There are so many graphic design firms in Washington, DC that finding the right one quickly becomes a huge task. They range from highly creative recent college graduates who freelance their design skills for minimal cost to very well established firms with proven reputations and big ticket fees.
A graphic design firm will have a big impact on the success of your business. Invest the right amount of time and money in finding one that is reliable and provides a high-quality, professional product that represents your business well.
To choose the right DC graphic design firm, you must:
1. Research the design firms in Washington, DC.
2. Determine the needs for your business.
3. Look through portfolios.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Do a preliminary search for graphic design companies in Washington, DC.
Search for as many names as possible in online directories, the Yellow Pages or local advertisements. Many will instantly interest you or turn you off simply by name or location, so begin narrowing down the list with this.
I recommend: Search
Xemion Designer Community for Washington, DC graphic designers organized by city or zip code. Search
Craigslist Washington DC to find more listings.
Get specific to narrow down the list
Determine your business' design needs to find Washington, DC design firms specializing in the area of graphic design you need help with, such as brochure design or a logo design. Also consider your budget. Many graphic design companies in Washington, DC provide free online price quotes, so look for that feature when browsing.
I recommend: Have a look at
Ampersand for advertising and product design. Hire
DKG Promotions to get promotional items printed with your logo. Take a look at
Janin Cliff Design for brochures and pamphlets.
Save money hiring freelance graphic designers in Washington, DC
If your budget for this graphic design project is very tight, consider hiring a freelancer, who may take longer to complete since she is probably working on multiple projects. Most freelance websites have the option of looking at a portfolio before even contacting the designer.
I recommend: Visit
Guru.com and
Elance.com to search portfolios of freelance Washington, DC graphic designers.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Be wary of DC graphic design firms with no physical office.
- Examine the design firm's portfolio critically. Look for a professional and high-quality portfolio, and also look for repeat business from regular clients and experience in a variety of industries.
- Ask about additional charges for design revisions. A lot of graphic design firms charge extra for each revision.
The official source of Graphic Design Firms in Washington, DC is
the Graphic Design Firms in Washington, DC page at Business.com