How to choose.

Top tips for choosing the right designer/design company.
So you've decided you need to use a Graphic Design company, but next comes the interesting bit...

Choosing a Designer/Design Studio.
Do I choose a big or small company? Can they meet my deadlines? Do they have the skill and creativity I need? Are they in my budget? How do I know I'll be able to work with the one I choose?

All valid questions that you should be asking yourself. Let's look at a few points that may help you:

1. Do I choose a big or small design studio.
First up, let's get one thing out of the way: Ekona are a small company. There are advantages and disadvantages to both big and small design studios.

Big companies - can often meet very, very tight deadlines having more resources to call upon. They also tend to have a wide selection of skill sets to handle a wide mix of TV work, radio, web and print and more. However, unless you are also a big client you'll often slip down their priority list. And, usually, you'll pay more for a larger company with more overheads and staff to pay for. Finally, sometimes they just lack the personal touch and that close attention to your business.

Small companies- are usually more personally involved in your business, and you're more important to a small studio (they are more motivated to keep your business after all), no matter how big or small your company is. Prices are often more competitive and the studio will usually specialise in print and web work. It's also worth knowing the many of the more talented independent designers often set up small studios (or go freelance) because of the low pay ceilings in design agencies. Therefore, you're often getting the very best designers when you choose a small firm. With regard to deadlines, a small amount of planning goes a long way and even smaller studios can meet most deadlines.

2. Will the company work within my budget.
The best thing to do is be open with any prospective design studio as to your budget. However, remember that lower quotes don't necessarily mean a lower hourly rate, just less time spent on the job with correspondingly less creativity expended on the work—why not ask what their hourly rate is?

Of course you can't dictate how many hours a job will take, so you'll need to get the design studio to give you a clear estimate of the job based on your specific needs.

3. The next step...
Speak to several designers (remember, you are going to have to work quite closely with this person—do you think you could work with the person you're speaking too?), check out their portfolios to see if you like the work they've done, get the hourly rate and then if you're happy-hire them.

Clients who understand the value of great design know a good designer can have a positive effect of the bottom line, influence the potential market, create a positive perception of the business and achieve
'stand-out' in a busy world.

Why not contact us and have a chat about your specific requirement?

Ekona can help you with: logos & branding, leaflets, brochures, catalogues, company handbooks, advertising, stationary, menus, websites, posters, livery, banners, signs and any other printed material.