Questions To Ask A Designer Before Hiring Them For Print Design

Questions To Ask A Designer Before Hiring Them For Print Design

Let’s set the scene. You need a flyer or brochure. You’ve tried Canva, but the results weren’t what you were after. (Or maybe the experience confirmed that design is not your forte!).

Whatever the reason, this has led you to hire a professional graphic designer. But a quick internet search throws up HUNDREDS of results. How do you know who to choose?!

Below you’ll find thirteen questions designed to help you select the right designer and get the results you want. 

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Experience And Expertise

Can I see your design portfolio?

A designer’s design portfolio should showcase their style, skills and experience. Take a good look, paying attention to the quality of work, attention to detail, and examples of projects similar to yours so that you can assess whether they are a good fit for your needs.

What is your experience with print design specifically?

Print design is a different world to digital design, with unique considerations. A reputable designer with print experience will know that print artwork must adhere to specific standards and be created using the CMYK colour mode for accurate print colours. They should also be able to prepare artwork files ready for printing, including the addition of bleeds, margins and proper text formatting.  

Have you worked on projects similar to mine?

A designer who is familiar with your target audience will be able to better understand your vision and the messaging behind it. 

After professional brochures? Ask your prospective designer if they have experience working for corporate clients. Looking for a poster design promoting an eco-friendly message? A designer who can provide examples of previous projects that align with your values will be helpful. 

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The Design Process

How do you approach a new print design project?

This question will give you insight into the designer’s working style and how they collaborate with clients. Do they have a clear process? How often, and at which key points, will they communicate with you throughout the project’s duration? Where and how do they welcome feedback?

What information do you need from me to get started?

A good designer will want to know everything about your project, including your budget, timeline and any existing brand guidelines, so that they can understand what you want from your end product. 

How do you handle revisions and feedback?

Revisions are an important part of the design process, allowing you to provide constructive feedback on the artwork at various stages. Finding out about your prospective designer’s revision policy, such as how many revisions are included within their quoted design fee, will ensure you know what to expect. 

How do they handle changes and ensure alignment on timelines? 

Clear communication is crucial for a smooth design process. A reputable designer should be able to set realistic timelines that account for revisions and will let you know how often you’ll receive updates once project milestones have been achieved. 

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Technical Skills

‍What design software do you use?

While the specific software isn’t a dealbreaker, it's helpful to know that the designer is proficient in industry-standard tools such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator because they are widely used in print production. 

It's important to make sure to check that the designer can provide files in the formats required for printing, most commonly high-resolution PDF, and clarify if you can expect to receive editable source files. These can be used for future updates or adjustments if necessary. 

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Do you have experience with pre-press and print production?

In the good old days, printers had artworkers in-house, but not in today’s world. Today a graphic designer with pre-press knowledge is necessary to help ensure your files are print-ready and avoid costly errors. Ask about their understanding of bleed, colour management and file preparation. Do they know their stuff?

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Communication And Collaboration Style

‍How do you prefer to communicate with clients?

Setting clear expectations from the start will make for smooth sailing throughout the design process. Does your designer prefer to communicate in a more structured way via email, catch up over the phone, or use instant messaging apps like WhatsApp for updates and feedback?

What is your typical turnaround time for design projects?

Make sure to get a clear understanding of the designer's estimated timelines to ensure they align with your project deadlines. When can they start on your project, and how quickly will they respond to your questions and revisions?

Who sends the artwork to print?

If your prospective designer is not part of an in-house team at a print house, clarify who will send the artwork off to print. This stage of discussions can throw up loads of questions that you might not know the answer to.

Choosing a designer who is part of an in-house team, like our experts here at Bell Graphics, will significantly simplify and speed up this process.

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Will you get a print proof?

Is your designer handling the print process themselves? If so, ask whether you’ll be able to get a hard copy print proof. Hard copy proofs are invaluable for spotting issues before your order is printed in full, however external designers tend not to offer the service. 

In-house teams, on the other hand, can easily supply a printed proof - just bear in mind that it can add a short delay to your project timescale.

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Professional Graphic Design AND Professional Print

At Bell Graphics, we have a talented in-house designer with extensive experience in all things print design. Specialising in producing high-quality print, our expert design and print team values clear communication, effective collaboration and gold-standard customer service. 

With our designer working directly alongside our print production team, you can rest assured you’ll experience a seamless transition from design to print production. 

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Conclusion

Hiring the right print designer can be the difference between a stress-free print experience and a frustrating, time-consuming process. Our collection of valuable questions to ask a designer before hiring them will help you gather enough information to make an informed decision about whether a prospective designer is right for you and your vision.

Want to work with a friendly, skilled designer who works closely with a production team? Bell Graphics are the perfect fit. Get in touch today to get the ball rolling.