fbpx

Image WerksImage Werks

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Investment
    • Testimonials
  • OUR PHOTOGRAPHY
    • Personal Brand Photography
    • Headshot Portraits
    • Corporate & Marketing
    • Family Sessions
    • Real Estate
  • OUR ART
    • Photo Restoration
    • Fine Art by GC
    • Fine Art by Kathy
    • Pet Portraits
    • Shop Our Work
  • CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
    • Storytelling With Photos
  • MEDIA & NEWS
  • GET IN TOUCH
BOOK NOW
  • Home
  • designer
  • What to Look for When Hiring a Designer
03/22/2023

What to Look for When Hiring a Designer

What to Look for When Hiring a Designer

by imagewerks16wplogin / Wednesday, 07 July 2010 / Published in designer, experience, graphic design, hiring, John McWade, passion, photography, portfolio, skill, vocabulary

When looking to hire a designer for your next project, a team, your company, whatever your creative/communication needs are… you need to look for some sort of compatibility — as well as talent.  There are thousands of designers out there in the marketplace, you don’t know where to look, referral — word of mouth — google search or internet — even looking them up in the phone book… whatever means you choose. What I recommend or is in my opinion — experience is the best.

I was chatting the other day with a colleague of mine about why people hire us, we both mentioned creativity, knowledge, customer service, etc. But, what popped out immediately about us was this: “the reason people hire ImageWerks is that they benefit from the ‘advantage of experience’. I smiled and said – “yes, they do, we have over 35+ years providing technical, design, and photographic services.”

While reading today, I found this on another blog & thought it was very appropriate to repost, let me know what you think… & of course, if you need any of our services (photography or design)… don’t hesitate to call!

————— Credit: John McWade.
“…… A colleague — a non-designer — wrote to me last week asking for help in hiring a “creative services lead” to head up a new project for his business. What should he look for in a designer? Here are the eight qualities I like.”

1) Passion, vision and self-motivation. Without these, you’ll be dragging a rock. You need someone who shares your vision. Nothing’s worse than a “what-do-you-want-me-to-do-next?” kind of designer. Well, no, yes there is. One who’s touchy and confusing, too.

2) Vocabulary. A creative lead should be able to articulate what’s happening and why, in language that you and your staff can understand. If you start hearing vague terms like “pop” and “impact,” make him explain what he means. Listen for, “If we do A and B, we can expect C.” This is not trivial.

3) Inquisitive intelligence. Look for someone who’s curious about almost everything and approaches life with a sense of wonder. Similarly, I want someone who’s taken the time to learn about my company and whose questions are perceptive.

4) Good conceptual skills. There are many ways to achieve any stated design goal. Conceptual skills find the new and interesting ones. You might articulate a hypothetical situation and ask her to describe three possible directions. Prepare to get out of your box. The best concepts are often unrecognized at first.

5) A portfolio. You’ll know in 15 seconds the designer’s skill level. Compare his work to excellence that you’ve seen, and don’t compromise. If it’s below what you’re seeking, end the interview right there. Politely, please.

6) Projects. If you see a lot of one-off stuff, no matter how attractive, it won’t tell you much; most designers can do nice, single pieces. Look for complete projects — Web site, print material and stationery, for example — that share a common look and purpose. Such work is more difficult to visualize, organize, and execute.

7) Real-world experience. The emphasis here is on “real.” Always ask under what conditions a design was achieved. How did the designer interact with the client? What was the role of each? Time frame? Revisions? Budget? Fantastic “portfolio pieces” are less desirable than solid design done under realistic conditions. If you find both, cheer!

8) Production skills. Your person will need production skills or know how to hire them. Nothing will slow you quicker than not being able to make something happen that you want to happen. Also, someone who understands typography is preferable to someone who can just type. Likewise, someone who understands the guts of Web coding is preferable to someone who can just run Dreamweaver.

—————
Miscellaneous notes:
It goes without saying that personalities must be compatible. Never hire an otherwise perfect candidate assuming that “he’ll change,” or that “you’ll change her.” You can usually feel the vibe right away. Trust it.

Even if you (both) like the vibe, it’s a good idea to establish a trial period. A person can be qualified and compatible, but for one reason or another can’t get the work done. You’re out of rhythm. Your work styles don’t jell. Something was misunderstood. Whatever the case, give yourselves at least a 90-day period in which either of you can terminate employment at will, for no cause at all. This is good for both of you. Creative work comes from love, passion and relationship. It can’t be faked.

  • Tweet

About imagewerks16wplogin

What you can read next

1st National Juried Photography Show
Artist Turned Entrepreneur – Potomac Local article
Cameron’s quinceneara family photos

Recent Posts

  • Marla's painting

    Another Pet Portrait Commission — Marla the Greyhouse

  • Tips to Stay Happy, Healthy + Business Growth

  • Commissioned Paintings to Remember a Loved One

  • Covenant Mural

    Bella’s Mural for Covenant United Methodist Church

  • BillMeldrum-web

    Photo Restoration: keychain photo to print!

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

* = required field

powered by MailChimp!

TESTIMONIALS

  • They were on time and, most importantly, the pictures and video came out great and Kathy was easy to deal with. Our only quibble was that the DJ told us that turning on the lights in the hall for better photos prior to the end of the evening event led guests to believe that party was over and so it ended earlier than expected.
    Mark N, Bar mitzvah client
  • Thank you for all you did to make the Prince William American Red Cross 2008 “Red White & Blues” gala a success by every measure. In particular, I am grateful for all the wonderful photos you took for the event and all the graphic design work you produced with the patience of a saint.
    Deborah Campbell, Development Director (former), American Red Cross
  • One of the joys of being part of the inaugural class of photographers at Lorton’s Photography Workshop was getting to know a group of enormously talented artists. Having seen Kathy’s work ethic and creative energy – and art – first hand, I can vouch for the fact that anyone who hires her is getting the services of a profoundly gifted artist indeed (with equal talents as a photographer and as a graphics designer); that she’s such a nice person is just an added bonus!
    Andrew Ilachinski, Research Analyst at Center for Naval Analyses (former colleague)
  • They are wonderful to work with. ImageWerks is very creative, making every project important and capturing something unique! They have an eye for “it” whether in Kathy’s photos, GC’s illustrations, logos or websites. You cannot go wrong working with ImageWerks!
    Rebecca Barnes President, Prince William Living
  • Kathy is one of the most professional women I know. She is extremely creative and gives her all. Her photography skills are superb. What I like best about Kathy? She’s a huge part of the community she lives in. She gives of her time and talents to several non-profits.
    Candi Keiter Johnson Volunteer at Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue
  • Doing this photography class outside of school allowed me to deal with the stress and explore something I otherwise would not have been able to do. I learned the basics of Photoshop and editing, but more importantly, I got feedback from my fellow participants and my photography has improved. Because of this class, I have considered doing the art show in the spring. I have grown as an artist and found that photography is a de-stressor for me. I plan to keep up this hobby/activity for the rest of my life.
    Kinsey Denney, Photography student that took one of our classes
  • Kathy has provided photography services for our directory and many of our “signature” events, as well as worked with us on designing various collateral. She also did a series of PWC shots that we display in our offices. Kathy has a great perspective, and a way of finding beauty even in the mundane, so that her photographs help you to look at things in a new way.
    Emily Guerrero, Director of Communications (former), Prince William Chamber of Commerce & now Mightier Than (client)
  • Kathy is a professional in every sense of the word. I have worked with her both on projects for the World Bank and with Imagewerks. She has an eye for detail and design. The products she produces are always of top quality. And the wonderful creative energy and ideas that she brings to the table make her a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Kathy both as a colleague and a business partner.
    Barbara Yale, Deputy Country Program Officer, Chemonics
  • Kathy is a truly talented artist in many venues. She is also the ultimate professional. I am amazed at the work she does.
    Lisa Barsky, Strauss NIH
  • Dear Kathy Thank you so much for wonderful work at our wedding! The pictures are so gorgeous and we are so excited to see the album! Thank you also for working with us so much to make our album exactly what we want. You are wonderful, and we will deftinitely recommend you to our friends. Thanks again! Very respectfully yours, Kelly & Joe
    Kelly & Joe Coyne, Wedding photography clients
  • Kathy is an amazing photographer! She will make you feel comfortable and at ease – and your photos will be beautiful! You will have a quick turn around from shoot to finished product!
    Gayle Whitlock, Whitlock & Associates
  • I am amazed at the portrait. GC did a phenominal job. I love, Love, LOVE IT!!! I remember when you took that picture at the chamber when I became chairman in 2009! I forogt I was having my picture done that day but you made me look pretty darn good! (Note: Kathy did her professional headshot & GC painted her portrait from this photo)
    Molly Grove, George Mason University
  • Kathy came out our office and did professional photos of all of our agents.The photos were great, and everyone has enjoyed using them in their marketing, etc.Thank you, Kathy!
    Barbara Costa. WISE AGENT REALTY
  • Kathy is wonderful! We’ve used her for several photo sessions and have been absolutely thrilled with the results.
    Melissa Harshman, CLIENT
  • This was my Dad’s 90th birthday party. I’d guess 150 or more people came in a 2 hour period to see him. Kathy did a great job. I had no idea having a good photographer would take the party to the next level. Someone could be a great photographer and have great equipment, but if you can’t work with people to make the shots happen then it’s all for nothing. Kathy did great at all of that and this is why people were lined up to take a picture with my Dad like they were waiting to see Santa Claus. Lot’s of fun!
    Bruce Moore, Internet Ad Management
  • Kathy from ImageWerks took the photos for our rehearsal dinner and the big day. She was responsive throughout the process, and helped us to think about the types of photos we wanted to take ahead of time to make sure everything was captured on the big day (which was such a whirlwind, we never would have thought of what we needed day-of). The pictures themselves were beautiful, showing all that went into our wedding. We can now look back at them and relive the memories created with our family and friends, thanks to Kathy’s great eye for details. I’d highly recommend her services.
    Emily
  • Kathy Strauss did an absolutely beautiful job for our wedding. There were a couple of photos that needed some photoshop work done. When the work was done, I would never know that the “unwanted” individual had ever been in the photo! Her attitude is fun and unobtrusive and Kathy is very artistic! I’m happy to give her a 5* rating -Trish
    Trish & Jim
  • Kathy and Sally took wonderful pictures and were very nice to work with- very down to earth and made sure that we got all of the pictures we wanted. They provided a great selection of quality pictures.
    Anonymous

copyright 1999-2019 | ImageWerks llc

TOP