Introduction

For any business, hiring a designer is a significant investment in their brand and overall visual appeal. However, many entrepreneurs and companies fail to understand the value of design and the creative process, often unintentionally undermining their relationships with designers. In this blog post, we'll explore how to hire designers and foster positive business relationships, while respecting the value of their creativity and work.

The Importance of Respecting Creativity

In today's fast-paced business world, creativity is an essential component of success. Designers are responsible for creating the visual identity of your brand, shaping the user experience of your products, and driving customer engagement. Respecting their creative process and treating them as professionals is crucial for building a positive working relationship.

To foster a positive relationship with designers, it's important to avoid certain behaviors that may come across as disrespectful or dismissive of their work. Here are ten "typical" ways people might try to disguise requests for free work, and what they should say or do instead:

1. Asking for "samples" or "spec work" during the hiring process Instead: Request a portfolio review and discuss their previous projects to understand their capabilities.

2. Requesting a "quick favor" or a "small design change" outside of the agreed-upon scope Instead: Discuss additional work and negotiate a fair price for the extra services.

3. Offering "exposure" or "future opportunities" in lieu of payment Instead: Offer fair compensation for their work, recognizing that exposure doesn't pay the bills.

4. Asking for an "alternate proposal of the data" during interviews Instead: Request examples of similar projects they have completed or discuss how they would approach your project based on their experience.

5. Expecting designers to work on weekends or holidays without additional compensation Instead: Respect their work-life balance and discuss deadlines in advance to accommodate their schedule.

6. Requesting multiple revisions without adjusting the project budget Instead: Clearly define the project scope and the number of revisions included in the agreement.

7. Micromanaging the design process Instead: Trust the designer's expertise and provide constructive feedback during the review process.

8. Comparing their rates with other designers or agencies Instead: Understand the value of their work and negotiate a fair price based on their experience and skillset.

9. Asking for the source files without prior agreement Instead: Discuss the ownership of source files during the contract negotiation and include it in the project agreement if necessary.

10. Not providing clear feedback or direction Instead: Communicate your expectations and provide specific feedback to help the designer understand your vision.

Conclusion

Respecting creativity and fostering positive business relationships with designers is crucial for the success of your brand and overall visual appeal. By avoiding requests for free work, offering fair compensation, and communicating effectively, you can build strong relationships with designers and achieve outstanding results