Manage graphic design freelancers can be a difficult task. As an employer, there are many things to keep in mind when hiring and managing freelancers. We have compiled some tips to help you manage your freelance graphic designer more effectively!
Hire only reputable designers with great portfolios.
A great way to start managing your freelancer is by hiring only the best designers. Do not hire someone without a portfolio, or if their work does not match what you are looking for. Check out online portfolios and ask previous clients about how much they liked working with this designer. Researching before hiring will help ensure that you get the suitable candidate which able create designs that match your expectations.
Be clear about what is expected of the freelancer before they start working for you
Be sure to outline the project in detail before you hire a freelancer. This includes what needs to be done, how it should look like and when they will start working on your project. It is important that both parties are clear about expectations so there are no surprises later on down the road. You also want to make sure that you and the designers are clear with what requirements of your designs.
Provide feedback at regular intervals, but not too often or it will become burdensome
In order to get the best work out of your freelancer, you need to be patient with them. You want this designer to do their best for you so it is important that they know what you think about their progress and how close they are getting to meet expectations for your project. If feedback becomes burdensome or too frequent, it also will drag the effectiveness of the designers to create designs that are creative.
Practice patience
It’s important that you know when to offer feedback and how often. You want the freelancer to do their best for your project, so give them time as they create new versions of designs or edit existing ones. Be patient with them so you can get what you need on a timely basis without pressuring anyone too much.
Be Respectful
This is a delicate subject, but it’s important to be respectful of the designer. This means not only being polite and understanding when they ask for something or give feedback on your project needs, but also knowing how you communicate with them in general. Freelancers are professionals just like anyone else so don’t try to take advantage for unreasonable request.
Communicate Clearly
Communication is key to having a successful working relationship with freelancers. Make sure you take the time to communicate every detail of your project so that there are no surprises along the way and both parties know what’s expected from one another. This includes all assets, deadlines, milestones, revisions and anything else relevant to the job.
Be Transparent
Transparency is essential to running a freelance relationship, and it also helps with the trust factor. Let them know in advance what your deadlines are for both payouts and projects so they can plan accordingly. If you have any project-related issues or changes that happen within the timeline of their job (or vice versa).
Be Honest
Honesty is a two-way street. This means that you should not only be honest with the freelancer, but also expect them to be completely open and upfront with you as well. If they don’t do this (or are dishonest about their work), then it’s time to find someone else!
Be Clear
The freelancer should have a clear understanding of what is expected from them for the project. A written contract or statement of work can go a long way in this regard. It’s also important to set expectations up front, so there are no surprises along the way. Clarity is key!
Be Kind
The freelancer is your partner in this, so make them feel valued and appreciated for the work they do. It’s always a good idea to give feedback (positive or negative) but be sure it’s constructive rather than destructive. Stay kind!
Be Professional
Just because someone is a freelancer, it doesn’t mean they’re not still your employee. Make sure you set up expectations and standards of behavior so that everyone understands the rules. This will go a long way in making your job easier!
Be Flexible
Freelancers prefer to work from home and on their own schedule, so make sure your expectations are flexible. That way they’ll be happy to help you whenever you need them!
Try To Schedule Projects In Advance Whenever Possible
If you have a freelancer working for you, then it helps to give them plenty of time to prepare and research before the project starts. This also provides more peace of mind as they take on bigger projects with less pressure!
Consider Offering Them A Project Management System
Some freelancers prefer to work on their own, without the need for someone else managing or checking in with them. In this case, you’ll want to make sure they’re using a project management system that suits their needs! Here is some good project management systems:
- ClickUp
- Trello
- Basecamp
- Asana
- Monday
Give Clear Instructions And Expectations Up Front
This is especially important for freelancers and remote employees who are working in your company. You can’t expect them to understand everything from the get-go, so you need to be very clear about what they should do or not do while on a project.
Consider The Personalities Of Your Team Members And Work With Them
Different people work better in different ways. Consider how your team members are wired and choose a management style that will suit them best! For example, some people like to be given more freedom while others need a lot of direction. Or they might thrive on accountability but another prefers autonomy.
Conclusion
The freelance graphic designer is a valuable asset to any company, but managing one can be difficult. You have to worry about finding the right person for your project and keeping them on task throughout its duration. There are so many other things you could spend that time doing instead! If this sounds like an issue that’s been plaguing you, we recommend using our intuitive platform to find great freelancers while taking care of all the managerial tasks for yourself (including hourly pay rates). Click below if interested in trying it out for free today.