How to Hire a Freelance Graphics Designer for Your Game

Graphic designers help with the overall look, feel and atmosphere of projects.

Whether you are crafting the video game of your dreams or you are in charge of hiring a freelance graphic designer for your game, you have various options and methods available to find the ideal candidate for the job. Using both online and local resources, you have the ability to search and browse profiles of graphic designers with different skills from various countries around the world to find a matching style for your game.

Instructions

1. Create a list of the tasks that are required of any potential graphic designers as well as necessary skills and qualifications you feel are necessary for all applicants (including having experience with various graphic design software or expanding the skill qualifications into web design and programming as well). If you are looking to hire an artist that has the ability to create a logo or print media for your game you will need a graphic designer that specializes in illustration and well-known graphics software. Suitable graphic designers will have knowledge of advanced design programs, working with animated graphics and Flash animations (for advanced designs) as well as familiarity of the type of game you are looking to produce.

2. Brainstorm and determine the project's overall budget as well as the specific budget for the graphic designer you plan to hire. Understanding your own budget allows you to stick with financial goals while also finding a designer in your price range. Your budget will include costs for animations (if needed), graphic design of logos, websites and characters of your game (when creating the base of the game) as well as website graphics and social media designs to help promote the game to others. Visit a local library or bookstore to browse through books on freelance prices or view various online freelance service websites to compare current going rates for different project types involving graphic design work. Websites including "Glass Door" and "All Art Schools" include information on graphic designers' salaries. This will help you to get an idea of project costs.

3. Browse through local advertisements and perhaps contact local graphic design firms and advertising agencies to inquire about potential freelance graphic designers. Use online resources such as iFreelance, Elance, and Guru to browse for freelance game graphic designers from countries around the world who have specific qualifications.

4. Contact potential freelance graphic designers that you are interested in working with by email or by using their own official website to locate contact information. Request portfolio samples and work along with references and develop a price quote for the work to complete. Also request a time frame for the completion of the project and agree to have a written contract in place before working together.

5. Sign a written contract between you and the freelance graphic designer including the terms of the work, the length of the project and the overall cost of the services and products delivered.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask family, friends and loved ones for a referral of a freelance graphic designer they have worked together with to avoid the search for a credible artist.

References

• Socal: How to Find a Graphic Designer for Your Business
• Matador Network: How to: Hire a Graphic Designer; Candice Walsh
• Business Insider: How to Hire a Great Graphic Designer; Bianca Male
• Freelance Graphic Designer: 5 Things You Need to Read Before Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer: Information and Tips

Resources

• Youth Designer: 65 Places to Find a Graphic Designer
• iFreelance: Find Freelance Jobs & Frelancers
• Guru: Find Freelancers for Hire. Get Your Project Done.
• Elance: Outsource to Freelance Professionals, Experts, and Consultants: Get Work Done on Elance
• Glass Door: Graphic Designer Salary
• All Art Schools: Graphic Designer Salary: Learn What to Expect From Graphic Designer Salaries