What questions do I ask graphic web designers?

Hi there,

I'm going to be looking for a good graphic web designer who doesn't have to know coding (I already have a website coder), but needs to know site navigation, layout, colour psychology, colour schemes etc.

What questions should I ask them in order to figure out if they know what they are doing?

Thanks


Michelle

 

ask for a portfolio

A standard set of quesitons will not work well across the board... a unix person may not know crap about photoshop but could do awesome stuff with gimp... ect... just look at what they have done.

 

I think it would be better to look at some of their work instead, if it appeals to you and they come across as an intelligent person, bingo.

Not really sure what to "ask" them. To me, it's always best to see what they can do first and go from there. The work should speak for itself.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys.

I'm not looking for a technical person (other than knowing PS or Fireworks etc.) & just looking at a portfolio (assuming it's even theirs) is sometimes not enough to know if they picked the layout of the site, if they know how to design the front of a DB etc.

Oh well, thanks


Michelle

 

hiring a graphic designer and a programmer...
hmmm....

i believe the best web site designs are created by artistic people who also understand programming code.
just like the best print marketing designer is someone who understands advertising messages as well as having the ability to draw and compose layouts.
macromedia flash is another good example...
the brilliant things being done with flash today are mainly achieved by great programmers who are very artistic as well. they understand both flash actionscript as well as color, sound, motion, layout, etc.
so...to separate these 2 functions...although it may be done in large new media firm all the time...is not always the best route to take...particularly on a smaller web site project.

dividing these 2 functions can create an 'uphill battle' in achieving good web design results.

 

I think even asking them doesn’t mean that they are telling the truth about their skills

What I do is asking them to create a unique design based on the layout that I want. Then I am checking the design done after 8 hours or a day max.

 

yes...i lie about my capabilities all the time and earn big cash doing it.

 

maybe they will work for excort services? that sounds like a win win!

 

One of the most important things in choosing a designer is the initial consultation. Do you guys click, see eye to eye etc. Many designers out there are very "mechanical" and don't always get it. Talent is more important than technical skills. That part can be learned and read upon as you go along.

Mike

 

You should ask the web designers what their rates are for editing your website, eg text changes, adding an additional page etc. All of the "extras" can add up quickly and increase your budget.

Also, it will be handy to ask if the designer SEO's your pages.