Whether you are introducing a new product, rebranding your marketing materials, or just want to come up with a fresh visual identity, hiring a print designer could be key to your success. It's a decidedly old fashioned but still incredibly flexible technique that has stood the test of time for a reason.
What is a Print Designer?
Contrary to what you might think, a print designer is more than just a creative professional specializing in print media. They are creatives that translate concepts and ideas into a real, tangible form. Where digital designers work with online platforms, print designers focus on producing physical materials (e.g. brochures, posters, business cards, packaging).
Key Responsibilities of a Print Designer:
Graphic Design
Print designers wield their graphic design skills to create visually arresting physical pieces. They blend images, typography, and color schemes to transform information into tangible form. Think of them as alchemists turning ideas into ink.
Print Production Prowess
A print designer’s secret sauce lies in mastering print production. They know their paper stocks, ink types, and printing techniques. Should it be glossy or matte? CMYK or Pantone? Their choices impact the final outcome.
Typography: The Silent Communicator
Typography isn’t just about pretty fonts. It’s a critical function. Print designers obsess over kerning (letter spacing), leading (line spacing), and typefaces. The right font can evoke elegance or urgency—it’s their secret language.
Brand Guardianship
Print materials carry a brand’s essence. Print designers ensure consistency. They adhere to brand guidelines, maintaining a uniform and instantly recognizable image. Think of them as brand whisperers.
Software Savvy
Print designers use software such as the Adobe Creative Suite to sketch, edit, and finesse designs before they hit the press. Proficiency here is non-negotiable.
Image Credit- Ian Cuming
What to Look for in a Print Designer?
Hiring a print designer isn’t a casual affair—it’s a strategic quest that shapes your brand’s visual identity. Let’s unravel the key attributes to seek in your print designer:
Creative Kaleidoscope: The Portfolio
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Diverse Showcase: Seek versatility. A varied portfolio reveals adaptability. While some projects may appear similar, a skilled designer tailors each to fit distinct styles and client preferences.
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Creative Problem-Solving: Dive into their portfolio. Identify moments where they encountered obstacles and emerged with ingenious solutions. This showcases their logical thinking and mental agility.
Technical Mastery: The Art of Execution
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Software Savvy: Ensure the candidate wields relevant design software. Adobe Creative Suite—InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator—is their toolkit. Proficiency here is non-negotiable.
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Print Production Acumen: Probe their understanding of the print production process. Do they grasp different printing techniques, paper types, and color management? Their expertise impacts the final product.
Obsession with Detail: The Devil’s Playground
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Precision in Past Work: Scrutinize their previous projects. Print design thrives on meticulous attention to detail. A designer who consistently delivers polished, error-free work is a rare gem.
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Typography Maestro: Typography isn’t mere font selection. It’s an art. Verify their adeptness in typesetting—the right typeface choices can elevate the entire composition.
Image Credit - Kai Hilton
Where to look for Print designers?
To ensure seamless collaboration and an outcome that aligns with your vision, consider the following key factors when evaluating potential print designer candidates:
Networking within Design Communities
Network online and offline. Forge connections within design communities. Attend workshops, conferences, and meetups. Engage in conversations, share insights, and build relationships. The design world thrives on collaboration.
Social Media
Look to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram: These platforms aren’t just for selfies. They’re treasure troves of design talent. Follow design hashtags, explore profiles, and discover emerging artists. Post job ads—aware designers are always scouting. Social media isn’t just about pretty pictures either. It’s where designers discuss techniques, critique work, and stay updated. Dive into design-related conversations—it’s like eavesdropping on a creative think tank.
Use Referrals
Tap into your professional network. Reach out to industry peers. Ask for referrals. Your colleagues, friends, or acquaintances might know a hidden gem—a skilled print designer who isn’t actively job hunting. Referrals reveal the unlisted stars. Referrals aren’t just about job seekers either. They uncover the “bare-chested” candidates—those not actively seeking jobs but possessing the right qualifications and experience. Trust the grapevine.
Using Creativepool
Image Credit- MOO
Looking to hire a print designer? Creativepool has thousands of talented members waiting to make your project shine.
There are 3 ways for you to find a print designer on Creativepool.
Search and Contact
Want greater control of who you work with and the process behind it? Searching for talent directly and then handpicking who you would like to work is a great way to be proactive in your talent hunting journey.
Simply search for event designers and browse through the results. You will be able to look through projects, CVs/Resumes of the talent listed to make an informed decision on your next hire.
On Creativepool we use a series of indicators to rank our members based on job title. Looking through the top 25 print designers is also a powerful and quick way to view the best talent on the platform.
Once you have found someone whose style and experience works for you, contact them directly by clicking on the message tab. Searching is ideal if you have a very specific idea about the kind of creative you would like to work with.
Post a studiogig
Looking for a freelance print designer? The quickest way to find available talent is to advertise your brief. With us, briefs for individuals are called studiogigs.
Posting your role is quick and easy and once you have posted it, we get busy behind the scenes selecting the best talent for you. Once you have advertised your brief then just sit back and wait for applicants to come to you directly!
Post a job
If you are looking for a permanent print designer, then advertising a print designer job is the way for you to attract talent. The process is identical to posting a studiogig.
Once you have posted your role we will check the details of the adverts, send out job alerts to our community that best match your criteria and post on the jobs board. The studiogigs applicants that are interested in the roles will apply to you direct.
Whether posting a job or a studiogig or searching for talent, you are in control of who you hire. You are under no obligation to choose any of the applicants, and you negotiate rates with them directly.
If you need any help on your talent hunt. You can chat with us or send us a message. We'd be happy to help.
Conclusion
Next time you hold a beautifully designed business card or flip through a thoughtfully laid-out magazine, remember the print designer—the creative magician who turns visions into tactile reality.
