Typically the first place you look when you get to a graphic design agency’s website is the page that displays the work. The work itself can help clear up a lot of the confusion in finding the best graphic design firm or designer. The style, diversity, quality and client base all play a part and can help in deciding if the firm is a good fit for the needed job(s).
While all artwork is subjective, get past what “you like” and look at the actual layouts, color schemes, use of typography and overall presentation. Then read the synopsis (if available) and determine if it all works together. It is sometimes hard to understand the direction the graphic designers took if you do not have a brief explanation. Also, take into consideration that the client may have had a hand in the final piece(s), and this could have changed the designer’s initial direction. This is a good reason to meet with the firm to discuss their graphic design work face-to-face.
Over the years I have found many graphic designers that have less than desirable educations (if any) or experience, but are portraying themselves as being “the experts”. Knowing certain software platforms does NOT make an expert in the field of graphic design, or any other field for that matter. While website design can certainly be self-taught, top designers need a strong education in concept development, color study, typefaces, layout, etc. By having a strong foundation in these concepts every type of work will benefit from web design to logo design.
Experience is another subject that reveals itself when researching the best design firms. This can be a little tricky, because firms with less experience may charge less than a firm with more, but quality of work could be quite close depending on the skill of the designer(s). Experience is important and a good firm usually has multiple people with over 10 years of experience. This experience not only provides higher quality work, but also will allow for peace of mind and usually a less abrasive experience.
Newer firms are exactly that … new, and don’t always know how to treat or interact with clients, and have issues meeting their needs… just something to take into consideration. However, on the other side of the coin, newer firms might have just started, but the designers working there could have worked for other firms and figured out a way to do things better or could have been a successful freelance graphic designer. Always ask about the experience of the designers and do not just base your opinion on the time the business has been around.
Choosing a company that offers a variety of services could be highly beneficial. While you may only be looking for one service such as logo design, if the company produces an outstanding logo for your company, chances are you’ll need print and web work as well. It is always good to keep your branding (and all marketing material) consistent, and the best way to do this is to have the graphic design firm create everything for you. Plus, something that is often overlooked is the ever important relationship you have with the firm. It’s very hard to place a value on a good relationship between the company and design firm because a good relationship will create a smooth workflow and save time, which will most likely save money in the long run. The top graphic design companies will offer a variety of services and develop a professional and long-lasting relationship with their clients.
One of the biggest issues with being a designer today is dealing with an over saturated market. It seems that anyone with a computer and the right software considers themselves a designer. I often hear “Well, my cousin can do the logo for $50″. He’s not a real designer, but he has “X” software”. The old adage, “You get what you pay for” could not be more true in this situation. Sure, you can get a $50 logo, and it will look like a $50 logo. It would be like trying to get your child braces for $50. Would you be comfortable with that, knowing that the cost is usually over $5000? I highly doubt it.
It all comes down to how you want to represent your company. Being professional and sending the right message is critical in today’s marketplace. When starting a new business, you have one shot to get it right, or it could all be short-lived.
So please DO NOT shop on price alone. Having a budget is one thing, but shopping for the lowest price will almost always guarantee you the lowest quality work. The best graphic design firm for your company is one who will work with your budget and help guide you through the process while giving you a thorough explanation.
