Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/18/2009

Question
Hi Kevin,  
I am starting a home-based business.  I want to hire a graphic designer and have him/her design my logo (I have a draft).  I am new to this, so I was wondering the following:

1)  What important facts should I know before hiring a graphic designer?
2)  Can I print my logo on stationary, business cards, etc., once the graphic designer creates it on software? Or, do I have to hire a printer?  Thank you  

Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

This is a very long answer, so please bear with me. Sorry for the delay.

When you are hiring a graphic designer, you should be looking at two things - price and their previous work (portfolio). It is not out of line to ask someone what they would charge for the kind of work you are looking for and also to see samples of their work. A great idea is to approach your local college if they have a design school and ask if they would have students work on this. Its a great way to support new artists.

Find someone that you like their style of design, not how cheap they are. The old rule applies - you get what you pay for. Depending on experience and type of work, rates can range anywhere from $20 per hour and up. Depending on what you are going to have them do, I would suggest negotiating a flat-rate fee for your logo first. Then have them design your business identity. Paying to have a designer create a logo for you, but then you creating the business cards, letterhead, etc. is taking a step backward. If you are going to pay for a design, buy the whole package and not just the logo.

Get a formal agreement to terms, ex. the cost and scope of the project, how many revisions, how many designs for the collateral material, etc. Even if it is a commitment via email, get something in writing. Also have an "out" in the agreement. If the designer is not working out, or you feel duped, have a buy out clause that will allow you to walk away from the job without paying for the whole thing.

Once they have created the logo and before they create the identity pieces, explain to them what software you have to print from (word, etc.) so that they can give you a final piece that you can use natively in your software. However, I would pay a local instant printer to print business cards and letterhead. It looks more professional. If money is an issue, start with 50 of each and see how it goes.


Hope this helps


Kevin