Things You Should Know Before Commissioning A Graphic Design Studio

    So what exactly am I blabbering on about and what does it have to do with your business?

    Well, the question I get asked most in a conversation, when it becomes evident that I manage a small design studio is:

    “how do I know I’m getting value?”

    Imagine trying to define that in creative terms! Well… I got tired of trying to “sell” my rationale to people and that’s when I decided to write it down and quantify it.

    What follows is my view of what you should look for and what you can expect from a design agency. Obviously, this is not cast in stone, however there is a considerable amount of common sense set forth in these pages. Just in case you’re wondering about my credibility – I’ve been in the design business for 17 years, the most recent 4 of which I have been managing my own studio. I hope that works for you?

    So how do I start?

    You need to find a graphic design agency that you can trust.

    That means a design agency that:

• puts you first … always.
• Believes that you are not just a number on their order book.
• Always keeps you in the communication loop, even if it means having to admit they’ve made a mistake.
• Knows who you are when you call.
• Places value on what you know about your business, and never undermines the fact that you are closer to it than they are.
• Is prepared to take the time to gain the some knowledge, so that they are aware of the challenges that you face.
• Is transparent about their business practices.
• loves what they do – and you pick up on it.
• Is consistent in their dealings with you.
• Is completely loyal to you.
• Leaves you with the conviction that they can be trusted.

    NOTICE: This article is for free distribution to friends and colleagues. However, that does not mean that you may copy it, modify it, sell it for profit, offer it for sale or add it to your website/blogg etc. It remains the intellectual property of Marcel Nortje and that means you can’t do any of the things that it says above or any other thing that I haven’t thought of that may compromise my mission!

    Where do I go?

    The first and best point of departure is a referral – ask around and get feedback from other companies/friends/associates. Alternatively, walk into the reception of a business that you admire and ask them who their design agency is. Failing that get onto the internet and do a search. Failing that, let you fingers do the walking.

    What do I need to know about them?

    Ask them if they can e-mail their Modus Operandi to you. It will tell you a significant amount about how and why they operate the way that they do, such as:

• Job assignment
• Creative commissions
• Charges
• Estimations
• Terms