10 Things to expect from your designer

Trident have read and researched the logo design process, these facts and opinions are taken from the best websites to give you the most balanced opinions from around the world. We hope you find this as interesting and as insightful as we have.

Choosing a designer can be a daunting decision for a client. After all, the visual identity of his/her business depends on the choice. Here are a few important attributes to expect from a graphic designer.

1. An informative website

A client should expect to learn something from the designer before paying a penny, and the designer’s online presence should do the job.

Informative websites help on a number of counts.

    * Trust is built through communication in blog comments
    * Attention to detail can be seen through design project case studies
    * Positive references will accompany portfolio entries
    * Communication skills are evident through proper grammar

2. Excellent communication skills

3. Attention to detail

Changing smallest detail can greatly alter the impact of a brand identity.

4. Great customer service

How fast can clients expect a response to their questions? Unless prior notice has been given, email replies should be received within 24 hours during a project’s standard working week. Telephone communication should be available throughout normal working hours.

What about after the design handover? A designer should remain on hand to help with any printing questions or file-type issues.

5. Trustworthiness

6. Good time management

Deadlines are a vital part of the design process. A client could be waiting on the designer to finalise the identity before an ad campaign is rolled-out, or before office signage is installed, so the last thing needed is to have the agreed time frame pushed back.

7. Positive references

References — or client testimonials — offer a great insight into previous customer satisfaction.

8. Flexibility

No matter how detailed the initial design brief, there must always be room for flexibility. Things can change during each stage of the process, requiring a different outlook from that first anticipated. Both the client and the graphic designer should accommodate some movement.

9. A strong portfolio

Previous projects speak volumes about what to expect. Rather than focus on my own graphic design portfolio, here are some others containing nice identity design work.When browsing portfolios, it’s good to see design diversity, both in client industry and project outcome.

10. Common courtesy

Nice shouldn’t cost extra.

 To reiterate, 10 things to expect from a designer:

   1. An informative website
   2. Excellent communication skills
   3. Attention to detail
   4. Great customer service
   5. Trustworthiness
   6. Good time management
   7. Positive references
   8. Flexibility
   9. A strong portfolio
  10. Common courtesy

Tips for Working with Clients: Approaching the Relationship

Trident have been through the client process, these facts and opinions are opinions and others opinions to give you the most balanced opinions from around the world. We hope you find this as interesting and as insightful as we have.

Gain clients carefully. Selecting your clients carefully is the first step in a responsible client/designer relationship. You should have a clear idea of who the client is and what needs exist, and the client should have a clear idea of your expertise or that of your firm.

Collaborate and negotiate. Be able to explain your vision to the client and why it’s the best possible solution to their design problem. While you should defend your ideas, when possible it’s a good idea to give in to the client.

Maintain contact. If you are proactive about contacting the client and providing updates, the client will feel important and have more confidence in your work.

Stick to deadlines. It doesn’t matter if you have to give up an occasional weekend or work thirteen-hour days for a week. Part of being a professional designer is getting your work done on time.

For more ideas on handling your relationships with client, visit our website www.tridentdesign.co.uk