Choosing The Right Graphic Design Firm: 5 Factors to Consider

Choosing The Right Graphic Design Firm: 5 Factors to Consider 

By Amber Hyde

Working with the right design firm is a key element in helping a company achieve their advertising, branding and marketing goals. But when it comes time to select the design firm, what elements should you consider to insure you choose the right design firm for you?  Cost may be the top criteria, but there are other, equally as important, factors to take into consideration. Here are five factors to keep top of mind when choosing the design team best for you. 

1. Expertise- There are many different types of creative firms, many specializing in one particular field, while others offer a wide range of services. Because of this you need to carefully consider all of the current and future design needs of your company.  Do you need just a logo design or do you want complete branding, print, and marketing material? You need to look for the firm that has the resources to solve all your design needs.  You don’t want a web design firm handling a print project; that is not their expertise. It is important to maintain a consistency with your projects because it is vital to business success and recognition. So be sure to find the firm that can handle your entire project needs.
 
2. Portfolio- The expertise of a firm can be seen through their portfolio. You want to look for qualities such as variety, originality, and creativity. Mainly deciding whether you consider their style of design effective and suitable for your business. You want a firm that is going to work with you to create the vision that you have for the project. It is important to also get an understanding of their creative process and see if they will be people you can work alongside, bouncing ideas back and forth. Look at the quality of their work and how they present it. This will give you an understanding of what you should expect to receive. 
 
3. Rate- Every Firm is unique, having their own skills, expertise, and price. If price is a concern, be upfront but be aware that the lower rates mean that less time will be devoted to research and concept development, less time translates into a less creative and unique piece. Design is an investment for your business. You want to compare the price offers and the quality of the work they present.  But in the long run I believe that good design doesn’t cost money, it makes money. 
 
4. Time- Time plays a very important factor. You will have some sort of deadline for the project and you want quality work done. First, look for quick responses to your initial inquiry. If it is taking awhile to hear back from them they are either too busy, unprofessional in their work manner, or simply not interested. You want to know that your business and project are important to them. Every firm will obviously have other projects they are working on, but they should make you feel that your project is important and at the top of their list. After seeing their portfolio and understanding their creative process you need to know that they will be able to handle the project in a timely manner. 
 
5. Location- Location may or may not be as important to you, but it is a factor that needs to be considered. One of the big benefits of using someone local is that it provides an opportunity to discuss the project in a focused manner with face-to-face contact.  If you have found a non-local firm you want to work with, be sure that they will take the time for phone calls or video chats so that nothing can get lost in translation when working on the project. 

Take your time and do the research to find the right firm for you and your business. Interview several design firms before making a decision. If you're happy with the solutions they've provided other clients, comfortable with the way they present themselves, and think you'd enjoy working with them...hire them. Clients who understand the value of good design realize that a talented design firm has the ability to influence their current and potential market.