Correct communication with a freelance designer

When engaging a third-party designer (as well as any other freelancer), it is important to build communication correctly. Any misunderstandings may result in additional costs for rework and delays in project delivery.

Communication must be regular, correct and extremely precise in its wording. Unfortunately, freelancers often work on several projects at the same time, so it is important to leave a short summary of the communication after each meeting; this will serve as a cheat sheet for the designer when he returns to your task.

Let's consider the main methods of effective work with freelance designers for the best results of cooperation.

Set the main method of communication with the designer

When starting cooperation, agree with the designer on the main method of communication and the hours when it is available. Any force majeure must be agreed upon in advance.

The best communication channel is usually a video conference or audio call. Live communication is faster and more effective than instant messengers and email, to which the designer can respond when it is convenient for him, not for you.

Choose a system for setting and completing tasks

It is also worth agree in advance on a system for setting tasks: be it an Excel file in the cloud or software specially developed for this. The main thing is that all tasks and edits are recorded in one place, and not scattered across different files or emails. This will save a person from the need for a lengthy search and, as a result, eliminate discrepancies.

Save history

A freelance designer is also a living person, and many different things can happen in his life that can completely knock the details of your order out of his head. To avoid this, it is necessary to record in the task setting system all changes made during the course of the project.

Avoid jargon

The designer is not required to know about the inner workings of your business; moreover, the same words in different industries of production and services can mean completely different things. There is no need to waste time and effort explaining your professional dictionary to an employee, just translate your slang into something generally understandable. This way you both won't feel stupid.

Swipe regular meetings

At the beginning of working with a freelancer, it is worth stipulating the holding of regular meetings, their schedule and duration. The frequency of meetings may vary depending on the duration of the project, the complexity of the tasks, and the number of unaccounted points in the technical specifications.

Meetings can be held either in person or via video conference. The benefit is that the designer will definitely prepare before the meeting, demonstrate the latest developments, you will be able to discuss changes and edits and jointly develop a solution to emerging problems.

An approaching meeting encourages the freelancer to work on your task in order to produce some intermediate result. A meeting is a small deadline.

Tell us about your business

The designer must understand what target audience your project is aimed at. To do this, it’s worth telling, at least in general terms, what exactly your company does, how your product or service is produced, and how you differ from your competitors.

Of course, you can set the color scheme, image style, etc., without explaining anything to the employee, but it’s better to trust the opinion of a professional, because that’s what you’re hiring him for.

Use visual information< /h3>

In verbal communication, interlocutors cannot always fully understand each other. It is much more effective to use samples, graphs, and diagrams. For example, do not try to explain to the designer what paper with a white wood texture is. It is much easier to show a sample.

So, competent communication with a remote freelancer is the most important component of success. It is necessary to clearly understand that all participants in the process understand the task in the same way. Regular meetings and recording of their results can avoid misunderstandings, promote efficiency and guarantee timely and high-quality results.