How to Choose a Graphic Design Firm

First, let me say that I am an independent graphic designer. My business model dictates that I only hire more professionals and artists for each project, so that expand and contract as needed. Let my business is highly competitive and flexible in selecting talent. Admittedly, I am interested in acquiring his business, but I can be objective in shedding some light on the process of electing design services. This article is basa in my years of experience and observations within the design community. The Graphic Designer The core of any creative work is the designer. Each comes with a varying degrees of talent and experience, whether you're independent or part of a company. Many independent or "independent" as some call them, have years of experience with established companies. Personally, I do not like the word independent, because it bears the stigma of a lack of talent, experience and professionalism. It also leaves the impression that they can not find gainful employment. Freelance Design Designers are not certified or licensed (I think it should be), so anyone can call themselves a graphic designer. Unfortunately, there are some who have over the characteristics, and are cheaper to use in the short term. The long-term negative consequences is that their project may be beyond the scope of their abilities. In addition, they may not have a good understanding of the creative process, not to anticipate technical problems and normal charges, without a licence and use of materials to reduce costs. All this can lead to a solution disappointing and possibly legal issues in the future. When it comes to something as valuable as the perception of your company and future sales of their product or service, "cheap" should never be the focus. Professional Design Professional designers can be with a company or independent. They often have formal training in design or visual communication, and may have more experience in related fields such as advertising or marketing. Follow the customs and procedures of the design industry, the use of specific contracts, and devote the time necessary for the creative process. A professional will be more expensive, but costs should not be considered superior to the hiring of design services. Good design does not cost money ... it makes money ... much more than the initial design investment through increased revenue and exposure to potential customers. Large enterprises (size matter? Times) A large design firm will give you a sense of stability only by the size of its portfolio, the number of staff, and available resources. They offer a wide variety of services through various media such as radio, TV, print, etc.. If this is your situation a large company should be its approach. On the other hand, if your project is within a specific area or two, such as Web, print or multimedia, a small independent company or designer can be an excellent choice. Another consideration is teamwork. As the saying goes, "two heads are better than one." Depending on the scope of the project different perspectives during the concept can be an advantage. Although several people firms assign a design team, many independent designers to overcome this by taking their work criticized his fellow designers or submitting their work for the design of online forums for review. Small Business Independent and small independent companies and may not have a sample of their specific need, so it is important to take into account the solutions he has provided other customers. They tend to be more motivated to achieve your business, so you'll often get a more personal level of service and work directly with the person responsible for his project. Moreover, you generally pay less due to reduced overhead costs. In many cases, independent designers will have more experience in designing a combination of years of a design team to an agency. Many talented designers tend to either move up the ladder or start their own business because the maximum pay in an enterprise. Variety of talent is another consideration. Large companies may have one or two staff writers or illustrators to choose from. Small independent companies and have the flexibility to offer a number of suppliers located outside specifically to fit their individual taste, style and preferences. Also, consider that the designer or designers working in a large company may not be particularly interested or excited about your project, or even dominate the area of design, because they have no control over what is allotted to them. While this may or may not be the case for a small company, an independent designer usually has a high level of interest and motivation, because they want to expand their customer base and list ... especially if your project or type of industry is new to them. If contact you as most likely has already done a research fund in his company. Finally, with advances in computer technology and lower prices, the independents and small businesses use the same or higher level of hardware and software to large enterprises. Also, do not have to go through the approval process and internal IT departments, so its update occur in days rather than months. Conclusion When you're looking for design services, remember that you do not have to know exactly what you need, which is what is a design professional. They are given specific solutions according to their needs. If the price is a concern about it in advance and ask a series of two or three estimates. Note that the lower figures mean that less time will be devoted to research and development of concepts, this does not mean that the designer is reducing its hourly rate. Less time translates into less creative and unique piece. Home interviewing several designers and design firms before making a decision. Ask them what their hourly rate work is creative, and view their portfolios. If you are satisfied with the solutions he has provided other clients, comfortable with the way they are presented, and think you like working with them ... rent. Customers who understand the value of good design realize that a talented designer has the ability to influence their current and potential market, creating a positive perception of their activity, and ultimately increase their incomes. About the Author Derald Schultz is the founder and director of Mediarail Design, Inc. A design firm based in Atlanta, Georgia specializing in graphic design, web design and commercial printing services. Mr. Schultz holds degrees in printing and publishing, and visual communications. He worked in the design and printing of communities for more than 25 years before launching his own company. Mediarail Design offers a wide variety of customers throughout the country. © 2006-2008 Derald Schultz, Mediarail Design, Inc.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/graphic-design-articles/how-to-choose-a-graphic-design-firm-561681.html