Content marketing can involve a number of strategies, with graphic design often playing a key role in any comprehensive marketing plan. After all, according to Web Marketing Group, 40 percent of people respond better to visual imagery than just plain text.
“40% of people respond better to visual imagery than just plain text.”
Therefore, it is a wise move for your company to focus on producing outstanding graphic design. A truly exceptional visual content strategy design strategy will rely on a graphic designer, but trying to find a graphic designer is not always a straightforward process. Creative staffing hiring managers and graphic design recruiters need to search for a candidate that is not only highly qualified, but also experienced in a number of different areas – think time management, web design, desktop publishing programs, to name a few.
Consequently, to find a graphic designer with incredible talent, there are number of steps that must be followed. Below are five tips to help you hire a graphic designer who can take your marketing efforts to the next level.
1. Graphic Design Research
To find a graphic designer, conduct some research beforehand. Look at blogs and websites of other companies to find a design style that resonates with your brand. Just Creative notes that most blogs or websites will typically give credit to the designer or design agency at the bottom of the page. From there you can develop a list of potential options for your graphic design needs. Another good strategy is to reach out to your contacts for recommendations. After all, a trusted recommendation is an ideal way to ensure that you will hire a graphic designer that fits your needs, Business Insider explains.
2. Reach Out to Your Graphic Design Staffing Agency
Unsure of what you are getting into? Consult with a graphic design staffing agency that specializes in helping businesses find graphic designers. Marketing staffing agencies that focus on creative staffing or graphic design staffing will have a much wider pool of creative candidates and a broad understanding of the industry. Additionally, graphic design recruiters will be able to carry out an array of screening measures, such as the initial interview, portfolio reviews, and a background check. Consulting with a graphic design recruiter will ensure that you’re presented with a short-list of the most qualified and suitable candidates for the role.
Need help recruiting graphic designers or other creative talent? Contact Profiles to learn how you can get access to a large pool of candidates for a wide variety of marketing & creative positions.
Asking to see the candidate’s portfolio early on in the application process will determine if the design style aligns with your design goals.
3. Review Portfolios
Portfolios will be an important piece of material when recruiting graphic designers. In your job description, list an online portfolio as a requirement and have a place where the applicant can share a link or a file. Graphic Designers also tend to promote their work on promotional websites and networking profiles. In some cases, it may even be possible to see a hard copy.
Profiles Recruiting Manager, Elissa Barnes, also shared insight on the importance of an online portfolio. “By asking to see a portfolio within the application process, you can get a feel of the designer’s style beforehand. The best sign of a good designer is a mix of traditional and digital samples.”
During the interview, the designer’s portfolio should also be handy so you can both go over the designer’s work history, and he or she can explain to you details about various projects.
4. Conduct an Interview
After you have selected your graphic designer, it is important to make your expectations for the project clear. The best way to do this is to hold at least a couple of in-person meetings once you have onboarded your new hire. In person conversations, as opposed to email or phone calls, are better for articulating expectations in a clearer way. Alongside stating objectives and goals for the project, Business Insider explained that it is important to establish and agree upon a time frame of deadlines for the project. That way, both parties know what to expect and when to expect it.
5. Set Expectations
After you have selected your Graphic Designer, it is important to make your expectations for the project clear. The best way to do this is to hold at least a couple of in-person meetings once you have onboarded your Graphic Designer. In person conversations, as opposed to email or phone calls, are better for articulating expectations in a clearer way. Alongside stating objectives and goals for the project, Business Insider explained that it is important to establish and agree upon a time frame of deadlines for the project. That way, both parties know what to expect and when to expect it.
Contact Profiles
When attempting to find a graphic designer on your own, follow these tips to ensure you find graphic designers that share your company’s vision and whose designs are in line with your company branding. Everything from simple research to properly conducting interviews is crucial to finding and choosing the right candidate.
Whether you’re having trouble getting started or are right in the middle of your search, contact Profiles. our graphic design staffing agency can help widen your candidate pool and offer top quality resources for those who needing to find talent quickly.
