If you have never seen it yourself, then you have probably heard some of the scariest stories about trying to find or work with a graphic designer. It can be difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating, but in all fairness, it is no different from any other job. Think about how some people should feel when they have to work with some of their competitors.
You will want to check out some of the basics first - the most important ones in any field. Can your designer be there in time to meet you? Do they treat your employees with respect, or do they treat them with love and indifference? Did they do their homework before coming? Once you have laid the foundation, your list of potential composers may be too small. Now you can start looking at some of the most specific things in our industry.
Presentation - Everything from how the designer dresses and how you pack their sample works will tell you something about them. Look at their clothes but avoid supporting your opinion on your fashion preferences. Instead, look for details that will tell you how much effort they put into their appearance. Clean shoes are a good sign for someone who is paying attention to details. The cut nails are another. You will also want to consider whether the work presented in their portfolio is accurate. Although this may seem like a small detail, it will mean a lot in determining the attention to the details your designer will take from your project.
Preparation - Did your designer run to the door of your office chasing his wind-blown papers in the parking lot or walked confidently to your door, stuff in hand? Did you come up with a pen and a notebook? This is important unless you want to spend more time later reminding them of the many things you have already told them. A designer who is not prepared for the first meeting will not run a daily business differently.
Viewpoint - Everyone has a different view of the world, and given that, those with the same vision will work better together. With that in mind, it's crucial to find a designer who shares your beliefs. Advertising for your multi-million dollar SUV product will never have the best results as long as you use a designer who believes that all companies are big bad things focused on destroying the community with hatred. If your designer doesn't understand where you are coming from, they will never be able to tell you your hopes.
Portfolio - This is an old saying that "size doesn't matter - it's how you use it!" Considering the designers, you may be relieved if you dismiss the designer because of the small portfolio. A designer who comes in a 3-piece suit with a 3-inch comprehensive portfolio is not a job. Maybe a girl without a college degree and a nine-page job portfolio has made you better at home. The most important thing is quality. An all-inclusive designer may not be able to decide what to present and what not to present, which does not mean that they will have the same problem of delivering a clear message to your audience.
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