6 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Designer
Hiring the right designer for your project is key to bringing your brand’s vision to life. Whether you're working on a new logo, a website redesign, or packaging that pops, choosing the right designer can make all the difference. To help you through the process, we’ve broken it down to 6 essential questions to ask that will ensure you’re on the right track. Let’s dive in!
1. Can you show me examples of your past work?
A portfolio is the best way to get a sense of a designer’s style and skills. But it's not just about pretty pictures—it’s about whether their work aligns with what you need for your business. Take a look at the variety of their past projects:
Are they experienced in the type of design you’re looking for?
Do their designs feel fresh, clean, and professional?
Is their style flexible, or do they only have one type of design approach?
Have they worked on similar projects (like branding, packaging, web design) to what you're planning?
Seeing a designer’s portfolio helps you gauge if their work matches your taste, and whether they can deliver the kind of impact you're aiming for.
2. What’s your design process from start to finish?
Every designer has a unique approach to how they work with clients. It’s important to know their process so you can feel confident in how the project will unfold. A good process helps keep the project on track and ensures that all your needs are met along the way.
Here are some questions to ask about their process:
Do they start by getting to know your business and brand goals?
How do they gather information from you to create the right design?
Do they provide rough drafts or mood boards for feedback early on?
How do they incorporate feedback and revisions into the final design?
What’s their turnaround time for each stage?
A solid design process is key to a smooth and successful collaboration, so make sure you’re on the same page from the beginning.
3. How many revisions are included in the project?
Design projects often go through multiple rounds of revisions, but it's important to understand how many rounds are included in the price and how much flexibility you’ll have. Revisions can help fine-tune the design, so make sure the designer has a system in place to handle them.
Ask about:
How many revisions are included in the project cost?
What happens if you need additional revisions beyond what’s included?
How do they handle big design changes versus small tweaks?
Are revisions included for things like color adjustments or minor design elements?
Knowing how revisions work will help you plan and avoid unexpected costs, ensuring you get the design you’re really happy with.
4. What’s your pricing structure, and what does it include?
Clear pricing up front is crucial to avoid any surprises. Understanding what you’re paying for—whether it’s per hour or a flat fee—will help you stay within your budget. Design projects can vary widely in terms of cost, depending on the complexity, so it’s important to discuss this early.
Ask the designer:
Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for the project?
What does the price include (e.g., number of concepts, revisions, final files)?
Are there any additional fees for things like rush work, extra revisions, or file formats?
Can you provide an estimate or detailed quote based on the scope of my project?
Knowing the pricing structure helps you understand what you're getting for your money and avoids misunderstandings later on.
5. How will you ensure the design aligns with my brand?
Design isn’t just about making something look nice—it’s about communicating your brand’s personality, values, and message. You want to be sure that the designer understands your brand and will create something that fits seamlessly into your overall brand strategy.
Ask the designer:
How do you get to know your clients’ brands and what makes them unique?
Do you offer brand research or discovery sessions at the start of the project?
How do you ensure that your designs are consistent with my brand’s voice and values?
Will you provide options or ask for feedback throughout the process to make sure we’re aligned?
A designer who takes the time to understand your brand will create a design that feels authentic and resonates with your target audience.
6. What are the deliverables and file formats I will receive?
When the project is done, you want to make sure you’re getting the right files to use across different platforms. Ask about the final deliverables, and make sure you’ll receive everything you need to use your new design on websites, print materials, and social media.
Questions to ask include:
What file formats will you provide (e.g., PNG, JPG, EPS, AI, etc.)?
Will I receive editable files so I can make future changes if needed?
Will you include any variations (e.g., color, black and white, transparent backgrounds)?
Are the files optimized for print, web, and other uses?
Understanding the deliverables helps you know exactly what you'll walk away with at the end of the project, so you can use your designs across all platforms with confidence.
Conclusion
These 6 questions will help you find a designer who not only has the skills you need but also understands your vision and can bring it to life in the best possible way. By asking about their process, pricing, revisions, and deliverables, you’re ensuring a smooth collaboration that ends with designs you’ll love. Ready to get started? Find a designer who’s the perfect fit for your project, and let’s make something amazing together!