Introduction
Whether you’re launching a new business, revamping your brand, or just looking to make some updates to your website or marketing materials, there may come a time when you need some extra help from a professional designer. Designers have the skills, expertise, and creative vision to take your project to the next level. Here are three key reasons why you might want to enlist the services of a designer for your next project.
1. They Have the Technical Skills You Lack
One of the biggest reasons to hire a designer is that they have specific technical and software skills that you likely don’t possess yourself. Designers are experts in programs like:
- Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. These are the standard programs used for graphic design and publishing projects of all kinds. Learning to use these programs effectively takes lots of training and practice.
- Web Design Software – Such as Dreamweaver for website coding and development. Building a site from scratch requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
- Video Editing Software – Such as Premiere for producing and editing videos. Quality video editing requires an understanding of framing, pacing, transitions, audio editing, color correction, and other complex techniques.
Unless you’re a professional designer yourself, chances are you don’t have mastery over these software tools. A designer does, which saves you time, headaches, and prevents amateur work.
The Benefits of Hiring a Designer with Technical Skills
When you hire a designer, you get the benefit of their technical skills without having to learn them yourself. This includes abilities like:
- Formatting, laying out, and finalizing files for professional printing.
- Optimizing graphics for web and digital use.
- Creating animations and motion graphics for video and websites.
- Building website interfaces that are attractive, intuitive, and mobile-friendly.
- Proficiently using visual design principles like color theory, typography, composition, etc.
Trying to do these types of technical tasks without proper training rarely produces polished results. A designer has spent years honing their software skills and keeps up with the latest tools and best practices. Let their technical expertise take your project to the next level.
2. They Bring a Fresh Creative Perspective
Another benefit designers offer is a set of fresh eyes on your brand or project. When you’re immersed in your own business day in and day out, it can be hard to think outside the box. A designer offers a new perspective you might lack on your own.
Designers Can Provide an Objective Point of View
Because they’re coming at your business from the outside, designers can assess your project needs objectively. They can pinpoint any weak points in your current design or branding that you might have grown accustomed to over time.
For example, they may identify:
- Areas where your current design is outdated or dull
- Missed opportunities to better highlight your unique value proposition
- Poor use of white space or text that is difficult to read
- Images or fonts that should be updated for a more cohesive look
An experienced designer has worked on many projects across different industries. This bird’s-eye view allows them to quickly identify any glaring issues with your current design that need to be addressed.
Creativity Comes Naturally to Designers
Creativity is part of a designer’s DNA. They have a knack for coming up with novel design solutions by thinking outside the parameters of what already exists. Designers have the skills to translate their creative ideas into tangible and effective brand assets.
Areas designers can inject creativity into your project include:
- Unique logo design – Your logo tells your brand story in a single image. An inspired logo sticks in customers’ minds.
- Engaging visuals – Photographs, illustrations, or graphics that capture attention better than stock imagery.
- Clever copywriting – Well-written, on-brand messaging and content.
- Thoughtful UX design – Website and app interfaces that intuitively guide users through each step.
While you understand your own business inside and out, a designer provides an infusion of ingenuity you may be lacking. They imagine possibilities you simply haven’t thought of yet.
3. They Can Save You Time and Money
Hiring a professional designer the first time around can actually save you time and money vs. tackling extensive design projects yourself. Their skills and expertise can lead to work done faster and financial losses prevented.
Avoid Mistakes and Redo Work
Attempting complex design work when you lack training can lead to mistakes, inconsistencies, and sloppy execution. This can mean additional rounds of revisions and fixes.
You may end up spending more money redoing shoddy work than it would have cost to hire a designer to get it right the first time.
Designers Work Quickly and Efficiently
Proficient designers have efficient workflows and can complete work faster than an amateur. They know how to quickly pull together the elements of a visually appealing deliverable.
Trying to accomplish the same tasks could take you exponentially longer as you wrestle with software you barely know how to use. Those hours add up, amounting to more than a designer’s fee.
Save Money Down the Road
Investing in quality design now can save you money in the long run. Poor design often requires expensive redesigns later to resolve issues that could have been addressed earlier.
Catching and fixing design flaws early prevents having to redo work later when it could be more complex and costly. Spending on great design from the start maximizes your return on investment.
Protect Your Professional Reputation
Subpar design can also lead to damage to your brand or credibility. Promotional materials or a website riddled with problems can suggest to customers that you lack professionalism.
Stellar design, on the other hand, makes the right impression on your target audience from day one. It’s an investment in crafting a brand image and customer experience that fosters trust and loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Designers
How do I find and choose a designer?
When seeking out a designer to hire, here are some tips:
- Review portfolios from a number of candidates to assess their specific style and skills. Make sure they’ve produced work similar to your needs.
- Look for designers who have experience in your industry or with clients like yours. They’ll have insight into what works.
- Choose designers who can clearly explain their creative process and design choices. Good communication is key.
- Ask for client references you can contact. Testimonials can reveal if they delivered for past clients.
- Consider hiring local designers you can meet with in person when possible.
How much do designers cost?
Designer fees vary widely based on their skill level, location, and portfolio. Logos can cost $200-$5,000. Websites can range from $2,000 to $20,000. Having a clear budget and project requirements helps match you with fair quotes.
When should I hire a designer vs. doing it myself?
It’s smart to hire a designer when you lack the technical skills or design knowledge required for the task at hand. If you don’t have mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, HTML/CSS, or other programs, hiring a designer prevents frustration and ensure professional results.
What materials do I need to provide the designer?
The designer will need any existing brand guidelines, content, images, and information about your business offering. Providing competitors’ websites or materials that inspire you is also helpful so they can understand the look you’re going for.
Can I find a quality designer on a budget?
Yes, various options exist for working with freelance designers at affordable rates. You can find experienced freelancers on sites like Fiverr and Upwork who charge reasonable hourly fees. Just be sure to review portfolio samples first.
Key Takeaways on Hiring a Designer
- Designers have technical skills in programs you likely don’t know how to use well, if at all. This can include software like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Premiere, and more.
- Designers bring a fresh set of eyes and new perspective to your brand and business. They pinpoint design flaws and offer creative solutions.
- Hiring a designer upfront ultimately saves time and money over tackling extensive design projects yourself through trial and error.
- Investing in quality design protects your brand reputation and fosters loyalty and trust with your audience.
- When seeking a designer, review online portfolios and find one experienced with your type of project and industry.
Conclusion
Designers are creative professionals with the expertise to take your marketing materials, website, branding, and more to new heights. Their technical skills, ingenuity, and outside perspective allow them to transform and elevate your project in ways you may be unable to on your own. Though hiring a designer requires an initial investment, it pays dividends through stunning work that leaves a lasting impression and positions your business for success.
