How to hire a freelance graphic designer

Freelance graphic designers have a lot on their plates, from managing multiple client projects to constantly adapting their style to match different brand identities. So you need to know how to hire a freelancer who can navigate the unique demands of contracted work while staying current with design trends and tools. 

A great designer can make a huge difference to your marketing success. But pick the wrong one, and your projects might suffer from off-brand designs, missed deadlines, or communication issues, affecting your bottom line.

But don't stress – we're here to help. Our guide shows you how to find and hire great freelance graphic designers quickly and fairly.

What is a freelance graphic designer? 

Unlike a full-time graphic designer, who works on a team for a single company, freelancers work independently on various projects, making sure each client’s visual style is on point and cohesive.

They’re always adapting to new challenges – whether it’s updating old graphics, trying out the latest design trends, or fine-tuning layouts to engage audiences better. This flexibility means they bring a fresh eye to every project.

Freelance graphic designers manage their own schedules, fitting their work around client needs and feedback. They’re great at working with different teams, like marketing or product development, integrating visuals smoothly across all your platforms.

They tailor their design strategies to fit each client's specific goals, helping to boost brand impact and visibility with a personal touch. This makes them a smart, versatile choice for businesses that need creative input without the long-term commitment of hiring someone full-time.

Looking to hire more creatives? This article on how to hire a creative director might interest you. You can also learn more about competency assessments.

7 skills to look for when hiring a freelance graphic designer 

Here are seven key skills to look for in top-notch freelance graphic designer candidates. 

Hard skills and creativity 

Here are the essential skills your freelance graphic designer needs to succeed.

• Versatility in design styles: Skilled freelance graphic designers are chameleons, great at shifting styles to suit various projects – from minimalist layouts for tech startups to vibrant graphics for children's book publishers. They tailor designs to fit each client's unique vision. 

• Proficiency with design software: Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with web design tools are essential. They let the designer make polished, professional work across multiple platforms, from print to digital.

• Understanding branding and visual storytelling: They should be able to craft ideas that clearly show what a brand stands for. They need to design visuals that do more than look good – they should tell a story and connect with the target audience in a meaningful way.

Soft skills 

A great freelance graphic designer should also have these soft skills. 

• Communication: Since they work directly with clients and often team up with other freelancers, being clear is key. They need to explain their design ideas well and be good at taking feedback to weave it smoothly into their projects.

• Attention to detail: They have to nail every detail, from lining up elements just right to picking the perfect color palette. Their knack for being meticulous makes sure every part of the design is thought out and polished.

• Problem-solving: They often run into surprises, like last-minute changes or glitches with their design files. Being able to spot these problems quickly and figure out smart ways to fix them is crucial.

• Time management: They often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines and demands. Knowing how to prioritize their workload, set realistic deadlines, and keep their schedule in check helps them turn in great work on time and keep all their clients happy.

How to test your future freelance graphic designer’s skills 

Knowing the skills a freelance graphic designer should have is great, but being able to quickly test these skills is crucial to hiring the right person for the job.

TestGorilla offers pre-employment tests that let you quickly see how a designer measures up, pinpoint any gaps, and figure out what to focus on during interviews. You can mix and match up to five tests and create a go-to test pack that makes your hiring process smooth and structured.

Here’s a rundown of the tests we recommend to streamline your search for the perfect freelance graphic designer:

• Our Adobe Photoshop skills test checks how well candidates can use Photoshop to blend images, text, and other elements into artwork for various uses. It covers navigating the software, making selections, editing photos, and working with text and vector graphics. 

• The Communication Skills test: This looks at how well candidates can explain their ideas and handle feedback, making sure they can clearly convey their design vision and adjustments.

• Our Attention to Detail Test (Visual) test measures how closely a designer looks at the finer points of their work, from how well things are lined up to picking the right colors to ensure their designs are polished and cohesive.

• The Problem-Solving test checks if candidates can spot problems, sift through data and text, and make smart decisions. It’s great for seeing who can handle complex situations with logic and order – crucial for everyday design tasks. 

• Our Time Management test sees how well candidates handle their schedules in a work setting. It uses real-world scenarios to see if they can prioritize, plan, execute tasks, and then reflect on their work – perfect for freelancers with busy schedules. 

Where to find a freelance graphic designer for your business

Professional networking sites like LinkedIn can help you spot freelance graphic designers. Use the search feature to look for terms like "freelance graphic designer" or specific skills such as "Adobe Creative Suite" and "branding." Check out their profiles to see their portfolios and read testimonials. It's a great way to see their expertise and style.

..Professional associations related to design, like the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) or Graphic Artists Guild, often have directories and job boards where you can find experienced designers. These platforms also offer networking opportunities that can lead you to the right talent.

Social platforms like Instagram and Behance can also be treasure troves for discovering talented graphic designers. Many designers showcase their portfolios on these platforms, making it easy to assess their style and quality of work. Follow design-related hashtags or explore curated design pages to snag designers whose aesthetic matches your brand.

Tips for writing a freelance graphic designer job description 

Here are four key tips for writing a great graphic designer job description:

1. Be specific about skills

Spell out the exact skills you're looking for, like proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, experience with web design, or expertise in typography. This helps designers know right away whether they're a good fit based on their skill set.

2. Highlight must-have software knowledge

Don't just list the skills. Mention the software and tools they should know, whether it’s Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch. Being specific helps attract designers who are proficient with the tools necessary for your projects.

3. Describe the end game

Explain what kind of projects they’ll be working on and what deliverables are expected. This gives potential candidates a clear picture of what they’ll be doing and what the outcomes should be, which can be a big motivator for the right candidate.

4. Focus on flexibility and collaboration

Since freelancers often juggle multiple projects, mention if you need someone who’s flexible with their time and can collaborate smoothly with your team. This ensures you attract designers who are comfortable with the ebb and flow of freelance work and who play well with others.

Check out these skills-based job description templates for more inspiration. 

The bottom line: keep it straightforward and clear, and you'll attract the right freelance graphic designers who are ready to jump into your projects. 

Top interview questions for a freelance graphic designer

Here are some key interview questions to ask your freelance graphic design candidates. 

• "Can you describe your design process for a recent project?" This question digs into how the candidate tackles a project from start to finish, highlighting their problem-solving skills and how they deal with feedback, which is key to seeing if they're the right fit for your team.

• "How do you keep up with the latest design trends and software?" This checks if the candidate is proactive about learning and staying current, which is crucial for keeping your projects fresh and innovative.

• "Tell me about a time a client wasn’t happy with your work. What did you do?" This question gets at how they handle tough feedback and resolve issues, showing their ability to maintain professionalism and work through challenges.

Stock up on these 45 graphic design interview questions to flesh out your interview process. 

2 mistakes to avoid when hiring freelance graphic designers 

Here are two pitfalls to watch out for when hiring freelance graphic designers. 

1. Vague project briefs

Giving unclear or incomplete project briefs during job trials or take-home skills assessments can lead to designs that miss the mark. Be specific about what you need, including project goals, target audience, and deliverables, so the designer knows exactly what you're looking for from the start.

2. Focusing only on cost 

It's tempting to go for the cheapest option, especially if you're on a tight budget, but you often get what you pay for. Spending a bit more on a skilled freelance graphic designer can save you money in the long run by avoiding multiple revisions and making sure you get high-quality work on a regular basis. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions about hiring freelance graphic designers. 

How much do freelance graphic designers charge? 

According to Linkedin, the average freelance graphic designer charges $25 to $75 per hour. Their rate depends on their experience, skills, and where they live. Generally, they can charge more if they have lots of experience, specialized skills, or live in a high-cost area.

How do I evaluate a freelance graphic designer’s portfolio?

Look for a variety of projects, high-quality design work, and alignment with the intended audience. Check for versatility, attention to detail, and clear messaging. Ask candidates about their favorite projects and the challenges they faced to understand their creative process and problem-solving skills.

Hire the finest freelance graphic designers with TestGorilla

Freelance graphic designers shape your brand’s look and feel, so hiring the right one is crucial. You need someone with hands-on design experience, time management skills, and the ability to connect with your audience visually.

But don’t just rely on resumes to find the perfect fit. TestGorilla can help with our comprehensive library of talent assessments, making it easy to spot top candidates who have the right skills and vibe for your brand.

Ready to upgrade your hiring process? Sign up for a free TestGorilla account or book a demo today!