Why working with a professional graphic designer matters

SHAKING THE TREE #38

Photo by Theme Photos on Unsplash

Full disclosure: by trade and training, I’m an experienced graphic designer so I have something of a vested interest in what follows. That said, would you want to do your own dental work? No? I didn’t think so.

With online tools such as Canva, Stencil, and Adobe Express, seemingly anyone and everyone can be a graphic designer.

But in the same way that you might not want to perform your own dental work or defend yourself in court, simply because you can do your own graphic design work it does not mean you ought to.

More than ever in today's visually driven world, effective communication hinges on more than words; it relies on the creation of compelling visual elements, and to present the best possible visual outcome, you need to be working with a professional graphic designer.

A graphic designer helps wsimplify the often complex language of business visuals, translating contrasting and sometimes confusing ideas and messages into captivating images and layouts.

How much of a difference does a professional designer make and why is working with a graphic designer crucial to the success of businesses and individuals alike?

Let’s dive in:

Craftsmanship and experience

Where you may take days to choose a group of visually well-balanced typefaces, an experienced graphic designer will know instinctively which ones to use where.

While you may be good at what you do, it’s unlikely you’ll also possess an in-depth understanding of design principles, color theory, typography, and composition in the same way a graphic designer will.

Their expertise helps ensure every visual element is earning its keep and positioned with purposeful and aesthetically pleasing intent. All of which helps elevate the visual quality of your communication materials.

First impressions and branding

Most people’s first impressions of your product or business are visual, and those visuals make a huge impact on people’s perceptions of what’s in front of them. Put simply, first impressions matter.

The visuals of your brand identity—consistency of logos, colours, typefaces, and aesthetics—are a reflection of your business's values and personality.

With a professional graphic designer in the mix, you’re more likely to display a visually compelling and visually consistent brand identity that resonates with your target audience, thereby setting the stage for positive first impressions, all of which help build up greater awareness and confidence that in turn helps increase brand loyalty.

Maintaining a consistent visual identity across various platforms is essential for brand recognition.

A professional graphic designer can create style guides and templates that ensure your branding elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts, remain consistent across print and digital media.

Effective communication.

Graphic designers are experts in translating complex ideas into simple, easily understood, and easily digestible visuals.

They know how to use design elements to convey messages, evoke emotions, and tell stories.

Whether we’re talking about a logo, a brochure, or a website, a professional designer helps ensure your communication materials are clear, concise, compelling, and impactful.

Time and cost efficiency

While it may seem tempting to handle your own design tasks in-house—or event o opt for budget-friendly alternatives such as stock templates— the long-term costs and time spent on learning curves and revisions can quickly outweigh any initial savings you might see. Professional graphic designers work smartly, quickly, and efficiently, producing high-quality designs in less time and that require fewer revisions, ultimately saving you time, money, and headaches.

Staying ahead of trends

Because design trends tend to evolve rapidly, with styles often flowing and out of fashion each year, by working with a professional graphic designer, you're more likely to remain up to date, both on the latest trends and technologies, and with regard to the timeless classical elements of design. A professional graphic designer can guide you on which design elements will keep your materials relevant, current, and aligned with contemporary aesthetics, helping your brand remain visually relevant and competitivly compelling.

While templates and stock images will only take you so far, a professional graphic designer can quickly establish custom solutions tailored to your specific and personal needs, infusing their skill set and your communication materials with a unique, timeless identity that consistently sets you apart from your competitors while capturing your audience's attention.

It boils down to this: while you can do all this yourself, do you really want to if you don't have the skillset?

I suspect not. With a business world that's saturated with information and visuals, isn't it better to work with a talented professional graphic designers and to have that person be your personal gatekeeper of effective visual communication? I think it's worth the investment, and I'm saying that not only because I've earned my living as a graphic designer for a long time, but also because I believe I'm right.

The expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft makes any professiobal graphic designer your indispensable partner for anyone seeking to make an impact. Working with a professional graphic designer is not merely an investment in aesthetics: it's an investment in the power of visuals to convey your messages, tell your stories, and to create lasting, tangible impressions. It's a testament to the value of artistry in the language of communication, ensuring that your message is not only seen but also remembered.

As always, thanks for reading.

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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … A few core elements of copywriting.