How to chose the right design company

Choosing the right design company

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Design is a subjective issue and we all have an idea of what we like. The point to remember is that a good designer will create a solution that answers the brief, and perhaps that may not be to your personal taste. You need to appoint a designer in who you have confidence to produce a good job and a return on your investment.

You want to be sure you make the right choice so consider the following:

•	are you looking for a designer or just a printer - most printers offer a very basic design/artwork service at a low cost which may be fine if you want a cheap flyer but don't expect the range of skills or marketing knowledge you'll get from a trained design professional
•	research online, a reputable design company will have examples of their work and some background information to help you decide if they are the right company for you to work with
•	is there a transparent price structure and can you get assurance there will be no unexpected additional costs, and will you be charged extra for making minor changes etc.
•	can you meet the designer who will be working on your project and will you be able to maintain a clear line of communication with someone who understands your requirements?
•	can you work together - make sure there are no personality clashes, particularly if your project will take some time or you're looking to build a long-term relationship.

It's a good idea to draw up a list of questions like how long has the company been in business? What is their speciality, if any? Do they handle all work in-house or sub-contract to other suppliers? Can they provide references or testimonials from satisfied customers?

Don't be afraid to voice your concerns, a good design company will want your work and want you to feel reassured from the start.

If you're happy on all these counts you can be confident you'll get the best value from your designer.