8 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BRAND DESIGNER BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM
Hiring a brand designer is a big step. Your designer isn’t just making you a logo - they’re helping define how your business looks, feels, and shows up in the world.
But with so many designers out there, how do you know who’s the right fit?
The answer: asking smart questions. The right questions reveal whether a designer has the process, experience, and style that align with your business. Below are eight essential questions to ask a brand designer before you sign on the dotted line.
01. “WHAT’S INCLUDED/WHAT FILES WILL I GET?”
Clarity around deliverables is key. Make sure you’ll receive not only your primary logo, but also any variations, a colour palette, typography choices, and brand guidelines. Ask about file types too: you should walk away with editable vector files (.AI or .EPS), print-ready PDFs, and web formats like .PNG or .SVG. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a blurry JPEG when you need a billboard.
02. “WHO ACTUALLY DOES THE WORK?”
Some designers work solo, others bring in collaborators for things like illustration, copywriting, or animation. Neither option is wrong - but you should know who’s working on your project and who your main point of contact is. Transparency here helps you avoid surprises down the line.
03. “WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME TO DO YOUR BEST WORK?”
A smooth project depends on collaboration. A good designer will want your input - things like existing brand materials, customer insights, or details about your audience and competitors. If a designer doesn’t ask for anything from you, it’s a red flag.
Great design is built on real information, not guesswork.
04. “HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE?”
Communication makes or breaks a project. Ask whether you’ll be checking in through email, Zoom calls, a project management tool, or even Whatsapp. Find out how often updates will happen and how feedback will be gathered. The best designers have clear, consistent communication systems in place - so nothing gets lost in your inbox.
05. “CAN YOU WALK ME THROUGH A PAST PROJECT LIKE MINE?”
Portfolios show style, but case studies show process. Ask your designer to walk you through the problem a client faced, how they approached it, and what the results were. You’re not just looking for pretty work, you want proof that they can think strategically and deliver outcomes that matter. They may not show you a client in your industry or geographic region - it may be a client that faced a similar problem to you.
06. “HOW DO YOU HANDLE FEEDBACK AND REVISIONS?”
Every project goes through iterations. Clarify how many revision rounds are included, how feedback should be given, and what happens if changes go beyond the agreed scope. A clear revision policy keeps projects moving smoothly and avoids frustration on both sides.
07. “WHAT’S YOUR STANCE ON STRATEGY VS DESIGN?”
A logo is just one piece of the puzzle. The strongest designers build identities rooted in brand strategy - things like positioning, messaging, and audience clarity. If you’re serious about long-term success, choose someone who sees branding as more than surface-level decoration.
08. “WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE PROJECT WRAPS?”
Make sure your designer provides brand guidelines, training for your team, or ongoing support for things like social media graphics or packaging. The best brand identities don’t just launch - they stay consistent, evolve with your business, and make marketing easier in the long run.
Choosing a brand designer doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. By asking these eight questions, you’ll quickly see who has a structured process, clear communication, and the ability to bring your brand to life in a way that lasts.
The right designer won’t just hand you pretty visuals - they’ll give you the tools, confidence, and consistency to grow your business for years to come.
