| A | Meeting with the Graphic Design Studio | ||
| 1 | Did the representative arrive on time for the meeting |
Yes |
No |
| 2 | Was the representative knowledgeable about his field of expertise |
Yes | No |
| 3 | Did the representative explain the design process and explain possible cost implications | Yes | No |
| 4 | Did the representative take the time to determine your company needs and requirements | Yes |
No |
| B |
Evaluating the Design Portfolio | ||
| 1 |
Did the representative present a professional design portfolio | Yes |
No |
| 2 | Does the design studio have sufficient experience in projects similar to yours | Yes |
No |
| 3 | Do they have sufficient experience in working with large or medium-sized corporates | Yes |
No |
| 4 |
Did the representative provide you with contactable references for these companies | Yes |
No |
| 5 |
Would you feel comfortable if your project is designed in a similar fashion |
Yes |
No |
| C |
After the Meeting | ||
| 1 |
Did the company provide you with a quote within a reasonable time (i.e. within 2 days) |
Yes |
No |
| 2 |
Did the company present you with a realistic project schedule |
Yes |
No |
| 3 |
Did you receive positive feedback from their references | Yes |
No |
| 4 |
Does this company have a good relationship with their suppliers (i.e. copywriters, etc.) | Yes |
No |
| 5 | Does their company website support their image as knowledgeable experts | Yes |
No |
| 6 |
Does the graphic design studio show insight into the specific needs of your company | Yes |
No |
| 7 | Do they understand your company's main core of business | Yes | No |
| 8 | Have they done the necessary research into your competitors' strong and weak points | Yes | No |
| 9 | Do they understand the needs and concerns of your target market | Yes | No |
| 10 |
Will they take ownership of all the creative decisions |
Yes |
No |
| 11 | Are they enthusiastic about the possibility of working on this project | Yes | No |
| 12 |
Would you enjoy working with this company |
Yes | No |
Evaluating your answers
If you ticked more than three ‘No' answers on the checklist, we would definitely recommend you request additional quotes from other companies.
Section A: Meeting with the Graphic Design Studio
Your first meeting with a prospective graphic design studio will provide you with a clear idea of their level of expertise and amount of experience in working on similar projects for large or medium-sized corporates.
You will also get a good idea of the breakdown of the project, cost implications, and any additional services (e.g. copywriting) they have to offer.
A representative arriving late for a meeting or not taking the time to ask you about the exact needs of your company, are early indications that this company is not taking your project seriously.
It is crucial that the graphic designer has in-depth knowledge of the needs of your company and target market, and what you wish to achieve with this design project.
The meeting will also help you determine whether this company are used to taking initiative and assuming responsibility at every stage in the design process.
Ask the representative to explain their company's project management approach and to present you with a detailed project management plan for your project.
Section B: Evaluating the Design Portfolio
Make sure to view samples of similar projects done by this company. Evaluate these designs against your company's standards and expectations. Would you be happy if your design project is done in similar fashion?
Section C: After the Meeting
Always ask for a list of references, before approving any quotes.
Make sure to call up these companies and to get their opinion and feedback. Ask them questions regarding the studio's project management abilities (i.e. are projects produced on time, without needing to chase for progress reports).
You should never have to wait more than two working days to receive a quote from a prospective graphic design studio. If you need to chase them for any information at this very early stage of the process, you will most definitely need to chase them for every little detail during every stage of the design process.
Make sure to visit their website. Outdated content, broken links, or a lack of sufficient information, are all indications that this company is not one of the top players in the design industry.
Keep in mind that the graphic design studio will be responsible for portraying your company's image to the outside world and will need to feel as passionate about this project's possibilities as you.
About Sound Idea Productions
Sound Idea Productions will gladly answer any additional queries you may have. We are also looking forward to providing you with the necessary assistance for your next graphic design project.
Please contact us on 012 664 4227 or via e-mail on info@soundidea.co.za to arrange a meeting.
Digital 
