Dear Jasmine,
I am writing because I am at a place in my business where I feel that it is important to start professionally branding what I do. I know a few graphic designers personally and know they would probably offer me a good deal, but I don't feel that their professional style matches what I'm looking for.

I know that branding has significant implications on shaping my business, so my question is: How did you find your graphic designer? What led you to choosing your designer? And is there any other advice you would give in regards to this collaboration?
Sincerely,
Love at First Font

Dear Love at First Font,
Oh, I know you must feel tempted to take the option of a great deal, but I'd weigh that option quite carefully when it comes to hiring the right graphic designer. Take me from me…someone who went with the Deal Designer. Twice.

I wouldn't say working with price-friendly designers is a bad thing (they often fill a wide gap in the design world), but I'm going to state the obvious: they don't get paid enough to work through the design process with you. It's kind of like expecting the McDonald's cashier to ask how you'd like your Kobe burger cooked and whether you'd prefer a wheat bun. It's just not going to happen. The usual trade-off between price and brand identity is how much time a designer will walk you through that sometimes frustrating process and understand what you're asking for.

The more time you spend finding the right designer and pay for that level of service, the higher likelihood you'll be happy.

I stumbled upon my amazing graphic designer, Promise Tangeman of Site House Designs about six years ago and it was a made made in {Helvetica} heaven. Here's what I did to find the right graphic designer:
1. I searched tons of inspiring websites and magazines.
2. I outlined the look, feel, and vibe I wanted my brand to embody.
3. I compiled a list of fonts I loved.
4. I listed three main colors I wanted to use.
5. I spent almost a week researching graphic designers (Google, forums, and {more recently} Pinterest) and started doing extensive research on their portfolios.
6. I set a budget (<--this is SO important..design can get expensive, so build a framework or else you'll resent the process if you overspend). 7. I emailed my top three picks and asked for more information. 8. Based on our email correspondence, scope of the project, and my budget considerations, I found the perfect fit. Promise designed my last two websites and Exposed Magazine, along with other projects. We've now created a synergistic relationship and I trust her implicitly to guide my branding decisions.

I hope this helps and if you'd like to chat with Promise and I, join us as she relaunches her website on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 10am PST. She's invited me to join her for a livestream online broadcast where we'll be chatting about filtering ideas, designing business projects, and moving forward with new ideas. We'll also be hosting a Q+A, so feel free to join us online next week!

Types, Fonts, and Design,
j*