Working with a designer: what to expect (and how to avoid common headaches)

A good graphic designer takes your vision and turns it into something polished, professional and effective. But if you have never worked with one before, you might not know what to expect or how to get the best results.

As a graphic designer myself, I have seen it all. Clients who come in with clear ideas and get exactly what they want, and clients who struggle through the process because they were not prepared. Here is what you need to know before hiring a designer and how to avoid the common issues that can make the process more stressful than it needs to be.

Be clear on what you need

Before reaching out to a designer, have a solid idea of what you are looking for. You do not need every detail figured out, but knowing the basics will make the process smoother:

• What do you need designed? A book cover, a logo, a website?

• What style do you like? Minimalist, bold, vintage?

• What is your deadline?

• What is your budget?

• Can you provide visual examples as to what you expect in terms of colour, imagery and fonts?

The clearer you are upfront, the easier it is for the designer to understand your vision and give you an accurate quote.

Choose the right designer for your project

Not every graphic designer is the right fit for every job. Some specialise in branding, others focus on book covers, packaging or website design, some can do it all. Look at their portfolio to see if their style aligns with what you want.

If you love soft, elegant designs but their portfolio is full of edgy, modern work, they might not be the right match. A good designer can adapt, but if their natural style is completely different from yours, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Communication is everything

One of the biggest causes of frustration when working with a designer is miscommunication. If you have a clear vision, explain it in detail. If you are unsure, give examples of designs you like.

A few tips for smooth communication:

• Be specific. Saying ‘I want something cool’ is not helpful. What kind of cool? Sleek and modern? Vintage and quirky?

• Give constructive feedback. Instead of ‘I don’t like it,’ explain what is not working for you. Is it the font? The colour? The layout?

• Be open to suggestions. You are hiring a designer for their expertise. If they suggest something different from what you had in mind, hear them out. It might be the thing that takes your design to the next level.

Understand the revision process

Most designers offer a set number of revisions, meaning you can request changes within reason. But revisions are not unlimited, and endless tweaks can slow down the project.

To make the most of your revisions:

• Give all your feedback at once rather than sending multiple emails with small changes.

• Be clear and specific to avoid back and forth.

• Respect the designer’s time. If you keep changing your mind, expect extra fees.

Know what files you need

At the end of the project, make sure you receive the right files for your needs.

• Logos should come in PNG, JPG and vector format (AI, EPS or SVG) so you can use them anywhere.

• Book covers should be provided in the correct resolution for print and ebook formats (e.g. for Amazon that would be PDF and JPG respectively).

• Social media graphics should be sized correctly for different platforms.

If you are not sure what you need, ask your designer. It is easier to get everything upfront than to chase files later.

Expect to pay for quality

Good design is an investment. If you go for the cheapest option, you might end up paying more later to fix something that does not work. A professional designer brings more than just technical skills. They bring strategy, experience and an understanding of what makes a design effective.

As a designer, I can tell you that pricing varies depending on experience, project scope and turnaround time. If a quote seems high, remember you are paying for expertise, not just a finished file. A well-designed visual can last years and work across different platforms, making it well worth the investment.

.Final word

When done right, professional design does not just make your brand or product look good. It gives it credibility, impact and the best possible chance of success.

As someone who works on these projects daily, I know that great results come from trust, clarity and a little bit of patience. If you are looking to work with a designer, set yourself up for success by knowing what to expect. Your brand will thank you for it.