“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it ‘looks,’ but of course if you dig deeper, it’s really how it ‘works.”
-Steve Jobs
Every day we are exposed to a busy landscape of words, sights and sounds. Saying that we filter a lot of information we see is an understatement. This is why visuals trump words most of the time. The good stuff that catches our attention can swing our mood, alter our feelings, peak our interest and change our minds too. When good design achieves this kind of purpose, then it definitely becomes a memorable success.
As media theorist John Berger wrote, ”Seeing comes before words.” Sometimes these words can go in one ear and out the other unless it’s combined with images. As the theory goes, words are processed by our short-term memory but images go directly into the long-term memory vault where they leave a more lasting impression. It’s no surprise that it’s easier to show a cow jumping over the moon than describing it.
Seeing is believing! This is where a graphic designer comes in handy – they can visually represent your great ideas. They are good at making your thoughts come alive!
Design affects us largely on an emotional level. A good graphic designer communicates a client’s ideas by enhancing emotions, stirring up memories, altering our attitudes and our imaginations too. And now that I have your full attention, here are 10 reasons why you should hire a professional designer:
1. Graphic designers understand that image is everything:
If you don’t look good, neither do they. A graphic designer knows that it takes only a few moments to make a good visual first impression. Good design should be consistent and have continuity that flows. It has to be aesthetically pleasing to the observer or it can run the risk of being passed over.
2. They understand that budgets are a reality:
One size does not fit all when it comes to design. Small budgets and constraints are part of the territory. A good graphic designer should remain flexible. If you cannot afford full colour then work with two. If you cannot afford a huge website then start small and build it as you go along. The longer you work with a designer, the better your marketing efforts will be.
3. They are visual teachers:
Graphic designers are good at breaking down the process. There’s a reason that many designers promote the idea that form follows function. Simply put, it means the design must work. It’s not a decoration just for show – it must have a goal in mind. A good web designer will give you a rundown on why your projects were designed that way from the font to the SEO. There is an incredible amount of design lingo out there so it helps to get to know how it all works together.
4. Designers are in the business of communication:
Good graphic designers are communicators. Designers speak in the language of layout, good paper, colour, style, lettering and all the technical aspects like software to printing. That’s what design is all about: to visually communicate your product and service in the most effective way while keeping it visually appealing and noteworthy.
5. A designer can save you time and money:
Sometimes doing it yourself is not always the best plan. You need to take into account the amount of time it’s going to take to design it on your own. If you’re not familiar with layout, certain software, or setting up a website, then you could be working on it for a while. The amount of frustration and time wastage is not worth it in the long run. Give yourself some much needed peace of mind and hire a design professional. You won’t regret it!
6. A designer can help you understand what you really need:
Sometimes we know what we want but we can’t explain it fully. A graphic designer’s job is to package all your ideas by brainstorming with you. This is a casual meeting where any and all ideas can be discussed. The good ideas get jotted down and the bad ideas get tossed. From here a graphic designer can help you with decisions about your marketing, advertising, branding and your website. Sitting down with a designer can help you get a strong handle on your vision for your business and point you in the right direction where your marketing and advertising should go.
7. A designer will make your business look professional:
Graphic designers do more than just create logos, fiddle with fonts and match Pantone chips. If you’re in business, then you are most likely concerned about all you’re marketing pieces working together. This could be your website, newsletters, annual reports, sales sheets, product spec pages, brochures and your business cards. A good designer can make these look consistent, professional and suited to your market. It’s amazing how little things like font size, justification of the text, text wrapping, and text spacing, colour and image placement can make all the difference.
8. A designer will help you get noticed:
The creativity bar is continually being raised so it’s important that all your marketing efforts stand out from the crowd. They say we have 3 seconds or less to catch our target audience’s attention. Make sure to use every advantage and resource you can in order to get noticed. This is a repeat process, so its good to have a designer start that marketing momentum with you.
9. They’re your support team:
We’re always told to build good relationships in business and that applies to your chosen designer, too. A good designer should address your questions and your concerns and will help promote your ideas. When it’s a good partnership, they can be your go-to person for future projects and website updates. The longer the working relationship the better your business will be in the long run.
10. Hire a designer because your business is worth it:
A good designer is the best person to showcase your experience, your credibility and your expertise. Since you’ve put in all this hard work, you owe it to yourself and to your business to find the best graphic designer to help promote what you do best!