How To
Choose A Designer
Designing is no more the
specific and expensive field
that it used to be. Now a days
you find designers at every nook
and corner . But one major
difference from now and before
is the rise in competition.
Since the picking up of the
internet all over the world, the
competition for the spot of
designer has risen dramatically.
And what is the result of this -
competitive and dead cheap
prices for designs. The
situation is such that a design
which would have cost $300 can
now be got for even $50 because
always they will be some
designer who wants to prove
himself or wants to make some
quick cash.
So is this situation good for
the client / customer?
To an extent yes, it is good.
Those who are looking for low
prices will find this situation
very agreeable. However it is
good to keep in mind that "low
prices" does not always
translate to "good designs" and
it also does not mean "bad
designs" either.
So what actually should you look
at when choosing a designer?
"Portfolio"
"Portfolio" is basically a
collection of previously done
work and more or less is a good
criteria to choose a designer.
But do keep in mind that there
are people out there who just
take other people's designs and
say it is their own. At any rate
, the designs in the portfolio
will give a good indication as
to the level of skill and
expertise.
"Experience"
This is double edged sword.
The more the work one does , the
better one gets and more
experienced they become. But
experienced people don't come cheap. At the same time less experienced
people does not mean that they
are not good either. It is
really a perfect balance act
between your budget and how good
a design you need. If money is
not an object then the more
experienced person should be
selected provided the portfolio
suits your purpose.
"Communication"
Communication is a very
important part of any project.
The designer should be available
online or at least answer your
questions/e-mails regularly. Now
a days yahoo, msn , gmail , aol
etc are all available to send
messages which will help to
contact the designer at once
when needed. Prompt and fast
communication aids in fast
delivery of the finished
product.
"Time Frame"
Small Projects - Less Time
Big Projects - More Time
Make sure the designer gives you
a proper frame time.
"I will finish within a week or
2" is a bit vague...... is it a
week or 2 weeks.
A much better answer "In a
month's time".
But also keep in mind that
unexpected conditions can cause
delays like illness, computer
failure. So you should think of
that when there is delay.
"Payment Options"
Mode of Payment should be
properly communicated and agreed
upon before starting any work.
Also if the project is a big ,
it is better to go for some
installment payment like 25% at
so and so stages. Decisions like
- Working on the project till
complete satisfaction.
- How many people are working on
the project.
- Payment options available like
Paypal, Money bookers etc
- When all payment will be made?
- After project support.
All such things should be
decided before hand
"Referred To"
Before giving a project to
someone, it is always a good
idea to ask around among friends
if they have got such work done
before or know someone who does
such work. Even if you don't
choose the one your friends
referred , you never know when
you may need a back up for your
project or you may end up liking
that person's work better than
the one you were planning to go
ahead with.
Please remember that there are
some things that you should know
- Proper knowledge of what you
want
- Proper idea of budget and time
frame
- Proper feedback.
An answer like "I am just not
feeling it" does not actually
help anyone to do a better job.
Try saying something more
concrete like maybe a change is
background color or font or even
maybe a change in image.....
This is just some of the things
that one should keep in mind.
All your views and opinion will
be appreciated
Vinitha V
Creationz Unlimited
Email your opinions and
suggestions to
creationzunlimited@gmail.com
Web designing India – http://www.creationzunlimited.net