9 Things to Know Before Hiring a Graphic Designer

Hiring a graphic designer can feel overwhelming, especially if your business is ramping up its marketing efforts or facing an ongoing demand for creative support. To help make the process smoother, we’ve put together a list of key things to consider before making your hire.

At Designkroo, a UK-based graphic design subscription service, we’re experts at finding and working with talented designers. With our experience, we’ve learned what it takes to set up both businesses and designers for success. Let’s dive in!

1. Define Your Design Needs

Before you bring in a designer, clarify exactly what your business needs. How much design work is pending? What projects are coming up? How many tasks typically require attention weekly? Answering these questions helps you set clear expectations and choose the right solution for your team.

2. Plan the Onboarding Process

A smooth onboarding process is essential for any new designer. Think about:

• How they’ll receive briefs.
• Who they’ll communicate with for revisions and approvals.
• How deadlines will be managed.

Also, ensure they have access to necessary design resources like past projects, brand files, and guidelines. This groundwork helps them hit the ground running.

3. Provide the Right Equipment

Equipping your designer with the right tools is non-negotiable. Slow computers or outdated software can hinder productivity. Ensure everything is ready before they start, avoiding unnecessary downtime.

4. Check Your Licensing

Review your licenses for stock photography, design software, and other creative tools. If your team is growing, you might need additional or specialized licenses. For instance, certain projects may require editorial image licenses rather than just commercial ones.

5. Share Brand Guidelines

Consistent branding is key to maintaining your business identity. Provide your designer with clear guidelines that cover fonts, color palettes, and preferred image styles. This ensures all designs align seamlessly with your brand.

6. Establish Clear Communication Channels

Effective communication is the backbone of successful creative projects. Decide on tools like Slack for quick chats or project management platforms like Asana for task tracking. Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings, saves time, and prevents missed deadlines.

7. Account for Recruitment Costs

Recruiting in-house designers comes with costs—from agency fees to payroll expenses. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of potential downtime while you search for the perfect candidate. Planning your budget with these costs in mind will help you stay on track.

8. Consider Long-Term Costs

Think beyond the immediate need. If your design demands are growing, will your budget accommodate a larger in-house team? It’s important to ensure your investment in design is sustainable as your business evolves.

9. Explore Subscription-Based Graphic Design

If you’re looking for a flexible, cost-effective solution, subscription-based graphic design could be the answer. At Designkroo, we offer unlimited graphic design support starting at just £299 per month. You’ll work with a dedicated designer who handles your projects daily. With predictable costs and scalable plans, we’re here to grow with your business.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a graphic designer doesn’t have to be daunting. By planning carefully and considering all your options, you can find the perfect fit for your team—or even explore alternative solutions like Designkroo to meet your needs effectively.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or colleague who’s also on the hunt for design support. Ready to explore subscription-based design? Learn more about our plans here.