5 Ways You Can Help Your Designer

Everyone needs their logos, brochures, web sites, newsletters and graphics yesterday. It's just the pace of our society. You expect timely results and want your job done right. When it comes to design projects, you want the designer to "hit the mark". Well, they do too. Designers are used to being the last leg of the race and having to run the fastest. Below, are 5 ways you can help arrive at a collaborative masterpiece more quickly and meet those difficult deadlines.

1. Gather everything your designer may need

I can't count how many times I had to ask for a URL for an online newsletter, image, size of an ad, requested resolution or file format. Provide as many of the requirements as possible to reduce the questions and delays. It's hard to build a house without the blue prints first.

2. Communicate and evaluate

Designers aren't always good mind readers. If you don't share with them what you're looking for, you probably won't get it. If there should be a visual hierarchy, share it. The "I'll know it when I see it" is an opportunity for frustration for you and the designer. If you wanted "modern", make sure it's the same as their "modern". Visual examples are always helpful. This goes for elements you desire or ones to avoid. If the project is off track, let them know as soon as possible. Find a preferred communication method or technology that works for best for all.

3. Have Trust in your designer

Your designer wants to "hit the mark" just as much as you do. Have faith in them and let them know the amount of creative freedom they can have on the front-end. Have trust they they have done their homework and are up to date on the latest technology and design trends.

4. Learn the lingo

Is your project for print, web or interactive media? Does the deliverable need to be in RGB or CMYK? Does it need to be able to be printed on a business card and 10 foot banner? Does your print job need to be printed 4/4 full bleed with 1/4 inch slug? You don't have to know everything, but the different between raster vs. vector, RGB vs. CYMK, pixel height vs. inch height should become part of your vocabulary.

5. Know the guidelines

If you have brand guidelines, learn them. This will prevent you from asking your designer to break the rules. As the "brand police" for my company, I appreciate it when someone at least knows our colors and fonts. Sure, sometimes rules can be broken, but only if you can protect the identity of your brand.

There are certainly more ways to help. You may agree or disagree with this list or even the order. If there are more you have experienced, please share. Hopefully, this will give you an opportunity for a win-win end result for your design masterpiece before your deadlines.