Your ebook is almost ready and you realize you'll need a
stunning cover to promote it. The problem is, you don't have the
skills or software to make one.
It's time to start looking for a graphic designer. Shopping for
one is no different than shopping for any other product or
service online.
You want a designer who's dependable and who can truly reflect
your vision at a price you can afford.
Here are some tips for finding a quality graphic designer
suitable for your needs.
Get Referrals
Do you know anyone that has used a designer before? Start by
asking your inner circle, support teams, friends, colleagues.
Some of those all important people you network with have most
likely had a cover made at one time or another and will be most
happy to share their resource with you. Forums are also a great
place to look for referrals.
Ask to see their covers. Not only will you get an idea of their
designers style, but it may also give you some ideas when
shaping your own vision.
Search Engines
Use the search engines to find graphic designers. Enter in some
key words or phrases and start looking around. It may take you
an afternoon to sort through them all, but in the end it's so
worth it to find the right person you can work with.
Testimonials
When you're looking over a designers website, check for
testimonials. If they have a link back to the customers site,
follow it.
Don't be afraid to contact the site owner and ask if their
testimonial is valid. I've received numerous inquiries about
products and services I've recommended on various sites. Also
try and get a look at the cover on their site. You'll get a feel
for how it looks and fits on their site.
Repeat Customers
When you're checking out testimonials, ask if they've purchased
other graphics from the same designer. Sometimes it will be
apparent if the rest of the graphics on the page have the same
look and feel. Other times it might not be as obvious if the
customer has purchased graphics for different sites or products.
If you're not sure, ask.
Guarantee
The option is to find a designer who will make your cover
without having to pay any money up front. The proof(s) they
provide will include watermarks to deter image theft, but you'll
be able to see the results before you pay for it.
However, not all designers offer this "risk free" option. If
you choose a designer who requests payment in advance, make sure
they offer a CLEAR money back guarantee or a re-design if you
don't like the finished image.
Designers Portfollio
Does the designer have a portfollio or samples on their
website? Looking through the work they've already done will show
you if they provide quality work.
Every designer has their own style. Does their style reflect
your own?
While you're looking through the designers portfollio, pay
attention to authors names. If you see numerous graphics made
for the same author or website, it's often a sign of repeat
business. This is a good thing.
Other Supporting Graphics
Does the designer create other graphics that will support your
cover. Things like a page header, order button, background
image, etc. These additional graphics are often bundled together
for a better price and are designed to work with your cover.
Easy to Order
Does the designer make it easy for you to order? That may sound
like a given, but it's not.
Order Form Options
Take a peek at the order form before ordering. See what sort of
questions are included. Do they ask about the age group and
target market you're trying to reach? Your color preferences?
Other options available?
Does the order form provide areas for you to include comments,
ideas or other instructions you need them to know?
If they are asking these questions then they clearly want to
design a cover for your market and a cover that is intended to
SELL your product.
Let Get Real
Does the designer provide contact information on their website?
Insist on working with a real person, with a name thats not
afraid to hide behind their website or a corporate facad.
Customer Support
Customer support is ultimate important. Is their an easy way to
contact the designer? Do they answer your emails in a timely
manner? Can you call them?
FAQ
Does the designers site provide a faq area? If so, read it! You
may find answers to some or all of your questions without going
any further.
Deadlines
You've got a deadline – What is the normal turnaround time for
getting your project done? Will the designer work with you to
get your project completed before your deadline? If they will
that means they are prepared to work with you and want what's
best for you.
Cost
Are the designers prices listed on their site and easy to find?
If not, will they email them to you? Can you afford what the
designer is charging? If you require more than one design you
can expect any discounts? Do they offer any package specials or
other deals?
On a side note... While cost is certainly a consideration for
you, it shouldn't be the ONLY consideration. Good designers may
cost more but in the end, you'll get a much higher quality image
that will increase your sales. Most often, you get what you pay
for.
Final Thoughts
You can spend days, weeks and months gathering information on
which designer to use for your project. It can be a daunting
process. However, it doesn't have to be. Sometimes you've just
got to trust your gut instinct and go with it.
Heather Colman: Copyright 2008 Heather Colman. Graphic
Designer Heather Colman helps virtual assistants, coaches, and
other professionals online bring visualization and depth to
their products with custom 3d product images and website
graphics. Visit her site at: www.CustomDesignGraphics.com.
