It used to be the case that working with graphic design required a specialized set of tools and skills. The software in particular was a major hurdle, requiring a huge investment of time and money to utilize. As a result, most business owners simply turned to professional design teams when they needed strong creative work.
In recent years, though, simplified design applications have made it possible for business owners and executives to edit movies, launch websites, and create logos directly from their own computers. There are positive and negative repercussions to doing things that way. On the one hand, we like the idea of giving business owners control over their own marketing materials. But on the other hand, a lot of the resulting work comes out feeling generic and underwhelming.
So, should you do your own graphic design? Let’s look at a few factors you should consider before making a decision…
Most Business Owners Aren’t Good Designers
Let’s start with the obvious: most business owners simply don’t have great design skills or instincts. They are using simple software tools and online solutions because they lack the expertise to take advantage of more comprehensive solutions. For that reason, a lot of what they generate isn’t professional quality.
Think about it this way: you would have a hard time making cupcakes that looked and tasted better than what a professional baker would produce. When quality and effectiveness are the top considerations, it’s a good idea to hire a professional.
Generating Effective Designs Takes a Lot of Time
There is sometimes a misconception that an experienced graphic designer can create tons of viable pieces or ideas in a few days or hours. That’s usually not the case. Doing great design work takes a lot of time, even if you know the software and have worked on similar projects in the past.
That’s not a problem for those of us who design websites and marketing pieces for living. However, it can create challenges for a busy entrepreneur who has hundreds of other items on their “to do” list. Usually, working through design combinations isn’t a good use of their time. In fact, they can easily “spend” more in lost hours than if they would have paid a professional graphic designer.
Hiring a Graphic Designer is About Balancing Time, Money, and Results
Believe it or not, we don’t always think it’s a bad thing for business owners to work on their own designs. In some cases (and especially situations where someone has started a side business and has no available budget) the lack of polish and time-intensive nature of creating designs is acceptable because the business owner has more hours than dollars available.
In instances where the owner of an established company is looking to make a real market impact, though, the choice is always clear: hire a professional graphic designer. The trick is to choose one with the right skills and background that won’t charge more than the new revenue they create.
Great Graphic Design and Marketing Help Doesn’t Cost As Much As You Think
If you want great design work for your company, and don’t want to break your budget, you need help from a small and committed team that won’t have to cover huge overhead costs in their invoices. In other words, you should be looking for a team like Biondo Creative in Philadelphia.
Why not contact us today to schedule your free consultation?