It’s that time of year when Brand and Marketing Managers are working on their budgets for the next 12 months. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to cost save on your design requirements.
Be clear on your brief – know what you want
Many designers will quote an estimate based on the time required to design, information provided and number of changes. Usually they will consider if there will be many changes and will charge per set of changes. In order to work with your designer, sit down and work with them on the project brief, do the research, have your own sketches-seriously, I love these, they do so much for translating what a client wants, never be afraid – discuss the project using whatever method is necessary. The more information you have, the easier it will be for the designer to translate that and the number of changes required are likely to be way less. Done properly, this method could easily halve the cost of your designed pieces.
State your budget!
Most designers hate being told that there is a defined small budget so you need to be realistic and state up-front what you can afford. But! Negotiate! I am always willing to discuss a client needs and expectations and what we can do to get them what they want. If a designer isn’t willing to do this, and costs you the earth, shop around. Or check out www.designerG.ie
How about a Solo Designer or Freelancer?
Yes, there are certain brands that warrant a team effort on a large project. And they cost the earth too. If you don’t have a bottomless pit of money to spend on a new brand or brochure and you’re looking for quality, engaging with a small design agency or solo designer (like designerg.ie) who has amassed years of experience on the Dublin design scene is possibly the best thing you can do. You will get all the experience, the knowledge of the brands, less issues over printing and excellent value for money. Usually these designers don’t have to pay large overheads to maintain a large business of their own and will give you a personal bespoke service at a more affordable price.
Consider an in-house working arrangement
Perhaps you have a few projects you wish to have cleared fairly quickly. Consider asking the designer to come in to your business for 3 or 4 hours per day will see you through. This is something I have often done, especially where the information is sensitive. I’ve designed many an Annual Report on site in a Bank for that exact reason. It is something I have preferred to do for certain clients as it means the project gets worked on immediately and the cost for certain clients and projects has almost halved. It also allows me to connect with my clients on a one-to-one basis and learn more about the business so there’s very little time leakage. This is an incredibly efficient and affordable way to do things.
Don’t try this at home! Graphic Design is an investment in your business
As much as buying the new software or hiring the right people, a good piece of graphic design can aid your communications and brand hugely in both the short term and long term.
Simply put a Graphic Design piece will support business long term and a badly done piece can easily alienate your core business demographic. Today’s consumers are very designed focused individuals and generally they no longer see the product without seeing the brand, the logo or the design. When they engage with your business, they are buying into the whole package. So it’s very important that it’s all done right, and done with professionalism and with a Designer that knows what they are doing.
But most of all, a Designer that will work for you, on time and on budget.
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