Anyone who owns a print on demand business needs a graphic design that stands out from the crowd. However, as you might expect, talented and professional graphic designers are hard to find. The majority of us lack experience as graphic designers for print on demand products. Finding a graphic designer is the best solution if we genuinely want to create designs that capture the public’s imagination.
METHODS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST PRINT ON DEMAND GRAPHIC DESIGNER FOR YOU
When you start actively looking for print on demand graphic designers, you’re likely to get buried under a mountain of portfolios and work samples. It’s challenging work, but casting a wide net is the only way to catch the best talent. However, when making your hiring decision, keep the following unwritten rules in mind.
1. Look for someone that matches your aesthetics and styles.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to find your match quickly and get to work. However, the search is lengthy and challenging for some entrepreneurs because they have a particular idea of what they’re looking for. Furthermore, design compromise is a bad idea, so stick to your criteria and keep going through portfolios. In addition, if you come across someone with a strong portfolio but no relevant work, ask if they would be willing to provide samples or run a small trial project to check their skills and competency.
2. Learn about the designer’s availability.
When you find print on demand designers who fit the bill online, contact them to let them know you’d like to discuss a job opportunity and see if they’re interested and available. At this point, you should only give each designer a high-level overview of your project and timeframe.
3. Think about the price range.
If they come back wanting to hear more, you can start negotiating the rates. However, be careful not to make an insultingly low offer. It will immediately deter top-tier talent from working with you. Moreover, to provide an adequate budget, you must first research the market’s going rate and consider other important factors, such as the cost of living in the city where your designer is based. For instance, in Australia, the average salary of a head designer in 2021 was 120 thousand Australian dollars.
4. Look for someone with positive feedback and recommendations.
A review and rating system is available on almost all freelancing websites. However, if you’re hiring through a platform, make it a point to review the chosen designer’s most recent feedback and look for any red flags. In addition, giving the designer a small trial project is one way to understand better their creative process, communication style, and potential flaws. Furthermore, asking creative professionals to work for free is usually a bad idea, so try to budget for this.
5. Make it a point to communicate the project’s specifics clearly and concisely.
Nothing is more important than clear communication when working with a creative professional. Setting your goals and expectations in advance will save you a lot of trouble and disappointment later on. However, failure to clearly outline the specifics of the job will leave a lot of room for improvisation on the part of your designer, which may result in a design that is nowhere near what you are looking for. As a result, it is always best to create a simple design brief at the start of a new creative relationship.
6. Make a contract.
The majority of third-party sites like Upwork include built-in contracts between the parties, such as the NDA agreement. If you’re hiring a freelancer through another channel, you should invest in creating a freelance contract or purchasing a template online. Employing a print on demand designer on a full-time basis will necessitate you acting under local laws, as well as paying their taxes and any other state contributions. Working with an agency has the advantage of offering their contracts.
AVOID THESE COMMON PITFALLS WHEN HIRING A PRINT ON DEMAND GRAPHIC DESIGNER
When you finally find the perfect match, you will most likely feel a rush of excitement and want to get things started right away. However, it is critical to keep your head on your shoulders and look for potential red flags.
- Takes a long time to respond to your messages.
- Attempting to avoid displaying relevant work samples or references.
- Wants to receive the entire project fee upfront.
- Makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
If you notice any of these red flags, do not hire them. Never underestimate the power of your gut instinct. First impressions are essential. In addition, if you have a bad feeling about someone, there is probably a good reason for it. Save yourself the trouble and look for someone else you can rely on.
Be the Type OF CLIENT THAT DESIGNERS WANT TO WORK WITH
They are looking for a great client while you are looking for a great designer. If you want to attract the best talent, you must be willing to do your part and be a good employer.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
· The fact that you are offering them work does not make you superior in any way. You require their assistance – be courteous.
· In the freelance world, invoice chasing is a national sport. It’s also aggravating. Always keep your end of the bargain and pay on time.
· If you want to work with a great designer, don’t ask for spec work. They most likely have a slew of other projects lined up.
· Consider the possibility of a long-term partnership if you decide to work with a freelance designer. It will not only save you a lot of briefing time, but it may also lead to future discounts.
FINISHING UP
There is no getting around it: finding a great designer is difficult. Those who take the recruitment process seriously and go through all the assessing checks are rewarded in the end. With this comprehensive guide to hiring a print on demand designer in hand, you should be able to navigate the market and find the talent you require.
WHY IS FULFILLPLEX THE BEST PRINT ON DEMAND PROVIDER FOR YOU?
Fulfillplex’s technology automates the best print on demand services available. We are a top eCommerce fulfillment company that offers white label, fulfillment warehousing packing and shipping services. Everything you need to run a successful business. If you’d like to contact us and receive a quote, feel free to email us at [email protected].