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As a potential client, you recognize the benefits of hiring a professional designer to create your logo, stationery or marketing pieces, but there are just so many designers out there that it can be downright overwhelming. How in the world can you find one who is right for you?

Some companies think that the best way to get a design that they like is by holding a contest, but if you read last month's article you probably realize that this isn't the right way to go about it.

There are a lot of people offering design services, and they range in experience from true professionals with years of experience to high school students with pirated software who just want to make a quick buck. Searching the internet can be very time consuming and your efforts can leave you feeling confused and discouraged.

There are many places to find graphic designers:

• You can check with your local Chamber of Commerce or small business organization for recommendations.
• If you have seen a logo or advertisement for another company that you found particularly appealing, you can contact the company and request the name of the graphic designer who produced the piece.
• Perhaps a friend or relative knows of a skilled designer that would be ideal. You never know until you ask!
• Many graphic design forums online will allow you to post a free "classified" ad describing your project and asking that interested parties contact you.

What Next?

It is usually best to review the work of at least 3 graphic designers before choosing one for your project. Ask to see samples of each designer's previous work accompanied by a price quote for your job. Professional designers keep portfolios of their past work to let potential clients see what they have done, and if their style would match the client's wants and needs. When reviewing a designer's portfolio, be sure to look for variety among their pieces. Even if a designer has a very recognizable style their work should show that they can come up with different ideas and not just variations on a theme.

Choose someone who will do their homework about your company - if they only want to know what your business name is and then they are ready to start working, they're missing something. A designer's job is not just to create something that looks nice; it is to communicate a message.

Be sure to find out what is included in the prices that you are quoted. You will probably be given a few concepts to choose from, then once you pick one, you will be able to make some changes to refine it. Be sure to find out what file formats will be given to you upon completion of the design, and get an estimate of how long the project will take. (Obviously, if you end up making a lot of changes this can alter the timeframe.)

A good designer will listen to your ideas and make suggestions or ask questions to make sure that they understand your goals. They will also return their messages (phone or email) within a reasonable amount of time, and will not let a project fall by the wayside. Professional designers work with a contract (to protect the client's interests as well as their own) which explains the steps involved in the design process and the expected completion dates for each step. It is also a standard business practice to require a deposit before starting work on a project.

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