5 Reasons to Use a Graphic Designer

First of all, a graphic designer is a creative professional. They are an expert with 3-5 years training – generally to degree level – to develop their unique set of skills. If they have been running their own business for a few years you can add to all of that the fact that they will have a wealth of knowledge and experience across a range of fields and disciplines to draw on.

As a business owner, you’ve probably got your own computer. So you could design a logo and marketing material yourself, in the same way that buying bricks and mortar means you could build a house. But skimping on either process could cost your business dearly.

Yes, you could buy a logo online for a few pounds, but think of the benefits that your business gets from a custom-designed identity, with all of your wishes and preferences incorporated.

So a good graphic designer will understand how to communicate your product or service, and importantly, they will engage in a process rather than a transaction. Hence a variety of creative suggestions can be developed into your final ideal solution which meet your individual business requirements.

So here are our top five reasons for using a professional graphic designer…

1. A graphic designer will save you time

Running a business means that your time is very valuable. Think about what your time is actually worth to your business and then think about whether you can really afford to spend your valuable time trying to come up with a style and layout for your marketing materials. Delegate to a professional and you’ll find that it will be done in a fraction of the time it would have taken you. Remember that you can’t just throw together good design – it takes a combination of skills and a lot of experience.

2. A graphic designer will save you money

Time is money, so not only will a professional graphic designer do it quicker, but they will also – in the long term – work out cheaper. If you require printed material, a designer will create your digital artwork correctly first time and it will be in a format that printers can use straight-off. Also, most designers will have favourable relationships with printers so they will save you money on print. Think about it – what do you know about RGB and CMYK? Do you need a jpeg or png? Do overprints and bleed mean anything to you and how familiar are you with the PMS? It will cost you time and money if you get these wrong. If you need a website then a designer will have the skills to ensure that your site is designed correctly. It will work across all mobile platforms so users can access information or purchase goods wherever they are and whenever they want.

graphic designer illustration

3. A graphic designer will help you stand out from the competition

Your brand is how your customers perceive you – from the company name to customer service. An “off-the-shelf” logo isn’t going to help you differentiate your business from the competition, it isn’t going to give you your unique character. And a logo on its own isn’t enough – you need a strong, clear brand with good quality marketing and visual material to back it up. We live in a visual world and your audience make snap decisions based on “look and feel”. A graphic designer will know what works and what doesn’t. They are up-to-date with current trends and what attracts customers and service users. Therefore a considered, professionally-designed bespoke visual identity is going to make you stand out from your competitors. It will add value to both your organisation and your proposition.

4. A graphic designer will keep your identity consistent

An inconsistent identity can make you appear unprofessional. Even if you have a professional logo designed, then doing the rest yourself using a mish-mash of fonts, sizes and colours probably means that your message is going to appear confused. And that does not inspire trust in your potential customers. If you’ve paid for a logo/identity/style then the best way to maintain that quality is to use a designer who will keep this unique look and feel working for you. They will understand what fonts, styles and colours to use to keep your visual identity consistent. Use a graphic designer to create and maintain your visual standards.

5. A graphic designer will help you get results

You know your company best, but sometimes it helps to get an outside perspective. A good graphic designer will listen and help create marketing materials that connect with you audience. A professional graphic designer will help your business look the way you want. This in turn will help you achieve your business goals. Designed, considered marketing material is vital in the battle to get results.

graphic designer boost business
Design boosts business growth (source: Design Council)

Furthermore, graphic designers should be, by nature, problem-solvers. They are used to experimenting to find solutions and they can help you look at things from a different angle. Remember that you can’t have too many creative thinkers involved with an organisation!

A graphic designer should be a trusted partner who will work to grow your business for many years. Building a personal, long-term relationship with a designer who fits with you and your team can only be of benefit to you and your business.

Contact Designworld today to find out how we can help.