ve chosen your designer, have a conversation about deadlines, communication preferences, and deliverables. The clearer you are about your expectations, the smoother the project will go. Establishing a timeline and setting check-ins along the way ensures you’re both on the same page.
Freebie for the Organized Entrepreneur:
Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep everything organized. These are free or have low-cost plans that help streamline communication and task assignments.
9. Build a Relationship for Long-Term Success
Great graphic design isn’t a one-and-done deal. The best value comes from building an ongoing relationship with your designer. They’ll understand your brand better over time, which means they can deliver even better results as you continue to collaborate.
Creative Collaboration Without Breaking the Bank:
If you’re happy with the work your designer is doing, consider negotiating a retainer. Designers often offer discounted rates for ongoing projects, which can save you money in the long run.
Conclusion: Why Hiring a Graphic Designer is Essential for Your Brand
Good design isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. From your logo to your marketing materials, great visuals create a lasting impression and build trust with your audience. So, should you hire a graphic designer? Absolutely. And now, you know how to do it right, while keeping your costs under control.
Start with what you need most and scale up as your budget allows. And remember, investing in great design is investing in the future of your brand.