Graphic design is one of those things that came up relatively recently in the course of history — but in modern times, it’s a term that virtually everybody is familiar with. Business and companies in all corners of the world rely on graphic design to achieve various business goals, and countless design firms have arrived on the scene to meet this need. Many of these companies are made up of consummate professionals who have all the best training in the world. Others are staffed by designers who may not have a fancy degree, but do possess more real world experience. There are even graphic design companies with team members who lack training and experience — these are the ones you definitely want to avoid!
As graphic design has become more ubiquitous and common in modern business, it has developed a reputation for being a very expensive service — one that can prove even more costly if things aren’t done correctly, or if strategies shift after a project has been started. In fact, many businesses consider the “upper echelons” of pro graphic design to be largely inaccessible, based on the high cost of the word. It’s led a lot of business owners and managers — particularly small-to-medium sized business — to ask a very simple question: Can professional graphic design be affordable?
The answer is yes — but it’s not always easy to find a company who can turn out great results that work for any budget. Depending on where you’re located, it might take a little digging.
One thing you can be sure about is that reputable designers won’t hedge when you ask about pricing. They’ll giving you clear, up front information on what you’ll be able to realistically accomplish given the scope of your budget. And they certainly won’t make you feel as though you’re wasting their time, no matter what your goals or budget may be.
When you hire any graphic design specialist, what you’re really doing is partnering with someone to achieve common goals. Trained designers obviously need to earn a living for their services, but they’re also concerned with repeat business earned through reliable results and real objectives being met. If you talk to a designer who doesn’t seem all that interested in your needs and goals, it’s not their time that’s being wasted — it’s yours. You should look elsewhere for a company who comes with a more professional approach.
A solution that works on all levels
The right graphic design solution for your goals might be a high-cost project with an exclusive graphic design firm — but more likely, it’s going to involve a more “down-to-earth” approach that works for your budget, while producing a highly professional design that’s rooted in real-world business results. The ironic thing is that highly specialized graphic design firms often fail to produce results that are on par with companies who provide other business services, such as direct mail marketing and printing. Whatever your business goals and whatever your choice, it’s important to find a designer who understands your goals and your budget, and is willing to work with you on all levels.