Selecting the right man for the right job at the right time is an extremely difficult task. Clients, who are looking for graphic designers to do their work, often do not know how to select the appropriate graphic designer. Since the selection of a graphic designer is a very daunting and tiring process, clients tend to get frustrated and select the graphic designer they can easily locate.
There are several ways that clients go about searching for a graphic designer. Some of these include:

1. Checking design companies and freelance graphic designers.
2. Contacting established companies and their hired graphic designers.
3. Asking your business associates and relatives who have previously hired a graphic designer.
4. Posting free classified ads on online design forums.
5. Selecting a graphic designer through an online design contest

Criteria for selecting the graphic designer:

While there are numerous people who are offering their services as graphic designers, they differ in the level of experience, skill and professionalism. Searching for a suitable graphic designer can be quite a cumbersome process and cause an awful confusion for clients. Therefore, look out for the basic attributes of a graphic designer before selection. I have listed some of them below

1. A Strong and Dynamic Design Portfolio:
   A strong portfolio is the foremost attribute that you should look for while choosing a graphic designer. An experienced and talented graphic designer can be judged by their design portfolio. Graphic designers who have a weak design portfolio or simply don’t have one are signifying their low level of experience. The more dynamic the portfolio will be, the more versatile the graphic designer will be.

2. Good Interpersonal Skills:
   A very important quality of an experienced and adroit graphic designer is the ability to interact with their clients. Good interpersonal skills include listening intently to the clients and then suggesting ideas to spell out that they understand what is required from them. Graphic designers who cannot place their ideas clearly to their clients demonstrate their lack of experience.
3. Strong Marketing Skills:
   While it is not necessary for a graphic designer to possess a degree in Marketing, but to be able to market the clients’ products and service efficiently is important. While choosing a graphic designer, always ask for the ways in which the graphic designer will promote your products and services through his design work.
4. Say No to Nepotism:
   One of the most common practices prevalent in corporate hiring process is the nepotism. Many a times, designers are hired on the basis of favoritism, which is bad for the corporations. Selection of graphic designers should be made purely on merit basis. Hence, when you are hiring a graphic designer, you should set aside personal issues. It doesn’t matter to which ethnic, religious or political orientation the graphic designer belongs to as long as he/she is talented and qualified.
5. Professional Approach:
   An expert and experienced graphic designer can be identified by the way they talk, the way they walk and the way they deal with their clients. An able graphic designer will work with professionalism. They will work with contracts to safeguard the clients’ and their own interests.

6. Impressive testimonials and referrals:
   Another factor that is crucial in determining the ability of a graphic designer is the testimonials and reviews from previous clients. If majority of his previous clients are happy and content with his design work, you can rest assure that you will also get a similar treatment.

In the end, I would recommend that no matter how you choose a graphic designer make sure that both you and the graphic designer are on the same wavelength. Choose wisely or you will lose badly!

Presentable Personality:

During your search for a graphic designer, do keep an eye on the personality of the designer, as well. While one should not judge a book by its cover, sometimes minor details can warn you of major problems. For instance a well presentable graphic designer will signify that he is organized and will be able to handle your design work with responsibility. On the other hand, graphic designers with dirty shoes, untidy fingernails etc can point towards their carelessness and negligence to minor details.