Graphic Design
Utilizing a professional graphic designer is an integral step in establishing and maintaining a successful business. Your company’s total brand image starts with a great logo and expands to every aspect of your business. The design needs to target your audience in a functional, attractive, and professional way. There are minor things you can do yourself, but the majority of your graphic design needs will be done by a professional.
Successfully Implementing Graphic Design
Before working with a graphic designer, you need to have the look and feel of your brand thought out as mentioned in the previous page. You'll want to bring your brand folder to your first meeting, so the designer can easily see your vision. As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Trying to describe what you want is much harder than a visual representation.
To ensure you're happy with the final product, take some time interviewing a few designers before hiring someone. You're looking for a designer who you can work well with, and one who shares your vision, but can also guide the project with a skillful eye. Be open to suggestions of what works best from a professional's perspective. For example, maybe you've chosen a pale yellow color for your logo, but your designer points out that yellow is difficult to see. You'll need to be open to their suggestions to achieve the best look and feel for your brand. They might suggest a graphic design that doesn't represent you, and again you'll need to share with them how it's not quite right. This is a relationship where both people need to feel comfortable expressing their opinions.
When you meet with a potential graphic designer there are specific items you'll request them to create for you, so your brand is consistent and recognizable. Having each of these things is important so you're ready for business.
Logo
Business Cards
Invoice
Letterhead
Brochure/Newsletter
RTF colors for replicating your brand colors from any computer or printing store