10 Key Questions To Ask A Graphic Designer Before You Commit

-- MarkGriffin - 04 March 2025

Hiring a graphic designer can be a game-changer for your brand. But here’s the thing—great design isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s about communication, problem-solving, and ultimately, driving results. Pick the right designer, and you’re on your way to a brand identity that turns heads and wins customers. Pick the wrong one, and you could end up with a costly mess that needs fixing down the line.

So, before you sign on the dotted line, here are the key questions to ask a graphic designer to ensure they’re the perfect fit for your project.

1. What’s Your Design Process?

Every professional graphic designer has a process. It’s what keeps projects on track, ensures clear communication, and delivers quality work. If a designer can’t outline their process in a clear and structured way, that’s a red flag.

Typically, a strong design process includes:

• A discovery phase—where they learn about your brand, audience, and objectives.
• Concept development—where initial ideas and mockups are created.
• Refinements—where you provide feedback and the design evolves.
• Final delivery—where you receive the polished, ready-to-use files.

A structured process shows they know what they’re doing and won’t leave you hanging halfway through.

2. Can I See Your Portfolio?

This might seem like an obvious one, but don’t just glance at a portfolio—scrutinise it. Does their work align with your vision? Have they created designs for your industry before? Are their designs consistent in quality, or do some pieces feel rushed?

Pay attention to:

• Versatility—Can they adapt to different styles, or do they have a one-size-fits-all approach?
• Attention to detail—Are fonts, colours, and spacing well thought out?
• Problem-solving—Does their work show they understand branding, or are they just making things look nice?

A portfolio should tell a story of capability, creativity, and strategic thinking.

3. What’s Your Experience with Projects Like Mine?

Not all design projects are the same. Branding, web design, packaging, and social media graphics all require different skills. A designer might be great at one but average at another.

Ask about their experience with your specific type of project. If they’ve done something similar, ask about the challenges they faced and how they solved them. Real-world experience matters more than just having ‘graphic designer’ in their job title.

4. How Do You Handle Feedback and Revisions?

Here’s where things can get tricky. Design is subjective, and you might not love the first draft. A professional designer expects feedback and has a structured revision process.

Find out:

• How many rounds of revisions are included?
• What happens if you need more changes?
• How they handle disagreements over creative direction?

A designer who takes feedback well and collaborates effectively is worth their weight in gold.

5. What’s Included in the Final Deliverables?

Design isn’t just about what you see on screen. You need the right files in the right formats. Otherwise, you could end up with a beautiful design that’s completely unusable.

Make sure to ask:

• Will you receive editable files (e.g., AI, PSD) or just the final images?
• Are different file formats included for print and digital use?
• Will they provide a style guide if it’s a branding project?

Knowing what you’ll get at the end ensures there are no unpleasant surprises.

6. What Are Your Payment Terms?

Money talk might feel awkward, but it’s crucial. Some designers charge by the hour, others have fixed project rates, and some require a deposit before starting. Get clarity on:

• The total cost and any extra fees for revisions or additional work.
• Whether payments are in instalments or a lump sum.
• Refund policies if things don’t work out.

A well-structured payment plan protects both you and the designer.

7. What Happens If There’s a Delay?

Deadlines matter, and delays can mess up your entire marketing plan. Ask how they handle setbacks and what their typical turnaround times are.

Also, be clear about what happens if you cause a delay—will there be rescheduling fees? Will they push back other clients, or will your project take a back seat?

8. Do You Offer Any Ongoing Support?

Once the design is delivered, will they be available for tweaks, updates, or guidance? If it’s a website, do they provide post-launch support? If it’s branding, will they help implement the new design across different platforms?

Ongoing support can save you time and hassle in the long run.

9. Who Owns the Copyright?

This one’s huge. Just because you paid for the design doesn’t mean you own it. Some designers retain copyright unless explicitly transferred.

Clarify:

• Do you get full ownership of the final design?
• Are there any licensing restrictions?
• Can you edit the design later without their permission?

Sorting this out upfront avoids legal headaches later.

10. Why Should I Choose You Over Someone Else?

A good designer should be able to articulate what makes them different. Whether it’s their strategic thinking, unique style, or years of experience, their answer should give you confidence in their abilities.

Hiring a graphic designer isn’t just about finding someone who can use Photoshop. It’s about finding a creative partner who understands your vision, communicates effectively, and delivers high-quality work on time and within budget.

Asking these key questions will help you separate the professionals from the amateurs, ensuring you invest in a designer who will elevate your brand rather than just decorate it. Choose wisely, and your brand’s visuals will work for you, not against you.

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Sources:

• AIGA, "The Graphic Design Process: How to Find and Work with a Designer."
• Creative Bloq, "10 Things to Consider When Hiring a Graphic Designer."
• Forbes, "The Importance of Strong Visual Branding."