Questions You Should Never Ask Your Graphic Designer
When you work with a professional graphic designer there are two types of questions you can ask; questions that help move your project along and create a final product that everyone is happy with, and questions that bring your project to a crashing halt.
Let’s take a look at the questions you should never ask your graphic designer:
- Can you do something for me really fast?
While your graphic designer can usually help you with an extra task or adjustment, don’t just assume that it will be a quick fix. You probably have no idea how much time it will actually take, so always ask your designer for an estimate. - Can you put this in a format that we can edit?
An editable source file will probably need specialized design software and if you don’t have any design knowledge you risk harming your carefully crafted project. If you hire a graphic designer, leave the designing to them. - Can you do it several different ways so that I can find the one I like?
Just because graphic design is digital rather than a physical product, doesn’t mean that your designer puts any less time and care into their work. The design process will go much smoother if you put together a detailed brief that helps the designer understand exactly what you are looking for. - Can’t you just Photoshop it?
While Photoshop and other advanced design software can do some amazing things, they can’t do everything. Graphic designers frequently receive requests that are technically impossible. - Can I make just one more change?
This is typically asked after multiple changes have already been requested. Remember that your graphic designer is on limited time just like you are. Even though they want to make sure that the design fits your needs, they also appreciate it when you acknowledge that their time is valuable. It’s much more efficient to compile a list of all the changes you’d like to make and hand them over all at once. - Can you have this done for me by tomorrow?
Despite what many people think, graphic design is not an instant process that can be done with just a few clicks of the mouse. Every project will have its own process and time requirements. - Can you lower your rate to match another designer I know?
Graphic designers set their prices based on a number of different components. Every designer has different strengths and abilities to offer, and there’s no special formula for determining if a designer’s rates are competitive or fair. With graphic design, you usually get what you pay for. - Can you make it pop?
Vague descriptions like “make it pop”, “edgy” or “modern” can have many different meanings. When you’re giving guidance or feedback to your graphic designer, it’s important to be as specific as possible. - Can you just get the logo off our website?
Saving or taking a screenshot of a logo from your company’s website, Facebook page or other online source simply won’t cut it quality-wise, especially for print projects. Logos should be handed over as a vector file. - Why don’t we just go back to your original concept?
Trust your designer. After you have explained what you need and the designer has come up with the best design possible, think it over for a few days. Don’t waste your designer’s time on multiple changes when the original design ends up being exactly what you asked for. - Once you’re finished with the design, can I get unlimited revisions?
Graphic designers must put limits or fee structures on revisions because otherwise projects might never end. - How much will my (special and/or complicated) project cost?
Pricing a project is not a black and white process. Most designers will need to have a detailed discussion about your project before giving you a quote. To get the most accurate estimate you need to offer the designer your project details before even asking about cost. - Can I call or email you anytime?
Nobody monitors their work email or phone 24/7. Graphic designers have schedules too. While you might not be able to get a hold of your designer at a moment’s notice, you should hear back from them during their regular business hours.
Alter Impact has been creating professionally designed logos and graphics for over thirteen years. For more information on how we can help you brand your business please contact us today!
