Where do you look for good designers?
When looking for great designers, I usually start by exploring a mix of platforms and networks. Some of my go-to places include Behance, Dribbble, and LinkedIn, where you can filter by specific skills or industries and really dive into portfolios. I also like checking out Contra for freelancers, especially those who specialize in startup environments. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth recommendations from other designers or business owners either. Networking events, online design communities, and Slack groups dedicated to design are also great resources. In short, I look for a diverse range of platforms that allow designers to showcase their work while giving me the chance to evaluate their skills and aesthetic.

How do you vet them?
Vetting a designer starts with thoroughly reviewing their portfolio. I look for diversity in the work and how well they adapt to different challenges. The most important thing is to ensure their style aligns with the brand or product I’m working on. But just as crucial is understanding the process they follow. I want to hear about how they approach problem-solving, collaboration, and how they handle feedback. I also look for testimonials or client feedback to gauge their reliability and ability to meet deadlines. Lastly, if possible, I like to test their skills with a small project or a live problem; this helps me see how they think on their feet and collaborate in real-time.

What are some important things I should ask a designer before hiring them?
When interviewing a designer, I make sure to ask a few key questions to ensure we’re aligned:
1. What’s your design process like from start to finish?- This helps you understand how they structure projects and handle iterations.
2. How do you collaborate with developers or cross-functional teams?- This shows how well they work in a team environment and whether they can translate their designs into functional products.
3. Can you share an example of a project where you faced a major challenge and how you solved it?- This reveals their problem-solving skills and resilience.
4. How do you approach feedback and revisions?- You want someone who’s open to constructive criticism and can iterate effectively.
5. What tools do you use, and why?- It’s important to know they’re familiar with the right tools (like Figma, Sketch, or Webflow) and that their workflow aligns with your needs.

By asking these questions, you’ll get a deeper insight into their working style and how they tackle design challenges.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or want to dive deeper into designer vetting; happy to help! :)