Graphic design can either boost or harm your business, depending on whether it's done right or wrong. For instance, launching a business with a poorly designed logo will almost certainly see potential customers associate your business with low-quality products or services.

Graphic design is a profession that can make or break any business. Yet with such a selection in Auckland, finding the right skilled graphic designer, who is both creative and passionate, can be a challenge. 

In this guide, we outline what’s important when searching for a graphic designer, what the costs can be, alternatives and essential must-know facts. 

Know this first:

1. The best Auckland graphics are usually recommended by friends or associates.
2. In this guide, we've shortlisted ten highly rated professions based on their performance, creativity, pricing, and reliability. Such information is hard to obtain from an anonymous search.
3. From here, you can look at their portfolios, styles, testimonials and determine if:

• You like their style of work
• Their work is creative, different from the usual
• Their work is professional-looking
• The colours are pleasant
• The designer's styles fit a variety of industries
• The designer’s style matches your industry
• The designs convey the message in each and every piece

Our Auckland Graphic Designer guide covers:​​​

• How Much does Graphic Design Cost?
• 10 Reliable Auckland Graphic Design Companies Available Right Now​

In most cases, a company will need a skilled graphic designer for:

1. Business logos (new or updating)
2. Websites (launch a new one or enhance an existing one)
3. Launching a new product or service
4. Launching a marketing campaign
5. Ensuring brand synergy - it's not uncommon for company materials to confuse the business's message

Remember - graphic design is subjective, so selecting an Auckland company or individual is ultimately a matter of taste. 

To get the best results, you need to communicate your ideas and business objectives - they can only design around what you need, so sharing as much as possible is the best way to get the graphic design that speaks to your customers. 

The answer to this, unfortunately, is 'it depends'. Graphic design is like architecture - the grander your plans, the higher the fee. In saying this, our research suggested the following price ranges for popular graphic design services:

1. Business logos - from $500+
2. Websites - from $3,500+
3. Business cards - from $500+ (excluding printing)
4. Launching a new product or service - varies, depending on the needs. A basic brief would cost at least $2,000

Around New Zealand, graphic design is priced similarly and you will unlikely be able to save considerably. You'll also face the inconvenience of ​dealing with your designer over the phone rather than in person. 

While we always would suggest going with a local Auckland graphic designer, sometimes the quotes may not be affordable given the budget of your project of business. For considerable savings, it may be worth considering:

1. An online alternative such as Upwork. Upwork lists New Zealand graphic designers and their hourly charges. You can ask for a quote and agree a fee before hiring a designer.
2. An overseas marketplace such as Fiverr. Fiverr is a pool of contractors who offer services such as logo design and business card design at fixed prices. 

Because graphic design is subjective, and what you like may not be what is delivered, it's important to be on the same page with the expectations and process at the start. In most graphic design engagements, there will be:

1. A contract, specifying the payments. For example, you'll usually pay a deposit (which could be as much as 50% of the quote) and one or more progress payments.
2. A set number of revisions. It's typical to have two or three rounds, where you can make your suggestions and the graphic designer will revise the work within a set number of days. If you exceed the revision limit, there will usually be a set fee for each revision round.
3. A cancellation fee. This is common and protects a graphic designer should you change your mind or decide to cancel the project. It is usually the deposit amount, but can be more. 

Once you understand the terms and conditions of the graphic designer, the process should be enjoyable and positive.

Top tips for a smooth graphic design delivery:

1. Before agreeing to any quote, make sure you are clear with the number of revisions you'll be allowed. This lets you know upfront how many rounds of changes are expected to be made.
2. When you are delivered the draft, don't rush a response - take a day or two to think about what you want and send all the edits at once. If it's easier, pick up the phone but make sure you have notes to discuss - don't verbalise your ideas without thinking about it all in advance. 
3. Be aware that you're not the only client. A graphic designer will be working on many projects, so saying 'can I have this tomorrow?' means you'll be seen as a potential problem client.