The Top 4 Ways To Outsource Graphic Design Services

Looking to get stellar design work done - on time, on budget, and on-demand? 

The good news? Affordable, incredible graphic design is possible. Take it from us; we’re staffing experts with 100+ clients. Graphic design outsourcing can get you wherever you want to go. 

Today, we’ll explain how to find, hire, and retain top graphic design talent the right way. We’ll cover types of graphic design, the best ways to outsource, and even give you a step-by-step outsourcing guide. 

Let’s dive in with…

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Types of Graphic Design You Need To Know

You already know you need to outsource graphic design work for your business, and that’s probably what brought you here. You’re on a quest to find ways to outsource design affordably. 

Soon, your business will be enjoying top-tier creativity. But for now, dive into the world of graphic design itself. Understand the different types of graphic design, each with its unique purpose. 
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Visual identity graphic design

Did you know that 40% of people respond better to visual information? This is why many companies consider visual identity a crucial graphic design service. 

Graphic designers specializing in visual identity aim to create a consistent and memorable brand image. Take the iconic "S" for Superman or the bitten apple for Apple Inc. as an example. These symbols immediately make you think of the brand, right? That's the magic of visual identity design. It allows you to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
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Marketing & advertising graphic design

Effective graphic design can be a game-changer in marketing and advertising. Graphic designers specializing in this area create visuals for marketing campaigns, advertisements, brochures, and other promotional materials. 

According to 60.8% of digital marketers, visuals are the most important component of successful marketing. Graphic design can make products and services look awesome, grabbing your target market’s attention and telling a story. It creates designs that make people stop, look, and take action. 

Remember those cool Nike ads with athletes doing epic things? It’s marketing graphic design in action. They make you believe you can do anything in their shoes, which, in this case, worked great for the brand.
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User interface (UI) graphic design

UI design is all about creating digital spaces that are a breeze to use. Think of your smartphone's home screen. The icons, buttons, and layout are all designed for easy navigation.

According to Forrester Research, an effective UI design can increase a website's conversion rate by as much as 200%. UI design makes websites, apps, and software look good and work smoothly. It creates user-focused, intuitive designs, making your digital experience a walk in the park.
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Publication graphic design

Articles with images get 94% more views than those without. 

Businesses hire publication graphic designers for layout, typography, and visual elements. They create visually appealing ebooks, magazines, newsletters, books, and brochures that draw you in and make you want to read more.
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Packaging graphic design

‍70% of consumers form their brand impression solely on packaging. It is, after all, the first point of contact between a product and a consumer.

Packaging designers create packaging that conveys the brand's identity, entices potential buyers, and protects the product at the same time. They make a product look so good on the outside that you can't resist picking it up. 

Imagine walking down the supermarket aisle, and a package grabs your attention. That's the power of packaging design! It turns everyday items into must-haves by making the packaging as appealing as the product itself.
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Motion graphic design

Motion graphics are still relatively new in this digital age. It combines animation and graphic design to create dynamic visuals for videos, films, and multimedia presentations. Motion graphic designers use their skills to bring pictures and text to life. They make complex information more digestible and engaging.

In the digital world, it's all about creating visuals that catch your eye and keep you glued to the screen. So, motion graphic design adds that extra punch to visuals, making them memorable.
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Environmental graphic design

Not to be confused with urban planners, environmental graphic designers also focus on the physical environment. They create signs, wayfinding systems, and graphics for spaces such as airports, museums, and public buildings. Their work enhances the user's experience and helps them navigate physical spaces effectively.

For example, the museum signages that guide you through exhibits or the colorful graphics in a shopping mall. It adds a layer of creativity to everyday spaces, making them functional and visually engaging.
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Art and illustration graphic design

Art and illustration have a significant role in graphic design. Graphic designers often collaborate with illustrators or create custom illustrations to add a unique and artistic touch to various design projects. 

But did you know that 40% of marketers say that original graphics perform better than video presentations and stock photos?

Imagine a website with custom-made icons and images that stand out from generic templates. That's art and illustration graphic design. It's about infusing personality and uniqueness into visuals. It adds soul and character to the design.

These are just a few examples of the many types of graphic design that exist. Each specialization requires a unique set of skills and expertise. By understanding the different types, you can make informed decisions when outsourcing graphic design services and ensure that your visual communication effectively represents your brand.

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The Best Ways To Outsource Graphic Design Services

Now that you're familiar with the different types of graphic design, explore the best ways to outsource these services while keeping costs low:
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Freelance graphic designers

Freelance graphic designers make up around 90% of the graphic design industry. They are independent professionals who offer their design services on a project-by-project basis.
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Advantages

• Cost-effective: Freelancers often have lower overhead costs, making their services more budget-friendly.
• Flexible: You can easily scale up or down based on your project requirements.
• Diverse talents: Freelancers come from various backgrounds and styles, allowing you to find a specialist that matches your project.
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Considerations

• Varied quality: The quality of work can vary widely among freelancers, so it's crucial to vet and select a qualified candidate carefully.
• Limited availability: Freelancers may have other commitments, potentially impacting project timelines.
• Lack of redundancy: Relying on a single freelancer can be risky; if they become unavailable, it can disrupt your project.
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Remote staffing firms

Remote staffing firms, like MultiplyMii, connect you with skilled professionals, including graphic designers, who can work as dedicated resources for your organization. 
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Advantages

• Dedicated resource: You have a full-time or part-time designer exclusively working on your projects.
• Control and collaboration: You can maintain close communication and control over the design process.
• Scalability: Easily expand your design team as your needs grow.
• Cost: You can save as much as 79% on costs, depending on the type of graphic designer you’re looking for.
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Considerations

• Long-term commitment: Hiring a dedicated resource often involves a longer-term commitment.
• Management: You're responsible for managing the remote designer's workflow.
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Crowdsourcing design contests

Crowdsourcing design contests involve posting a project brief on a platform where multiple designers can submit their concepts. You then choose the design you like best. 
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Advantages

• Diverse ideas: You receive a variety of design concepts from different designers.
• Competition: The competitive aspect can result in high-quality designs.
• Affordable: It can be cost-effective, especially for simple projects.
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Considerations

• Time-consuming: Reviewing and providing feedback on multiple designs can be time-intensive.
• Quality control: Ensuring the final design aligns with your brand vision can be challenging.
• Not ideal for complex projects: Crowdsourcing is better suited for straightforward design tasks.
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Design agencies

Design agencies specialize in providing a range of design services. They often have a team of designers, project managers, and other professionals. 
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Advantages

• Expertise: Agencies typically have a diverse team of skilled designers with various specializations.
• Consistency: Agencies can handle both one-off projects and ongoing design needs, ensuring a consistent brand image.
• Project management: They often provide project management services, streamlining the design process.
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Considerations

• Cost: Design agencies can be more expensive than freelancers due to overhead costs.
• Communication: Managing communication with an agency may require more effort as it involves multiple team members.
• Turnaround time: Depending on the agency's workload, project turnaround times may vary.
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In conclusion, the best way to outsource graphic design services depends on your specific project requirements, budget, and long-term goals. Freelancers, design agencies, crowdsourcing, and remote staffing firms have merits and drawbacks. Carefully assess your needs and resources to determine the most suitable outsourcing option for your graphic design project.

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Steps for Getting High-Quality and Affordable Outsourced Graphic Design

Outsourcing graphic design is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to enhance their visuals. You save time, money, and resources by entrusting the design process to skilled professionals. 

But to make sure you get high-quality and affordable services, follow these steps:
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Step 1: Create a clear project brief

A well-defined project brief is the foundation of successful outsourced graphic design. It should outline your project's objectives, scope, target audience, and any specific design preferences you have. Here's how to create a clear project brief:

• Project overview: Start with a concise description of your project's purpose and goals.
• Specifications: Detail the specific design deliverables you need, such as logos, brochures, or website graphics.
• Target audience: Describe your target audience and any design preferences that cater to their interests.
• Deadlines: Clearly state project milestones and deadlines.
• Branding guidelines: If you have existing branding guidelines, provide them to ensure design consistency.
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Step 2: Do your research

After determining your graphic design needs, research your potential outsourcing partner or hire thoroughly. This involves:

• Portfolio review: Look at the portfolios of potential designers, agencies, or outsourcing companies. Assess their previous work and whether it aligns with your project. But if you plan to partner with a remote staffing firm like MultiplyMii, they’ll do the sourcing and vetting of candidates for you.
• Client reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from their previous clients to gauge their reputation and reliability.
• References: Ask for references and contact their past clients to get insights into their work.
• Expertise: Ensure that the designer has experience in the specific type of design you require, whether it's web design, print design, or branding.
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Step 3: Set a realistic budget

Determining a budget is a crucial step in outsourcing graphic design. While affordability is a priority, setting a realistic budget that aligns with the quality of work you expect is essential. Factors that can influence your budget include:

• Complexity: More complex design projects may require a higher budget.
• Experience: Experienced designers or agencies may charge more for their expertise.
• Scope: Clearly define the scope of work to avoid scope creep, which can inflate costs.
• Market rates: Research the average rates for graphic design services in your region to set a competitive budget. 
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Step 4: Communicate

Effective communication is vital throughout the outsourcing process. Clear and open communication ensures you and your outsourcing partner understand expectations, timelines, and revisions. Here are some communication tips:

• Regular updates: Establish a regular communication schedule to track project progress.
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback and be open to receiving feedback from the designer.
• Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if something is unclear.
• Stay responsive: Be responsive to inquiries and requests to keep the project on track.
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Step 5: Set milestones

To ensure timely delivery and payment, break down the project into smaller milestones. This allows for better project management and enables you to track the progress of the design work. 

Setting specific deadlines for each milestone can make sure that the project stays on track. It allows any necessary adjustments or revisions to be made along the way. This step also provides a structured framework for payment, allowing you to release funds as each milestone is successfully completed.

Getting high-quality and affordable outsourced graphic design requires careful planning, research, and effective communication. By following these steps and collaborating closely with your chosen outsourcing partner, you can achieve excellent design results that align with your project's objectives and budget constraints.

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Essential Tools Graphic Designers Use

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Graphic designers are experts behind eye-catching logos, stunning advertisements, and captivating visuals. They rely on various tools and software to bring their artistic visions to life. In this article, we'll explore the essential tools that graphic designers use to craft their designs.
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1. Adobe Creative Cloud Suite

Adobe Creative Cloud is the go-to software suite for graphic designers. It includes industry-standard applications like: 

• Adobe Photoshop (for image editing)
• Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics)
• Adobe InDesign (for layout design)
• Adobe Premiere Pro (for video editing)
  

These tools are indispensable for creating and editing graphics, illustrations, and multimedia content.
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2. Sketch

Sketch is a vector-based graphic design tool designed for macOS. It's popular among interface designers for creating user interfaces, icons, and web designs. Sketch offers many features and plugins that streamline the design process.
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3. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is another vector graphics editor, similar to Adobe Illustrator, but favored by some designers for its unique features and compatibility with Windows. It's excellent for creating logos, illustrations, and marketing materials.
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4. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor. It's a powerful alternative for designers who need vector editing capabilities but prefer not to use proprietary software. Inkscape is well-suited for creating icons, logos, and vector illustrations.
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5. Figma

Figma is a collaborative design tool that has gained popularity for its cloud-based approach. It enables real-time collaboration among designers, making it easy to work on projects simultaneously. Figma is excellent for designing user interfaces and interactive prototypes.
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6. Canva

Canva is a user-friendly, web-based design tool accessible to designers and non-designers alike. It offers a wide range of templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more. Canva simplifies design tasks for quick and visually appealing results.
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7. Pantone Color Guide

The Pantone Color Guide is an essential tool for ensuring accurate color representation in print and digital designs. Graphic designers use this guide to select and communicate specific colors to clients and printers, ensuring consistency across various media.
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8. Wacom Tablet

A Wacom tablet or similar graphic tablet is a digital input device that allows designers to draw directly on the screen, providing precise control and a more natural drawing experience. It's especially valuable for creating digital illustrations and fine-tuning design elements.
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9. Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that helps designers store, share, and collaborate on design files. It ensures that design assets are accessible from anywhere, making working remotely and collaborating with team members and clients easier.
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10. Google Drive

Google Drive is another cloud-based storage and collaboration tool that's widely used in the design industry. It provides secure storage for design files and enables real-time collaboration through Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
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11. Typography Tools

Typography plays a significant role in design, and designers often rely on various typography tools, including:

• Adobe Typekit: For access to a vast library of fonts.
• FontBook: A comprehensive font management tool for Mac.
• Google Fonts: A free web font library for online projects.
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While the choice of tools may vary depending on the designer's preferences and project requirements, each option plays a crucial role in the design process. Whether it's Adobe's powerhouse suite or web-based tools like Canva and Figma, they empower graphic designers to create compelling visuals that captivate audiences and convey powerful messages.

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Create Your Remote Graphic Design Team With MultiplyMii

Building a cost-effective, remote graphic design team has never been easier! 

‍MultiplyMii is your trusted partner on this creative journey. 

With a track record of sourcing and vetting top-tier graphic design experts, we're here to make your vision a reality!
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Focus on shaping your brand, telling your story, and captivating your audience while we handle the talent hunt. 

‍Book a discovery call today to start building your graphic design team!