As a shop owner, you may be doing all the design work after hours or in between jobs to keep up with the daily flow of your business. Sending proofs, creating separations, printing film and time behind the computer can quickly drain your time as an owner. A decision to hire a graphic designer is a large step for your business. A decision that can drastically increase your productivity and allow your business to automate.
But, by hiring a graphic designer, a position so special to your business, there can be apprehension about just hiring "someone." Unlike other roles in your business, this position does not require manual labor. Graphic designers can also bring a great amount of expertise to your business and take you to the next level, but can also bring poor habits to the industry and quite possibly unneeded baggage. It requires a certain amount of talent, responsibility, and knowledge and must align with the goals of your business.
As an artist, a graphic designer is constantly working on their personal portfolio. Don't forget that. Each artist is in a different stage of their career. They want to better themselves and consintantly be challenged and pushed. Oftentimes, being controlled by a customer, or a tight workflow can be frustrating to the typical graphic designer.
Follow these 5 steps before you hire your first graphic designer, and you will be on the road to establishing a strong art department.
https://www.printavo.com/blog/5-tips-for-hiring-a-graphic-designer
