The relationship between graphic designer and marketing copywriter, art and literature, form and word is so magical so powerful and magnetic that when the two are without each other it truly brings tears to my eyes. If you’re wondering what all the dramatics are about I’m afraid to announce that I’ve lost my last graphic designer. Now I’m not so green not to have had a few trusted design contacts but if you know anything about hiring creative help you know good design talent is hard to find. I mourn the loss of Andrea Mendoza of Revomedia. She’s a petite brunette with an infectious smile and uncanny ability to read my mind. If you’re reading this Andrea, please come back to me. I miss you.

Of course I know exactly where Andrea has gone. She ran off with some big sportswear and graphic tee company. Jerks. Well, I’m sure she’s very happy. And believe it or not I’m happy for her. For now I’ll just have to find a new designer. Luckily I know what to look for in a designer because I’ve had one of the best.

1. They Secretly Wish They Were Web Developers

This is within good reason since the best graphic designers will have a wealth of experience with CSS, HTML, PHP and SQL. They will want so badly to say “I can build a website” but they will not overstep that boundary. The point here is that they will  know a lot more about programming than the average designer.

2. They Are Young

Pipe down you old timers this has little to do with age. I’ve had veterans and rookies alike submit great design content. In my experience, the best designers are fresh and spirited. They certainly don’t object to new ideas or practices. You will know if you meet an old fart because they will most likely ignore your feedack or become most inflexile.

3. They Give You Options

A good designer doesn’t take your money and send you away with unsatisfactory designs. They too have something to gain from giving you drafts to choose from;the more the better. Designers want to get better at fitting intent with design. They would like to come as close as possible when illustrating the intended message. It’s hard to find out how close they’ve come to your vision with only one or two drafts to choose from.

4. They Are Interested in The Vision

I’m not sure how any designer submits work after recieving one or two keywords and links to a model site. I always tell a story (I’ll talk more about that later this week) when communicating with my graphic designer. I find it is the most effective way of getting my designer in the mindset of my needs. In essence, it is my job to inspire the designer with a mental picture. A great designer will appreciate this. The best designer will ask you more questions before the start of the project so that he/she is closer to the design that their client will ultimately have to live with.

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