So, you’ve decided to hire a brand designer, Huge move! Whether you're rebranding, starting fresh, or just ready to take your business to the next level, working with a designer is exciting but let’s be real, it’s also a little nerve-wracking, right?  

What’s a “deliverable”? What happens if you don’t like the first draft? And how do you avoid the awkward back-and-forth that makes you feel like you’re accidentally being *that* client?  

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide is your go-to for surviving (and thriving) during your branding process with your designer. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll feel prepped, confident, and SO READY!

Step 1: Know the Buzzwords (and Avoid the Confusion) 🐝

You know how every industry has its own secret language? Designers are no different. But instead of nodding along while pretending you know what a “brand mark” is, let’s break it down:  

Creative Direction: Think of it as the vibe check for your brand. Colors, fonts, and overall mood brought to life in a strategic way.  ‍

Deliverables: All the goodies you’ll walk away with. Think logos, color palettes, icons, brand guidelines, and more.  ‍

‍Revisions: Your chance to say, “I love it, but can we tweak this?” Most designers include a set number of revisions, so use them wisely.  ‍

Typography: Fancy word for fonts. Yes, there’s a whole science behind picking the perfect ones (and your designer will nerd out about it hehe ).  ‍

Brand Mark: A smaller, simplified version of your logo. It’s that little symbol you’ll use on Instagram, merch, or anywhere you don’t want the full logo.  ‍

Scope: The magical boundaries of your project. What’s included, what’s not, and what happens if you need to add extra stuff (spoiler: it’s gonna cost more).  

Learning these terms isn’t just about keeping up, it's about feeling in control. And hey, your designer will appreciate you being that client who knows what’s up.  

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Step 2: Do the Prep Work 📂

Before your designer can start creating magic, there are a few things you’ll want to do to make the process smooth, stress-free, and actually fun.

Here’s what to nail down with your designer: 

How you’ll communicate: Email? Slack? A project management tool? Or maybe they’re cool with DMs (but ask first some designers aren’t fans). 

Deadlines: Know when things are due on both sides. You don’t want to be the one holding up the project because you forgot to send over a mood board. 

Invoices: Mark payment dates on your calendar so there’s no scrambling (and so your project keeps moving!).  

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Gather Your Materials  

Your designer might ask for a mood board, Pinterest inspo, or answers to a questionnaire. Whether it’s a deep dive into your brand vision or just sharing a killer playlist that screams “you,” make sure you’ve got everything ready ahead of time.  

Best Practices 

Add deadlines to your calendar (or set reminders on your phone if you’re like me and forget everything).  Read your contract. I know, it’s boring, but you don’t want surprises like, “Wait, revisions cost extra?” Speak up early. Not sure about something? Feel a little lost? It’s way better to ask questions now than mid-project when things get tricky.  

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Step 3: How to Give Feedback Without Stressing 📝

Here’s a little secret: designers *love* feedback. The more helpful you are, the better your final brand will be. But there’s definitely an art to it.  

Be Kind and Collaborative

‍Start with something positive before diving into your critique. For example:  "I’m loving this direction, it feels so fresh! Could we explore a softer shade of green for the color palette? What are your thoughts? "This keeps things professional but still   collaborative. You’re working as a team, not in opposition.  

Ask ALL the Questions  

Not sure why your designer picked a certain font? Or wondering what inspired a specific logo idea? Just ask! Designers don’t make choices at random, there’s always a reason, and we love to explain the “why” behind our work.  

Trust Your Designer

I get it, your brand is your baby. But remember, you hired a designer for their expertise. Give them the space to make decisions that align with your goals. You’ll be amazed at what they can create when you let them work their magic.

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Step 4: Your Brand’s Done…Now What? 🧐

Your project’s wrapped, your files are delivered, and you’re obsessed with your new brand. So… what’s next?  ‍

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Stick to your Brand Guidelines ‍

Your designer should give you a brand guidelines document, a cheat sheet for keeping everything cohesive. Stick to it like your life depends on it (and make sure you’ve purchased those font licenses, too).  

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Expand Your Branding  

Your new logo and colors are just the beginning! Think about your website, business cards, social media templates, and more. Need help? Ask your designer if they offer additional services.  

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Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

Want someone else to handle all the details? Your designer might offer a full-service package to take care of websites, collateral, and anything else you need.  

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You’ve Got This! Working with a brand designer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little prep, clear communication, and an open mind, you’ll not only survive the process, you’ll thrive. And the best part? You’ll end up with a brand that feels SO YOU and helps your business stand out in the best way.  

If you’re ready to dive in, or you’re looking for a designer who gets you, let’s chat. I’m here to help bring your vision to life, and maybe obsess over fonts with you.  I hope this was helpful, and if you have any questions or are interested - shoot us an email or head over to our website alongside our branding services, we curate specialist resources (Courses! Workshops! Templates! A podcast!) to help our community stay inspired, curious and hungry for more. Scroll through our creative buffet and help yourself to useful tools that feed the creative parts of your brain in all the right ways.

Love, Alyssa 🤠