What is a freelancer?
Freelancers are self-employed workers specialising in professional services such as graphic design. Freelancers can often work for many different clients at the same time. They set their hourly rates or can provide quotes for a project. In some cases, a freelance graphic designer can work under a retainer. This is a contract that guarantees a client a certain number of hours or days per week or month.
How to find a freelance graphic designer
Local freelance graphic designers can be easily found by doing a keyword search online. Designers are also often discovered by word of mouth. Most of a designer’s work comes to them through referrals and recommendations.
What to look for in a freelance graphic designer
Most importantly, you should find them approachable and easy to get along with. It makes a successful working relationship more likely. Just as important is the designer’s professionalism, creativity, and reliability. You may have to discuss previous projects the designer has completed and ask for client testimonials.
Consider whether you are looking for a designer with a specialism or an all-rounder who can handle various types of work.
A specialist might be for you if you have a one-off project that needs a niche skill. However, if you are looking for help on a long-term basis for different projects, someone with broad experience is what you need.
Cost vs experience
It’s always tempting to go for cheaper support by sacrificing experience — which is usually more expensive. However, hiring an experienced freelance designer can be more cost-effective. There’s less hand-holding, and projects will be completed quickly and with greater reliability.
Go local or remote?
Employing a graphic designer local to your business allows you to meet face-to-face. A local designer may also benefit from knowing your business and the type of work that you do.
The benefits of having a freelancer onsite
With so many of us working remotely or on a hybrid basis, it’s easy to believe there’s no reason to meet a designer in person. However, projects can run more smoothly if a freelance graphic designer is sitting alongside your team.
Eight steps to get up and running with a freelancer
- You can find a graphic designer by doing a keyword search online, looking on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, or talking to your business contacts and team members.
- Once you find a candidate, look at their portfolio – does it show significant professionalism, expertise, and creativity? Can you see how the designer developed a solution that met the client’s needs?
- Remember to check the designer’s real-world experience – have they already worked in the same sector as your project? Or have they experience in the skills you need now and may need in the future?
- Is the designer able to understand your brief? Communication is key to a good working relationship.
- Next, get a quote from the designer and ensure it includes all stages and deliverables.
- Talk to the designer about their working method and process. The last thing you want to be asking is – what happens next?
- Ask about revisions and amendments, which are a key part of the process. A project can easily unravel without understanding the charging structure for changes.
- Finally, ensure the designer can set a schedule that meets your requirements. Find out what you need to deliver and when to ensure the project is completed on time.
If you’re looking for a freelance graphic designer, look no further. Andrew Sharman is a designer with a wide range of experience and abilities. He specializes in brand and website design and can take on print projects and other types of marketing collateral. Get in touch to discuss your next project.