🤩 So, you’re thinking about hiring a brand designer—exciting stuff!
But before you jump in with both feet, let’s talk about how to know if you’re truly ready.
Here’s a guide to get you prepped and pumped for the process.
Know Your Business Inside and Out
Before you even think about bringing a designer on board, make sure you’ve got your business foundations solid.
You don’t have to have everything nailed down perfectly, but a good starting point is crucial.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What’s your offer? Are you clear on what products or services you provide?
- What’s your unique angle? How do you stand out from the competition?
- Who’s your ideal client? Who are you speaking to?
- What problem do you solve? Why should people care about what you’re offering?
If you’re not quite sure about these, it can make things tricky for your designer.
They can help you refine your strategy (if that’s part of the scope of work you’ve discussed), but having a solid idea beforehand will make the whole process smoother.
I’ve worked on a few projects where clients weren’t clear about their offer, and let me tell you, it’s like trying to find your way in the dark.
Consider Your Budget
Brand design isn’t cheap—at least, not if you’re looking for top-notch work.
If you’re early in your business journey, you might wonder if it’s worth spending hundreds or even thousands on a designer.
📝 Here’s a reality check: Businesses evolve, and so do your needs. Sometimes, investing in a designer early can set you up for success, but you might also need to tweak things later as your business grows and you understand it better.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here, so it’s about balancing your budget with your goals.
Make Time for Collaboration
Think hiring a designer means you can just sit back and relax? Not quite!
Branding projects require your active participation.
If you’re going through a major life event (like having a baby, launching a new product, or taking a vacation), it’s probably not the best time to start a branding project.
You need to be available to provide feedback and make decisions. Ghosting your designer halfway through a project is a surefire way to mess things up.
Reflect on Your Personal Aesthetic
Design is super subjective.
You don’t need to know every detail, but having a sense of what feels “like you” can be incredibly helpful.
What are you drawn to?
What colours and styles do you love?
Start gathering inspiration on Pinterest or create a mood board. Your designer will help refine your vision, but knowing what you like and don’t like will save both of you a lot of time and headaches.
Avoid the “I’ll know it when I see it” line—it’s a designer’s nightmare and can lead to endless revisions.
Have a Budget Ready
Good design isn’t cheap, and if you’re hiring a top-tier designer, expect to make a substantial investment. If you’re not ready to drop the cash right now, that’s okay!
Reach out to your dream designers to get a sense of their pricing and plan for the future. It’s better to be prepared than to rush into a project without the funds to back it up.
So there you have it!
Before you dive into hiring a brand designer, make sure you’re clear on your business, have a budget, make time for collaboration, have an idea of your aesthetic, and be ready to invest.
Getting these ducks in a row will set you up for a smoother, more successful branding journey.
READY, SET, BRAND! 🚀
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Stay tuned for future episodes where I’ll dive deeper into the practical steps of creating your brand visual identity.
