Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. When I hire somebody I look for a person with experience in their field and a reputation for being responsible and responsive. Look for someone who has some good, long standing accounts as that shows a track record of success for that client. You should look for someone who is hands-on and that will take the time and interest to really understand your business. Finally, check them out on their technical savvy because graphic designers need to know not only their software for print, image prep and website design, but the mainstream business programs as well.
Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. The biggest secret I have to share after 30 years is that the more organized the client is, the quicker (and thereby less expensive) a job will flow. I start most of my website jobs with a comprehensive questionnaire that inquires many things a client might not have thought of or considered relevant. Tell the designer everything they need to know, even if it's the fact that the CEO's girlfriend will weigh in unofficially. If it's a factor in the project, let the designer know. And please provide the raw materials in digital format:)
Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. 1. What is their experience both in their field and yours?
2. Who are some of the clients that you work for or have worked for in the past?
3. What is their current workload and how will your needs fit in to that?
4. How available are you in terms of answering phone calls and email? Personally, I hate it if someone doesn't respond to me within a reasonable amount of time.
5. and for fun...What was their worst faux pas and how did they handle it? Stuff happens to everybody. It's the way that problems are handled that differentiates a pro from an amateur.
