How to Interview a Designer

Introduction

Welcome back! So, you’ve shortlisted a few designers and now it’s time to see if they’re the right fit. How do you conduct an effective interview? The key is to let them speak. Ask vague, open-ended questions and see how they respond. If they seem nervous, break the ice with a casual question—something like their favorite TV show or movie.

The interview should primarily focus on soft skills because their portfolio already showcases their technical abilities. If their work wasn’t strong enough, you wouldn’t be interviewing them in the first place. Instead, use this time to gauge their communication skills, problem-solving approach, and professionalism.

---

1. Focus on Soft Skills

The interview should assess how the designer:

• Communicates ideas clearly
• Approaches problem-solving
• Handles feedback and collaboration

You also want to see how they react when you make a mistake on purpose. A great designer should be able to explain concepts simply without being arrogant or dismissive.

---

2. Start with Their Portfolio

Begin with a broad, open-ended question like:

• “What’s your favorite project from your portfolio?”
• “Why did you enjoy working on that project?”

These questions help reveal the designer’s passions, working style, and thought process.

---

3. Clarify Availability & Scheduling

Before moving forward, ensure the designer’s availability aligns with your project timeline. Ask:

• “We’re looking to start in three weeks and complete it within a month. Does that work for you?”
• “Do you have any other commitments that might impact this deadline?”
• “What time zone are you in, and what are your typical working hours?”
• “Are you a full-time freelancer, or do you have another job?”

These details help set clear expectations for communication and workflow.

---

4. Define Deliverables

Depending on your project, ask about specific deliverables:

• “Will you provide an interactive prototype for this web design project?”
• “Do your services include tablet and mobile versions?”
• “Can you help with wireframing and/or writing a brief?”

If you’re unsure, simply ask “What are the deliverables?” The designer should clearly outline what you’ll receive—such as:

• A logo in vector format (with light and dark mode options)
• A 20-page style guide
• Mockups (showing how the design appears on a billboard, car, t-shirt, etc.)

🚩 Red flag: If the designer responds to “What are the deliverables?” with “Well, what do you need?”, it may indicate a lack of structure or experience.

---

5. Discuss Pricing Upfront

To avoid misunderstandings, discuss budget early in the conversation:

• “What’s your minimum pricing for this type of project?”
• “Our budget is in the range of [X-Y]. Does that align with your rates?”

Being upfront about budget avoids wasting time and ensures both parties are on the same page.

---

6. Additional Services & Referrals

If your project includes other design needs outside their portfolio, clarify if they can accommodate them:

• “Do you also design logos? Your portfolio mainly showcases web design, but we also need a new logo.”

This isn’t about pressuring them to take on extra work but rather understanding if they can recommend someone who specializes in what you need.

---

7. Be Transparent About Next Steps

End the interview with a clear decision timeline:

• “Thanks for your time, [Name]. We’ll make our decision in the next three days and reach out to you either way.”

Transparency is crucial. Designers understand they are being compared with others—it’s not surprising or offensive. Keeping them informed fosters a professional and respectful hiring process.

---

Final Thoughts

Interviewing a designer isn’t about testing their skills—that’s what their portfolio is for. Instead, focus on communication, collaboration, and clarity. By following this structured approach, you’ll ensure you find the right designer for your project.

Now, take a break, and when you’re ready, get started on finding the perfect designer for your needs!