How to pick a designer Firstly don't delegate the task to a committee,
they will complicate the process. It will take longer and ultimately
cost more.
Start with a little research. Find examples of design you really admire.
Then track down who produced it to create a shortlist.
Find out if any one on your shortlist is working for a competitor.
If you are looking for a long term working relationship and think
this may cause a conflict of interest, remove them from the list.
If your project is a "one off " the chosen designer can
always sign a non disclosure agreement.
Next, meet with the principle partners or creative Director of each
organisation and ask them to show you their best work.
This meeting is vital to assess personal chemistry and whether you
will work well together.
Don't expect or ask for design ideas at this stage. None on your short
list will have had sufficient time to understand the nature of your
task. Anything visual they produce will only serve to complicate your
quest. They should however, be able to express an opinion about how
they would work with you.
Depending on your project brief, there are various ways you could
agree remuneration:
1 Fixed fee
No matter how simple the project, a fixed fee arrangement should have
a clear proposal of what has to be delivered and by when.
2 Retained
fee
Useful if you have a regular supply of work and need to fix your costs
for a year or more. Designers welcome this too as it gives them a
measure of stability and allows them to plan resources in advance.
Bulk buy usually commands a discount.
3 Fixed
fee plus royalty This is sometimes useful to reduce
the opportunity cost of developing a new product or in publishing.
The designers however have to put their trust in your ability
to get the product to market successfully so they can get the royalty
payments. If you fail you will not get a second chance.
Try not to haggle over fees. Be fair
and honest. Everyone has to make a living and the best deal is one
where both parties feel happy and respected. If you force someone
to work for you on terms they find poor, you may never get them to
produce their best work. Likewise if you feel you are not getting
good value, make your feelings known immediately and find out why.
