There’s nothing like preparing for an event to get you all excited. One of the first things you’ll have to come up with is a list of the things you’ll need to pull off the event. Are you hiring artists and designers? Then you’ll have to work at hiring the right ones. Here are smart suggestions to get you started on filling up the vacancies you have.
Start with the Style
What kind of style will work with your event? Different calligraphy designers have different styles. Some are ideal. Some have an excellent reputation for modern approaches and work. Depending on the type of event you’re planning, you’ll want to browse around for options and see which ones offer the one that perfectly captures the vibe and atmosphere that you want for that event. Whether that means a more creative approach or a more traditional one, finding a calligrapher whose signature style works for you is the first step to achieving your hiring goals.
Look at Samples
Before you hire a designer, take the time to go over their portfolio. Many have online samples that you can check out. For instance, if you go to sites like Guru.com, you’ll find professional designers that you can hire who offer samples of their previous work. The good thing about the platform, though, is that it doesn’t limit the selection to freelancers. You’ll also encounter agencies on the site. That gives you plenty of options to choose from. The more choices you have, the better your chances are of finding designers who fit the bill, whether they’re there on a freelance basis or part of an agency.
Set a Budget
How much are willing to spend on your hiring costs? Think about your budget. Knowing full well how much you have in terms of funds will allow you to consider the scope of the project and who you’ll eventually decide to hire. This doesn’t mean you should go with the cheapest option you find, though. That might seem like the wisest course of action, but it’s not. Quality matters. Hiring the designer that gives you the lowest rate you come across isn’t a smart decision, not unless you check the quality of the work and are fairly certain that the output will be stellar. If that isn’t the case, try your best to look for options that work with your budget and still succeed in delivering high quality output. Which options offer long-term value? That should be a priority when you browse through candidates for the designers you need.
Know Your Timeline
When is the event being held? Start looking for designers as early as possible. Don’t start on the process too late. Many of the talented designers are often booked months ahead. By the time you start talking to one, all the slots might already be taken. If you know the important dates for the event, then reach out to designers as soon as you can. That way, you won’t be in a mad scramble, trying to get the materials you need or hire calligraphers too late for the event. The earlier you book, the sooner you can get the materials done and that sooner you can send them, put them up, or disseminate them before D-Day.
Talk About Payment
Don’t forget to cover one of the most essential considerations: payment. What payment channels does the designer accept? What kind of payment setup is agreeable to both parties? Do you need to pay for a deposit? Some stagger the payments. Is that something you and the designer will agree to? Also, if there are other services that you want to ask the artist to do, or you have specific requests in mind that aren’t covered by the package or rate, this is the best time to ask the designer if they’re capable of doing it and for how much. That way, you can set aside extra for your funds, enough to cover the cost of those requests.
Check the Reviews
What do other clients say about the designer or agency? Do your homework. Find out if there are any comments about them online. Read the reviews. Are there a lot of negative ones? What about complaints? Are they reasonable? Are there a lot of positive reviews? You’ll want to take all that with a grain of salt. However, if the comments bring up nearly the same things—whether good or bad—from different slews of customers, then that could contain a grain of truth.
Consider the Personality
When you hire a designer, whether for a one-off or a long-term project, you’ll want to choose someone that you can work with comfortably. Does the artist have the kind of personality that you find easy to work with? Are you on the same page? Or do you find the artist insufferable and arrogant? Is the artist professional? You’ll want to factor these things into your hiring decision too.