3 Myths Keeping You From Hiring a Graphic Designer
Every product or service has its fair share of myths and misconceptions— and these myths often deter people that really stand to benefit from the extra help, expertise, or resources!
Today, I wanted to share three of the biggest myths I see holding people back from investing in graphic design and taking their brand to the next level.
We can do it in house (for now) to save money.
Trust me, as a business owner myself, I’m constantly trying to weed out things that don’t need to get done at this very moment. It’s part of running a competent, responsible company. You’ve got to prioritize.
And that’s how graphic design becomes something you’ll “get around to later.”
Especially if you’re just starting out, you’re probably thinking “we’ve got to focus on our money makers right now. We’ll invest in my branding materials down the road once we’ve got the funds for it. Until then, we can just do it ourselves! Canva’s great, isn’t it? And free!
As your team pours hours and hours into designing signage, websites, handouts, social media posts, line cards, email campaigns, business cards, and more (and all of this outside of their regular duties), you’ll start to realize that this option, in truth, is not free.
In truth, branding is an essential part of any company’s beginnings (or new-beginnings).
Take the case of TearSolutions, Inc., a Delaware pharmaceutical company devoted to developing a cutting edge and natural treatment for Dry Eye. When TearSolutions came to me, they were focused on securing funds to continue with trials. With a fresh, focused brand identity, they raised over 5 million dollars in funding, showing that branding really is an investment— the kind that pays off big time.
2. Graphic Design is just making things “look good.” We can do that ourselves, right?
Everyone has an innate sense for what “looks good”— so we should be able to eyeball our graphic design, right?
Yes and no.
While we all have a natural sense for visual design, there’s a lot under the hood of design decisions. Imagine that someone restored your vintage car to make it look all shiny and new. But if a mechanic didn't look under the hood, you don’t have any sort of guarantee that that engine is actually gonna start up. What a waste!
Graphic designers don’t just make design decisions because they seem to work, they make those decisions because they know they work, and they know why they work.
This is how you get branding that is consistent and that achieves specific, attainable goals.
Consider one of my favorite pieces of marketing collateral: the line card.
Line cards are doing a lot more than “looking pretty.” They have to easily convey a lot of information. Key word, EASILY! Line cards are usually handed out in some kind of already busy context— a trade show, for example. So they’ve got to be user friendly.
By implementing both graphic design principles as well as my years of experience working with manufacturers, these line cards catch your attention and guide your eye through the information. The effect is clear and confident.
3. Graphic Designers are flaky and unreliable.
Effective graphic design is going to be structured and strategic. It needs to take principles of design and implement them for the business world to get measurable results. It’s a left AND right brain discipline— and that’s why I love it!
When I was approached by Ridgeview Medical for a rebranding, I knew it would take a consistent, strategic effort to get through such a large, diverse project. Ridgeview is an award-winning healthcare network with four hospital campuses and a multitude of clinics across the southwest Minneapolis Metro. Together, we would rebrand their look and implement it across signs, booklets, employee business cards, their website, their ambulances, and much more.
When your company has that much collateral to manage and usher through a rebranding, you’ll need a dependable graphic designer. Fractional or freelance graphic designers can be a great option. You can get the work you need done at the investment you can afford!
Take that next step.
Every day, effective graphic designers are helping businesses attain their goals and launch themselves forward. I’m proud to be helping my own clients find that success!
Is your marketing team or business looking for help? Learn more about me and my services here.