Updated 7 October 2026
A designer should understand the problem you need to solve and explain how the project will run. Compare more than the appearance of a portfolio.
Look for relevant work
Review projects with similar audiences, formats or production needs. Ask what problem the work addressed and what the designer actually supplied. A style you like is useful, but communication and production experience matter too.
Ask about the process
Clarify the brief, content responsibilities, concepts, revisions, proofs and approval dates. Compare quotes with the same scope. Discuss how additional changes are priced and who will coordinate suppliers.
Confirm the handover
Agree on final files, ownership and usage rights, plus any font, image or template licences. Ask what support is available for future updates. Make sure the deliverables cover the way the business will actually use the work.
Your next move
Prepare a short brief with the audience, purpose, formats and deadline before requesting a quote. ITG can help scope the project around the result you need.
About the Author
Tina Kempling, the Lean Green Team Leader at Imagine That with over 35 years of experience in the print industry, newspaper and magazine advertising.
As an industry-certified designer since 1991, Tina knows her stuff when it comes to marketing vision. But what sets her apart is her understanding of advertising and marketing in today’s digital and print market. She can help companies tap into the incredible marketing power in new and creative ways. Ready to take your marketing game to the next level? Give Tina a shout!